Notes from Zambia

This past weekend, Debby and I had another exciting adventure in Zambia. After our plans to travel out of the country for a safari, we made new plans to go to Lake Kariba in Siavonga, located in the southern part of Zambia. So in the pouring rain we made our way through City Market bus stop--one of the most crowded and energetic bus stations in Lusaka. One thing that I won't ever get used to is the mud and stink that comes with the rain. Next to the bus station is the actual city market where crafts, food, clothing, beer, wheelbarrows and anything else you would imagine is sold. This crowded market a few years ago was flooded in one of the torrential down pours and was shut due to the outbreak of cholera in the area..
This is where we found ourselves Fri afternoon.

The mini bus we took alll the way to Siavonga, with 20 people packed in and a live chicken. (On the way home, in a similar bus, I sat over a crate of Breem fish, I smelled lovely!)

Since the bus ride only takes about 2 1/2 - 3hrs, we take minibuses, no tour buses. The bad thing about these are the fact taht they pack 23 people into a conversion size van, and then often make random stops along the way to pick up a man with a chicken, for instance. However this is also one of the best ways to learn new words in the local language and get a full history of the regions we travel through from a native perspective.

Siavonga and Lake Kariba view from our little chalet. Beautiful morning!

We were very glad to finally be release from the sardine can in Siavonga to be put up in an amazing lodge. We had a nice relaxing dinner of fresh fish from the lake and our regular Castle beers by the pool. The next morning we awoke to a beautiful lake sunrise and breakfast buffet! After breakfast and slathering on the sun lotion, we hung out by the pool until our friends arrived from Lusaka. Since their plans had fallen through as well, we convinced them to join us poolside Sat. When they did arrive, we booked a pontoon boat ride around lake Kariba.

After loading up on beer and snacks we had our own private tour of the lake including the Zambezi dam wall, a ride through the weeds into the Zimbabwe border, and the best part....We spotted Hippos! in the wild. We watched for about 20mins while they waded in the water, and even got photos of one opening his huge mouth. National Geographic in person!

Real Live Hippos!

We had a great time in the sunshine and enjoyed our last weekend with our friend Andrew before he returned to Maryland. Unfortunately, while in Siavonga my camera was stolen--but on the bright side, I had downloaded all of my pictures so none were lost.

Our happy little group, sad to leave sunny Siavonga.
Charles, Debby, Stephanie, Andrew, Benson.

This week Debby and I interview the TTF staff, and wrap up with our transcriptionists and will soon be done. Then back to the grind at school analyzing and writing up our results. I'm sad we only have a week left, but have a plan in the works (visited Planned Parenthood Zambia today!!!)

Hope all is well back home. Mwachomo bwanji