LeoPassi&#39;s Guestbook

Did you find anything?
Hi Cheryl, sorry for not responding to your comment. My world closed in on me for a few years and I've only just logged in again after a very long time. Did you find a job vocation in Zambia in the interim period? Regards, Leo

From Blog: Mkushi and the 'New' Farmers

20th November 2016

Yunus Badat
non-member comment

Mpika Shop Picture
Hi, I was just curious trying to find pictures of Mpika. I was born there, 19th September 1958. My father had emigrated from in in 1952, my mother followed 5 years later 1957. My father left India for the new world and at that time Africa was opening up. My father was sponsored by one of his countryman to work in the shops in Mpika. A general store catering for the needs of the locals. They (my father and his co-workers) worked in the shop and lived behind the shop. I was born at the Chilonga hospital and so was my sister. I must have been a baby when my parents decided to move to Lusaka, as I have no recollection whatsoever about Mpika. After a few years in Lusaka, dad decided to move to the Copperbelt, town called Ndola. Thats the place I really new, I have great memories of that town and have created a small website dedicated to Ndola. www.ndola.5u.com We left Zambia in 1976 and have been living in the UK ever since. I want to take all my children (God willing) to visit Zambia so that they can appreciate the beauty of Zambia. Thank you for this site, brings back a lot of great memories. All the best Yunus Badat www.ndola.5u.com

From Blog: Zambia, Done and Dusted?

10th January 2021

Mpika
I love making connections with people like you Yunus. By that I mean creating a connection bridging time and space regarding a common experience of a place on our beautiful, diverse planet. I wonder did you get to go back to Zambia yet with your kids? I will send you an email. Regards

From Blog: Zambia, Done and Dusted?

7th July 2015

Fishing
fantastic

From Blog: Zambia, Done and Dusted?

29th June 2015

Dancing Dave
David Hooper

Zambia
Thanks for your perspectives Leo of this amazing country. We hear in Oz that it's a food bowl where farmers are encouraged to take up the slack caused by Zim's demise. Did you see evidence of that? In Lusake when we were there, I was taken by its modern shopping centres and general prosperity. This was particularly so as we stayed near the consular district to access the British High Commission after the cook on our safari stole my passport and money. That area was affluent indeed. Throughout Zambia we found the people quite hassle free of tourists which was a welcome change from Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi. You sound as if you enjoyed your time there.

From Blog: Zambia, Done and Dusted?

29th June 2015

True enough
Indeed Dave, I stayed in the Mkushi farming district for 5 nights with a couple who had previously farmed in Zimbabwe. Like the majority in the district they were evicted from their farms in Zim over 10 years back. It appears to be hard work clearing the land and starting afresh but it's amazing what they've achieved in such a short time. Of course there is a smaller contingent of older white farmers who have been there many years longer and are allegedly very prosperous but that's anecdotal. I did enjoy my time there. Where are you now? Last I saw you were in the US? Sorry I must contribute more and not just post! Thanks for the feedback.

From Blog: Zambia, Done and Dusted?

16th June 2015

Rasta Tony
non-member comment

It is a border crossing...
Beitbridge is an absolute nightmare to cross, the main reason being the volume of commercial traffic - a lot of it transiting through Zimbabwe to Zambia and the Congo because Botswana is even more of a nightmare. True to is the unfortunate fact that the greasing of palms is expected and failure to do so can add time to your crossing. But... take out your camera at any international crossing especially in the current air of Islamaphobia and see how long it is till you are asked to explain yourself, on that point you'll be happy to find African officials wearing a smile when asking you - in Australia, the process may begin with a cavity search

16th June 2015

Indeed
You have a valid point.

14th June 2015

Lusaka
Travel is always enhanced by those we meet along the way. Sounds like you've met an interesting collection of people. I always love the architecture, the churches, foods and the people

From Blog: Lurking in Lusaka

12th June 2015

Corruption
Not isolated to any one part of the world but certainly an issue for this aspiring young business man. Everyone wants a hand out. Thanks for sharing to story of the people you have met along the way. You've done an excellent job on this blog.

From Blog: Vic Falls and Livingstone

14th June 2015

Ta
Thanks so much. People have so many interesting stories and experiences to share but usually either we're too busy to listen or the other party is too busy to share their story. In a bus/taxi/train you are forced to slow down & the chance to engage is there - a captive audience one might say!

From Blog: Vic Falls and Livingstone

30th May 2015

Jacaranda-lined avenue in Suburbs, Bulawayo

Jacaranda
Beautiful

From Blog: Onwards to Bulawayo

23rd May 2015

Dancing Dave
David Hooper

What are you doing my friend? You cannot take pictures here.
I find immigration checks such a lottery. The slackest was Jo'burg on a flight from Zambia. The "Nothing to declare" line had no one on duty so we just got off the plane and walked out of the airport...and that was weird 'cause I only had a letter to enter South Africa and no passport. But I'd be nervous entering Zim so I find your experience of only casual inspection as curious, yet probably a relief for you.

26th May 2015

Very true
I imagine that was quite some time ago Dave? I don't think there's anyway of slipping through the immigration checkpoint at the current, upgraded international terminal. As for these places being 'hit and miss' I concur. I am now in Zambia and entering via the Vic Falls broder post was an absolute breeze. No queue, friendly officers on BOTH sides and over in minutes. The big difference with that port of entry is the proximity of one of the world's great natural wonders, the Victoria Falls. Tourist dollar = more efficiency. In this case at least!

16th May 2015

South Africa
Great blog. Loved reading your perspective. As you say this area is diverse. The architecture sounds great.

From Blog: Poverty, Affluence and History. The State of the Nation, South Africa.

26th May 2015

Thanks for the feedback
Very much appreciate the supportive comment. Thank you.

From Blog: Poverty, Affluence and History. The State of the Nation, South Africa.

14th May 2015

Dancing Dave
David Hooper

The State of the Nation
What a contrast of affluence and poverty, safe and unsafe...yet its known as the Rainbow Nation. Fascinating insights Leo. My memories are of manicured hills with slums creeping down...shopping centres without power as the power lines had been stolen...the largest exporter of copper in Africa we were told yet they don't mine copper...areas where you don't stop for fear of car-jackings. You look happy in this pic. How safe did you feel wandering the streets?

From Blog: Poverty, Affluence and History. The State of the Nation, South Africa.

14th May 2015

Yes indeed
Is South Africa a dangerous place? As with so many things in this diverse country it depends on the circumstances. Using one's common sense do not walk the streets outside of the many malls and shopping centres flaunting your wealth, especially after dark. There are also no-go areas as a European or probably anyone else who most likely does not 'fit in'. I was once mugged, years ago, near Johannesburg Park station wandering around pretty aimlessly near the taxi rank looking for a cheap ride back to the suburbs. That was not very clever of me. The stats on crime do not make happy reading but one has to also remember that much it goes on in the townships where alcohol, unemployment and drugs abuse is a problem. That said I felt at ease with a guide on a tour of one such township and I walked again near Park Street, in daylight this time, without any hindrance...

From Blog: Poverty, Affluence and History. The State of the Nation, South Africa.

2nd May 2015

Cameras
You've learned to use your new camera phone to the best of its ability. Great shot. Enjoyed your blog.

From Blog: Cape Town - Panoramic Paradise

20th August 2014

GogoBuzz
non-member comment

Technologically unhinged
These situations force you into the hearts of people. Have fun. Let go and enjoy

From Blog: Offline in Istanbul

21st August 2014