Lusaka

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Heya.

So been back in Lusaka for just over a week now and been relatively busy. Yesterday I was doing the shopping and it was epic, I think there is a national beer shortage so we can find beer hardly anywhere and Shoprite (the local supermarket) was closed due to strikes that keep happening at the moment. Which are really inappropriate!

Its been quite quiet at the camp which has been a shame because it is such a good place and Paul (the owner) works really hard to keep it going, but it just reflects on the economic downturn in the country at the moment. Zambia is a very expensive country for Africa, the cost of living is very high and to own and maintain a lodge is very difficult, well I have found it very difficult to mass buy most things, and typical African politics make processes very slow and if you want to get anywhere you will have to slip some money in. People try to get money off you in anyway possible.. its so annoying. I can't wait to be able to walk down the street without harrassment, or being offered a taxi.

I have met so many interesting and amazing people whilst I have been here, so many people come to the camp from different backgrounds, going to different places, and often as it is close to the airport you hear from people both before and after their adventure around Zambia. But then you get such a variety, people do amazing things, I have met people both walking, cycling and driving up to Europe... hunters, military, safari guides, school trips, missions... etc etc.

At the moment there is a Christian festival happening about 1k up the road... and well there is preaching and singing from about 5am till about 10pm everyday. Africans are really strict about their religion and it is amazing to see how set and how strong their views are. They have soo many churches, radio stations, gatherings, festivals just on Christianity, and its something that is not very common anymore in England.

I am so glad the weather is warming up, I am wearing shorts and t shirt now and I am still hot and in the evenings I don't have to wrap up very much anymore which is brilliant, it has warmed up so quickly. Lusaka is on a plateau so you tend to get relatively mild nights and days that aren't too hot compared to the bush and further down south.

I can't believe I have almost finished here now, in someways it has gone fast but in other ways it seems so long ago that I came. Here noone has any sense in urgency... you can only get one thing done a day but you just have to adjust and get used to it.

So I'm flying back on Tuesday 18th August... and we all KNOW what day that is don't we?!

Do you think I can get an upgrade?!

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Comments

[mum]

always try
look forward see, you can always try upgrade. tons love lookforward see x

[Amz 91]

:)
It sounds like you have had a brilliant time :) I´m not sure what my internet access will be like on the 18th ... so happy birthday in advance!!! :D Have a great day ... but an even better night!! Love Amz x.x.x

[dad]

lusaka
Enjoy your last few days megz. Looks like you've had a great time. Can't wait to see you tues. You can buy me a drink on the way home!!. Loads of love. Dadxxxx

[Roseanna]

Sooo true!!
Hehe.....I know what you mean about the urgency...it doesn't seem to exist out there which in a way is so nice....it was like 30degrees in the Bush when I was there....so nice a warm!!!=] Can't wait to see you at results Meg...have a safe journey back xxxx