CHANFLES!

There’s something kinda wonderful about public laundromats. I can’t think of any other public place where you congregate with neighbors not for fun or enjoyment, but just to accomplish some tedious regular chore. And you have to deal with all types; the friendly lady that offers you her dryer with a few minutes remaining, the inconsiderate guy that’s trying to hog up all the folding tables even though his stuff isn’t ready, and the noisy mocosos that keep bumping into you as they run by. It’s not a fun experience, not by a long shot, but it does have it’s value as a sort of impromptu public plaza, and if a tamalera happens to come by, then those few wasted hours start looking like a mini-accomplishment.

But somedays are different. You just want to get this shit over with and not have to think about who’s claiming this cart and how come somebody is leaving their dry clothes in the dryer, when everyone else is clearly waiting for them to free up? Those exasperating days, when patience is at a minimum, you wish for a day like the one pictured above: EMPTY! All the washers and dryers for me! No hassles, no bumping, no constant “permiso” and “disculpe.” That occasional moment of laundromat tranquility, when you can zone out to the hum of your own spin cycle, is a sure sign of good things to come. Yes, I am a simple man.

Bonus! Click ahead for some more pics, including a super ending!

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