Finally here

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So we finally arrived in Lusaka after delayed flights and me almost being detained by security at Glasgow airport (managed to have a pair of scissors in my hand luggage). We passed through absurdly laid back security in Lusaka airport (people actually running towards planes to meet family members) into beautiful sunshine with a gospel choir singing. All very stereotypical but nice nonetheless.

Yesterday passed in a haze of tiredness - we looked round some shops after checking into our hostel. Our room comprises a corrugated iron roof and what appears to be walls made of some form of straw. It's fine though, the beds are comfy and mosquito nets are provided. It felt like a joke when I got into bed under the net last night although no bites so far which is good. Main disaster so far - I haven't had a shower since Friday morning as there's a "problem" with either the water or electricity (or both). At the moment I am wearing my hair like Hilda Ogden, wrapped under a ridiculous hairband. Ross continues to look like he's on remand with his army hairdo so the lack of hair washing doesn't bother him.

Today we went to Lusaka museum which was a bit heavy-going with actual extracts of statutes on the walls. Obviously I am not a tragic lawyer so didn't read any. The whole place made me proud to be British - it's uplifting to see articles by Brits as recently as the 50s entitled "can we civilise the Africans" as well as a whole article about how it would be great if the whole of Zambia ended up white; just a pity there are so many "natives". Good.

We also went to the bus station to buy tickets to Livingstone tomorrow. Cue millions of people surrounding us trying to sell tickets for their bus company. Everyone is very friendly, although they seem amazed at how white we are. We just say "Scottish" and they cheer and randomly mention Glasgow.

Lusaka itself seems pretty westernised - there's a Subway, Spar, Barclays Bank (actually I think Barclays might run the place, it's a bit sinister - there's one on every street), cinema etc etc. Yesterday we went shopping in Spar (which, incidentally, is the best Spar I've ever been into - not that I keep a tally but it is massive). They were playing the Proclaimers & Simple Minds which seemed a bit odd. Scotmid in Leith doesn't even do that. The main difference though was the lack of junkies stoating round buying Buckfast.

Favourite quote of the day so far is Ross to a taxi driver: "beautiful day, isn't it".

Spider count so far: 1. It was small, black and running around outside.

Tomorrow we travel to Livingstone which is apparently more touristy.

Bye.

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Photos

Chachacha Hostel
Me under a mosquito net

Lusaka Freedom Statue
Outside the Lusaka museum

Massive Spar
Happening Spar with Scottish music

Lusaka Bus Station
Very chaotic

Under the Falls
There's a permanent rainbow which goes in a full circle under the Falls.

Comments

[Frankie]

I hope the Spar carried a selection of Polish goods (with labels translated into English just for your benefit, obviously.) I assume what Ross meant to say was, "It's a beautiful day." (Arnie)