How To Live Without a Fridge

1. Eat lots of peanut butter.
2. Get take-away.
3. Drink black coffee.
4. Drink red wine.
5. Leave no leftovers.

I noticed on Thursday that something was wrong. At first I thought that maybe I had forgotten to securely close the freezer. A few things were appearing mushy or melty, but not totally defrosted, yet. Then yesterday (Friday), it was clear that something was definitely wrong. Everything in the freezer was melted. No ice for high balls. No frozen blueberries for my cereal. Already, overnight the milk for my cereal had gone bad - blech.

Given this heat, I wasn't taking any chances. So, anything that can't sit out on the counter for a few days without getting poisonous had to go. Unfortunately, that included some great pasta sauce and stock that Russell had made. I've left most of the things in the fridge - hoping that the guys could come by today (Saturday) to fix it and I would be able to save most of it. I would have taken it round to the neighbors - but they've been away all weekend. They would have happily taken it, too.

I called the repair center this morning and they're telling me that they can be here on Tuesday (3 days). I'll have to ask the housekeeper next door to stick around and wait for them to come. In the meantime, I'm eating lots of tomatoes and cucumbers. I'm debating whether certain things should be tossed or not. Like salad dressings, ketchup, soy sauce, eggs, jams, and the like. So far, I'm pretty sure they're all ok. But I'm not sure for how long. And I'm girding myself for patience. I'm sure this will be a long and frustrating experience.

My first clue was when the fellow on the phone didn't recognize the name of the suburb that I live in, Mirdif. OK - that's not reassuring. We're one of the biggest freakin' areas in Dubai. Then when I told him our address (#4 Mexican Charm), he repeated to me #4 Mirdif - oh lordy. Next clue, he didn't recognize the name of my landlord who is supposed to be paying for this and supposedly has an account with them ("No one here recognizes Mr. Al Bahri"). Next clue, he wanted to be sure that I payed them 75Dhs for the inspection fee ("Me? No, Mr. Al Bahri, my landlord, is supposed to pay." ) Then he wanted me to have the invoice for the purchase of the refrigerator ("No, Mr. Al Bahri purchased the refrigerator. I do not have an invoice"). I can't argue - otherwise I'll be without a fridge for weeks/months or until I give up and purchase one for myself. It will be best just to pay and then hope that maybe my landlord maybe, possibly might reimburse me.

My final straw was when the fellow on the phone started talking about taking the fridge into the shop for repair. What?!?! At minimum, I'm sure that the repair person will show up, look at the fridge, determine he doesn't have the spare part, place an order (who knows when that might arrive!) and then tell me he'll be back after the part comes in. Oh lord, please give me the patience of Job. Even better, lord, surprise me with the efficiency of the repairman.

Good thing I like peanut butter. And red wine.