Blogs from Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia, Africa

The road connecting the Congolese and Zambian border posts was like a portal to another world. On the DRC side, it was hectic with hours of backup; I ended up slipping through without showing my passport to anyone. On the Zambian side, there were decent lineups and a straightforward procedure, not to mention lighting and AC. Roads are tarred and driving laws enforced. I was astonished at the existence of traffic police when a truck I had hitched with was pulled over for speeding. Later on, in another truck, I was further taken aback when we were stopped at a checkpoint and the contents of the truck were searched for poached animals; everywhere else I had been in Africa the only vehicle inspections were for smuggled weapons (or bribes). It is nice to experience an African ... read more

Mzungu Beloved of screaming children desperate to get your attention means, in its current translation, white man. (me! white!?!) Its origins are thought to be from the Swahili words for wondering around lost, and behaving like a drunkard, about 300 years ago. White tourists wondering around lost and nusring hang overs. Mmm we've come along way in last 300 years... Lusaka I arrived in Lusaka later than planned, surprise surprise, and grabbed the nearest taxi driver to help me with my bags and to get me to Cha Cha Cha Backpackers, hoping that my reservation (for once I had booked ahead) still stood. They had actually managed to screw up my booking, so instead of having a single room to myself I ended up in a dorm room and saving more money! Then it was time ... read more