A Bat in the...Hallway!?!

I promise to catch you up, but I thought I would share tonight's excitement--a bat. A bat that flew through the bathroom window to avoid a rainstorm--probably hung out over me while I carried out my nightly routine--and then, as I open the door--decides to make a break for it, too! I don't realize this though until I turn the corner to go into my room and a thump hits the wall behind me.

April 15, 2013: Part Two--"Hello, Madame..."

Sharon finally turns to a street vendor and asks him for help. He shoos off the boys and Sharon and I make a break for it. Still trailed by the boys, I find myself wishing I hadn’t brought anything. The fewer things you have, the fewer things you have to lose. We finally get to After 10. Sharon asks if I want to sit outside on the patio or inside the restaurant.

April 15, 2013: Part One--The Fig Tree Cafe's Bathroom, 30 Wives, and Street Chaos

Best day in Zambia thus far! Boy, no drunken propositions, no fighting, and no noise after 11 pm really make for a good night’s rest. I feel ready to take on the day which is good because it’s time for the next stage of my trip: Friends of the Street Children. The original plan was for FSC’s director, Mr. Christopher Mulenga (Uncle Chris), to pick me up in Lusaka, but since my former room-mate, Sharon, is headed through Kitwe with her parents on the way to her Peace Corps post, I will ride along with them. Sharon has been in Zambia for just over a year and feels quite at home. I’m blown away by the fact that, for the most part, she hitch-hikes throughout Zambia. Seriously. Stands on the side of the road or in fueling stations and hitches a ride. And, 90+ percent of the time she’s by herself.

April 14, 2013: A Much Needed Respite

This is the first day that, without some serious bluffing, I can say that I'm doing okay. Despite the loud night--and Hendrix's early morning visit--I feel rested. While oatmeal is cooking, I cut up the cantaloupe and then head outside. The honey and butter added to the oatmeal is perfect, the sun is shining, the cantaloupe is exquisite, and Hendrix has apparently decided to drop his grudge from last night's tussle.

I call Jane to see what she's up to and she offers to take me on a tour of downtown Lusaka.

April 13, 2013: Part Two--A Lone Wazungu, an (Almost) Shared Shower, and a Cat Named Hendrix

I do have enough for one of the small buses, but having already ventured aboard one of those as part of a group, I'm not interested in re-enacting the experience solo. Walking is the only other option. I go and ask the manager for help (yes, she, too, roles her eyes at my ineptitude) and she gives me directions to the nearest mall. So, I set off down a couple of side streets and then the main drag.

April 13: Part One--And then...there was a flood!

Doesn't it look peaceful?
It is--during the day!

So far, I haven't been scared, but tonight I am. Surrounded by fellow women, the raucous noise and arguments each night at Kalulu were an irritation; tonight it is just me in the girls' dorm when I head to bed. I try to sleep, but when the argument outside my window escalates to an angry, alcohol charged, "I will be back at 8 a.m., and you will give me my money--or else!!" I am wide awake. Am I in a bad movie!?!? I seriously consider going down the hall to where Ollie and Dominic are sleeping. Forget propriety when it comes to matters of safety. I think even Mom would approve! Fortunately, it's the last argument and I need not 'besmirch my reputation!' ;) Tonight's chaos, though, isn't over.

April 12, 2013: Part Two--"Auntie, We're Lost..."

As I said, trekking through the compound only gets us more lost. We find ourselves stumbling into yards and frightening more than one goat or chicken. After seeking help from a passing Auntie, we arrive at the train tracks. We than follow the tracks into town. By this time, the sun is beginning to set. An amazing visual is how the burnt-orange of the nyumbas (homes--in this case made of mud bricks) is mirrored in the sunset. Gorgeous. We leave the tracks and climb a hill. We are now walking along several pools. I don't know what is in them, but boy are they foul! I mean, they are beyond rank. Even quick gulps through my mouth don't block out the overwhelming scent of sewage and who knows what else! We wander up another hill--by this time my open toed shoes, and therefore my feet, have been in far more puddles of who knows what far more times than I would like. Again, "Doh!" Fortunately, I manage not to get my feet cut, but just as I think we're home free, we encounter a sketchy situation.

April 12, 2013--Part One:"I am Special! I am Unique! There's Nothing Wrong with Me!"

Okay, last night was not restful. Partying--and accompanying raucous fights--carried on far later than I would have liked. Oh well.

Today, though, is time to travel to see Jane and the compound where she works. I'm still not that hungry, so when Dominic and Ollie show up, we take a taxi to The Garden Basic School. Right now, Zambian schools are on break and the only children attending Jane's literacy class are there voluntarily.

April 11: Stranded!

Arrive in Lusaka with my crazy 3 bags (Herbert the Sherbet Suitcase, Javier, and Jemma), backpack carry-on, and my "smaller" personal item (actually 3" larger, but possible to squish into place). Originally it looks like Customs is going to be an issue. Miraculously, however, the gentleman decides to waive me through before coming to the suitcase holding the projector and a nearly fully stocked pharmacy to cover anything that might go wrong over a 4 month period. Additionally, he asks for my baggage tickets so I can actually exit the airport and then changes his mind (fantastic, because I didn't have a clue where they were stored and one, in fact, never showed!). Definitely answered prayer. Prayers, though, are still needed.