Wrapping Up Zambia

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Hi everyone! Sorry to be out of touch for so long- we have literally
been in the bush for the past three weeks, without internet access and
with only one very shotty spot on a hill where you could get phone
reception. Is it terrible that its a relief to be back to modern
civilization?

In anycase, for the past few weeks we were volunteering in a very
rural village called Sichili. It was very isolated, and so pretty
interesting (especially compared to the village we stayed in in Kenya)
in that was quite removed from Western influence. It was also a very
beautiful place, what one might imagine as traditional Africa. We were
with four other Australians and our British group leader. Everyone was
really nice and made the experience much more enjoyable. The volunteer
work was a bit haphazard and unorganized because of political stuff
with the placement and the lack of understanding about volunteer work
in the Sichilli community. We did have a bunch of downtime, but I
managed to teach a 5th grade class for 2 days, hold an HIV prevention/
sexuality workshop at the high school, and help paint the childrens
ward at the local hospital- a bit of everything. Ross and Jeff. the
other male volunteer, spent the whole time painting and fixing up the
children's ward-- the difference they had made by the time it was all
over was very impressive.

Our volunteer work ended on Monday and we have been in Livingstone for
the past few days. Livingstone is the tourist/ backpacker capital of
Zambia and home to one of the seven natural wonders of the world,
Victoria Falls, and therefore offers all sorts of adventure
activities. When we were here prior to Sichili, we went white water
rafting down the Zambezi, which was quite intense. After getting
tossed out of the boat once, only to have our entire raft flipped
upside down minutes later, we were thankful to return only with my
sore foot and ross' black eye (due to my foot hitting him on the way
out). Apparently, one life-risking activity was not enough, so Ross
went bungi jumping yesterday off the bridge that connects Zambia and
Zimbabwe over Victoria Falls and involves a four-hundred foot
free-fall above the Zambezi. It was pretty scary for both of us. My
heart was pounding and you can hear my voice over the homemade video
yelling expletives the whole time. Ross said afterwards that the
actual free-fall was fun, but that the worst part of it was standing
on the ledge getting ready to go in the beginning, and then later
being thrown around by the bungi cord, thinking that he'd survived,
only to feel the rope slacken as he was bounced back up. Needless to
say, he made in back in one piece, which was an enormous relief to
both of us.

We are in Livingstone for a few more days and my parents actually
arrive tomorrow for an African vacation. We'll be with them for about
a week and will spend most of our time in Botswana on safari in Chobe
National Park and the Okavango Delta. It should be pretty amazing and
of course, we are looking to being with them, so we are quite excited.

By the way, a much belated Happy Thanksgiving! We had a fun, albeit
unique Thanksgiving, though we certainly missed being with our friends
and family. We spent the day at this amazing hostel, Jungle Junction,
which is situated on an island in the middle of the Zambezi. It is a
kooky little place with beautiful open-air cabins that look out onto
the river and is literally in the jungle, a.k.a. lots of gross
gigantic milipedes and flying termites. In anycase, we did have a nice
"Thanksgiving dinner" with our Australian friends of spaghetti and
meatballs. Then, however, true to Providence-holiday-fashion, we all
got a little crazy. There was a dress-up box behind the bar (my vote
as the greatest idea ever) with a million hats that made the night
very fun. As you will see, the pictures are pretty amusing....

We hope you enjoy the photos- we are very happy to have finally found
a good internet place is functional and allows us to post them. We
will write again after our return from our trip with the parentals. As
always, our best to all!

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Photos

mwisiya
this guy followed us everywhere - to the point that he knew my sandle prints and would track me to wherever i was

partners in crime
often he would bring his friends over to our house to play cards

Comments

[Alex]

Nys/Ross - amazing pics! The rafting looks crazy and bungi jumping even scarier. It looks like you guys have made a great impact on all the natives you've met so keep up the good work. and keep the stories coming! have a great time with your family on safari! PS. what are you doing for christmas?

[Rueben]

How are Matt and Berri?
Love the photos from Sichilli...