Sunday 30 December 2012

Kitwe,ZNBC,ZESCO....

My holiday in Kitwe continues its merry way; weather continues cool with some mornings sunny enough to tempt me to the pool.
Staying at 'Casa Blanca', the Jesuit house next door to Kitwe ZNBC, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, source of those evening news bulletins at 19 hours which somehow contrive to be interesting despite past evidence to the contrary; hope springs eternal though we at Mother of Mercy hospice regrettably  missed our best chance for fame.  
Guy Scott, the deputy president, came to the hospice near Independence Day to make donations, visit the facility and make a speech promising financial help for the hospice (the inpatient units are still closed for lack of funding) as soon as possible.  This splendid occasion was recorded and filmed by ZNBC and expectations were high for exposure on the evening news.  Later we heard the item had been good; various staff were exhibited on film, I was looking forward to my personal 30 seconds of fame..but we in Chilanga had a power cut from 18.50 to 20.00- thanks ZESCO (Zambian Electricity Supply Company)

Here in Casa Blanca we are entertained with Sky TV but soon I will be reduced to ZNBC again- this deprivation rendered bearable by the downloading of podcasts of my favourite BBC radio programs onto my laptop.  I'm investigating the possibility of renting BBC TV and films via the lovely Apple itunes, source of these precious podcasts.  Sadly, the downloading of BBC TV is not allowed out of the UK; I would happily pay a UK licence fee to do so but this doesn't seem possible.  Several radio programmes are also barred from the jolly art of podcasting; I imagine some copyright restrictions are in force, especially round broadcast music; Desert Island Discs has to shorten the music requested by its castaways.
This is supposition; will contact the BBC to see what's what.
Excellent find-Tall Horse Chardonnay with a giraffe on the label- recommended Christmas drinking (and that season could be extended indefinitely)

Monday 24 December 2012

Christmas in Kitwe

Did my Christmas Eve shopping this morning; main purchase was a couple of big bunches of Gloriosa Superba lilies, the national flower of our neighbour, Zimbabwe.  I'll add a photo I took of these if the upload speed monster in my dongle agrees.
All is ready for Christmas: the pool cleaned, the floors swept, big tent erected on the cut lawn for 'midnight' Mass as the chapel only holds 50 and may more are expected.  As Mass will be at 20.00, after dark, the tent is to keep off possible heavy rains as we are well into the rainy season. I  remember to put some insect repellent on my ankles, the usual site of insect attention.  A long skirt too?
We had our household plus visitors Christmas lunch yesterday: turkey and all the trimmings followed by an American apple pie baked by an English woman in  Africa.  Despite its mixed nationalities, it tasted good with vanilla ice cream.

Wednesday 19 December 2012

Staff Christmas Party 1 2 3!

Wednesday before Christmas, no clinic today and home visit programme cancelled for the occasion.  The preparations began soon after 9 hours with a massive deep clean of the clinic area, a pleasant open air area, covered in case of rain or hot sun.  Floors were swept, mopped and polished with 'Cobra red', the benches and tables rearranged, food cooked, tables set, Christmas tree and decorations set up....by the women.
Meanwhile the men had set up the new sound system, tested the microphone (a lot of 'testing, testing, hello, hello, one two three' was heard) and then tested the seating for comfort and conviviality. They also tested the installation of the decorations (visually) and waited for the fun to begin.
Which it did, starting with a prayer led by Eunice which led to some individual carol singing and a bit of dancing before it was decided we needed nourishment to continue.
A splendid lunch ensued in two stages; the first was roast chicken portions and sausages, served with rice or nshima with pumpkin leaves and tomato sauce with a choice of Coke or Fanta.  After this there was much more dancing, followed by dessert, a deliciously sweet combo of iced cake, banoffee pie, icecream and sponge fingers.  
Next, the 'Modelling' competition to choose Ms Hospice, the Princess and Mr Personality.  To enter this grand competition, participants had to take the catwalk and strut their stuff as models, a panel of judges (the seated men) deciding on the awards.
Then the Sister in charge, the hospice manager, gave each member of her team an individual gift for which each had to sing a short song or dance to her.
The party ended with a closing prayer by Jean Pierre and all were exhorted to help restore the clinic to rights for tomorrow's patients.
I haven't seen a bunch of adults take such delight in an alcohol free party (though the breath of some of the younger men smelt a bit suspect) and join in the spirit of the season so uninhibitedly and I don't remember enjoying a party in such a relaxed manner myself since I was a child.

Saturday 15 December 2012

How are you for food?

This is, as you can imagine, a leading question in a country where maybe 80% of the population live in a state of food insecurity, eating what they have available day by day but unable to plan far ahead because of lack of money and resources.
So, when we go out on 'Home Visitations' to visit the hospice ART (Anti Retro-viral Therapy) patients (those with HIV+ status, infected and on medication to keep them healthy enough to avoid the symptoms of AIDS as long as possible) at this time of food shortages, we have difficulty in discerning which patients would like some extra food and which are in dire need of help, especially the households with older people, babies, nursing mothers or small children.
We, the counsellor and nurse from the hospice team, rely greatly on the Zone Leader of the compound being visited.  This person leads the team of Adherence Supporters who watch over and visit 'their' ART patients, checking on their adherence to the prescribed drug regime and  their general health and welfare.  
These, including the Zone Leader, are unpaid volunteers who take seriously Jesus' words "Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters you do unto me" and act as true neighbours to those who really need a friend.
So, we take advice from these local experts, giving food supplements where needed and if available from our kind donors, checking clinic attendance, monitoring vital signs: blood pressure, pulse and temperature, giving these people some attention and care.
All the time, I am very aware that we are trying to fix a leaky ship with sticking plasters, that this level of poverty and food insecurity is not OK in a country of increasing wealth.  I hear on the BBC World service that real poverty is a problem in several European countries also, now that financial austerity is affecting many.
It's those at the bottom of the heap, the voiceless and disempowered ones, who bear the brunt of decisions made far away from the compounds and favelas, in the select suburbs of capital cities and the corridors of power.

Wednesday 12 December 2012

Wet walk to the Post Office for mangos

Gentle rain today; so far the rains aren't really living up to expectations; the gentle stuff is somehow encouraging for the germinating maize but more torrential rain washes the artificial fertilizer out in the customary way.
So my wet walk didn't take place in stormy, lashing rain but a gentle trickle, easily fielded by my big umbrella.   Having delayed in buying this essential piece of rainy season equipment, I made an impulse purchase and bought one for a bargain price at the Kalima Tower bus station in Lusaka.  Many have shaken their heads, prophesying doom and an early demise for my apparently sturdy (oh no, not at the bus station!!)  navy blue, large, with 'automatic erection' device and proper bent handle.  The little thingies that go on the ends of the spokes to hold the fabric started to fall off the first time I used it so the doom seemed imminent.  However, my good brother sent me a parcel of DIY stuff including gaffer tape and strong glue so the thingies are now more firmly attached than ever.
One of the purchases I hoped for today, after posting my letters and buying stamps, were some ripe mangos, unobtainable at my usual fruit stall.  But not a mango to be seen at Chilanga market; oranges, apples and bananas which I already have, but no mangos   
Pam's bakery was open, though so a brown loaf, fresh rolls and chicken pies were added to my bag, as were two bars of Cadbury's chocolate from the mini mart, carefully packed away from the still-warm pies.
I walked home, still mango-less, to find a friendly local farmer had sent us a big bag

Tuesday 11 December 2012

Pre-Christmas, Zambian style

As a 'would-be and trying' faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I look forward to his birthday with its huge significance in terms of Immanuel, God-with-us, God's love shown in our world. 
But the Christmas commercial hype leaves me cold so I'm looking forward to another Zambian Christmas which closely matches my taste.
Many of the supermarkets are advertising on TV about Christmas offers,stocking up on 'seasonal fare' and even mounting displays of Santas complete with sleigh and reindeer...
But that's easy to avoid as I watch TV and visit Shoprite and Pick and Pay rarely so I can enjoy Advent as a time of spiritual peace and growth, looking forward to a new demonstration of the Incarnation, some special celebrations, hopefully including a good meal.
At the Hospice where I work, there will be parties: one for staff and one for the children in our ART (Anti- Retro-viral Therapy, medication for those who are HIV+) programme.  Families look forward to a special meal; here, my heart goes out to those without enough to eat at this food shortages time of year.
I would defend myself against an accusation of being a 'Scrooge' but, being with each other, sharing and reaching out to those in need seems to me the best antidote to HUMBUG!

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Bible Sunday

November 18th and no real rain yet despite some showers and thunder.
Short Mass this morning; only 1 hour 45 mins- a young visiting Franciscan priest not wanting to inconvenience folk by being late despite an extra procession; being Bible Sunday the Holy Bible was danced in and offered to the priest, then enthroned on a specially decorated lecturn.  Later we had the offerings; each member of the congregation walks (or dances) up to put their collection money in one of two wooden padlocked boxes held by members of the 'lay' group responsible for the liturgy that week.  These boxes are then taken outside the church entrance and a procession formed of these lay members, beautifully dressed in matching chitenges, T shirts and head wraps who dance in, bringing gifts which can include sacks of maize meal, bottles of cooking oil, vegetables, chickens and even goats (live) for a special festivity, either trussed like the hens or on the hoof.  There is usually a chosen group of the congregation, men, women or youths, who are to bring something special-the preferred gift is money in an envelope but, again, anything goes.

Afternoon off, Zambian volunteer style

Working on Saturday mornings for the first time in my life since student days, I value the half day off on Wednesdays. (Not really a half as  the morning is from 8 hrs to 13 hrs whereas afternoons are from 14 hrs to 16 hrs- do the sums!)
Today life conspired to replace the desired rest, reading, computer session with a more hectic schedule.

First, the water went off; doesn't happen often here as we have our own borehole and well-maintained equipment; in fact the cleanliness of the pipes and tanks meansthe water is potable without further treatment.  The morning showers were cold water only, a sign I should have recognised as foretelling the stoppage of the whole system and acted on by filling some basins and buckets to wash and flush the loo.  But I didn't., so after a morning spent sorting through some rather dusty boxes of donated clothes, there wasn't enough water to wash before lunch, never mind the desired shower.

Earlier in the morning, I had started defrosting the fridge which had a huge iceberg adhering to the back wall inside. This took so long to thaw, even aided by a hairdryer and some boiling water, that we had a minor flood on the floor of the living room.  So no water in the taps, too much water on the floor and then.....

...with a huge crack of thunder, torrential rain began to fall  so we rushed round closing windows; here I had my one bright idea of the day and put several large bowls and jugs out under the spill-off from the roof, ensuring enough water to at least wash our feet, hands and faces tonight.  The bowls filled in minutes, we continued to warm the ice and mop the floor until, with a satisfying crack, the iceberg parted with the fridge wall, the fridge restarted, the rain stopped and yes, you guessed it, water began to run from both taps.

Job done.  Maybe next Wednesday we could try cat-herding, gathering smoke in colanders or some other apochryphal task but tomorrow is clinic day and I'm glad to be back to work.

Saturday 1 December 2012

World Aids Day

Today, 1st December, is World Aids Day and the celebrations and memorials were scheduled as a torchlight procession on Friday night from the Post Office to the Catholic Church (next door to the hospice- handy!) which was delayed a mere hour as we waited for the essential police escort (we were marching on the main, Kafue, Road)  The second part was an 'Event' today, a procession/march from the nearby Basic School to Parklands, the Secondary School, a bit beyond the ....you've guessed it....Post Office.
A very municipal event, made more ceremonious and special by the fact that it's the first since Chilanga gained its own status as a health Admin area; used to be combined with Kafue so all should be on their mettle.
This, sadly, did not prevent the District Commissioner from warning us as he 'flagged' us off on our procession last night to 'be punctual at 7 hrs tomorrow' and then being late himself.  Imagine the scene at Chilanga basic: when we arrived on time, the boys' and girls' brigades, complete with marching band and team of majorettes from Kafue had been marching, drumming, twirling, dancing and hopping for some time.  They kept it up for a while but lost heart as no-one arrived for the 'flagging' and drifted off for refreshments, toilets and some relaxing jokes and games.  A deputy administrator, gripping a megaphone, tried to call the assistant who deals with the Commissioner's affairs but the phone was off.
News that he was on his way, brought everyone to their feet and the procession was formed with military precision, 4 abreast behind the correct banner.  When nothing further seemed to be happening, we all drifted off to sit on bricks in the shade., to chat and relax.  Some mums with babies sat on the grass and I found my ipod....
At 10.15, the great man arrived; his presence was announced and received with very faint cheers (we all  have limits of unpunctuality), the flagging happened (inaudibly) and we were now, tired and less enthusiastic, permitted to march to Parklands. 
There we had the usual protocols respecting the man most of us would have happily slapped on a braii, had one been handy.  There followed poetry and drama, testimonials, dancing and singing exhibitions etc- all pleasant enough if there was time- these people, who had carefully prepared and dressed up, were put through their paces at a trot.  Bottled water and plain rolls were handed out but well before the end, but I left early though it turned out I only missed 2 hours, poor compensation for the 3 hour delay.

Wednesday 28 November 2012

ah, the rains are here!

A couple of genuine, drenching rain sessions and Zambia has woken up into farming mode so going out into the bush on home visits, the view has changed dramatically.  
Most of the trees  are evergreens and some other plants seem to have sensed the rains' imminent arrival and greened up in anticipation but the obvious change is in the level of human activity in the landscape.  Some ploughing and soil preparation has been going on for a month or more but now it seems everyone's out, preparing, fertilising and sowing.
This is for the maize crop, the staple foodstuff of Zambia and other Southern African countries, eaten as a stiff porage, nshima here in Zambia, sadza in Zimbabwe and mealie-pap in South Africa.  Other foods will be grown during the rainy season: groundnuts, beans, potatoes (both sweet and 'irish'), carrots, cabbage, okra, spinach and many more.  
Plants can also be grown out of the rainy season but only by those with access to water for irrigation, either on a small scale by those living near a dam (reservoir) or river or on a larger scale by the large commercial farms which are fully mechanised.
Soil preparation is done by ploughing (tractor or oxen) or by hand, using a 'hoe' to make softened lines, neatly and evenly-spaced, ready for the fertiliser and seeds.  The face of the countryside is changed from a dusty, dry tangle of old maize stalks, branches and leaves to an ordered, mainly brown terrain with the detritus of the last harvest cleared away.  This, coupled with the freshness in the air brought by the cooler weather and the lovely wet, bring about a sudden change to this land.  You can almost smell the hope in the air, anticipating the harvest already though this is still some months away.

Tuesday 27 November 2012

The rains cometh...and so do the inswa

Hurrah! the real thing is here after some preliminary showers and rumbles of thunder.  So far, not too heavy but I imagine I can hear the grass and trees gratefully sucking up the welcome moisture!
After the first really wet night, a grey dawn brightened slowly to display a motley group of small boys, rummaging about below the fluorescent light left on at night, under the eaves of the clinic building opposite our front door.  Clutching an assortment of small plastic bottles, empty crisp bags and cans, they are busily collecting something from the ground below the light- the scene looking surreal because of the drifts of gossamer wings drifting round their eager faces. 
Then I remember- the inswa hunt is on! Inswa are termites that fly at the onset of the rains..to reproduce? move house? just for the fun of it? (research needed) They are attracted to an outdoor light  in the same way as moths are, drop to the floor, their wings fall off and they crawl away into crevices.  Their pale plump bodies shun bright sunlight but their escape bid isn't fast enough to avoid the hunters who scoop them up, filling their containers.  Later the boys or their sisters or mums will fry them in a dry hot pan (Inswa contain their own 'cooking oil') and sprinkle them with salt- a delicious tasty crispy snack.
I wondered about inswa with scrambled eggs as a kind of African eggs Benedict but I thought it a step too far so I left the young hunters to their prey.

Friday 23 November 2012

Zambian transport

Last time I lived here, I was the proud owner/driver of a Toyota Hilux, single cab for aficionados which means a single bench seat in the cab for driver plus 2 passengers and a largo open back, perfect for offering strangers lifts while staying safe or carrying large items of furniture, 25 school kids or 3 coffins, all of which I had opportunity to do.  Some creativity was needed during the rainy season with waterproof sheets and ropes and sun protection for back space passengers in the form of chitenges but it was a great asset.  Called Hildah the Hilux.
This time, living 15 km from Lusaka on Kafue Road, part of the Great North Cape to Cairo road, buses are plentiful and cheap.  They are rather well-used minibuses, painted a bright blue with names like "Excelsior" " Lord of the Roads" or simply "Alleluia!".  The conductor/money collector, hangs out and, spotting a potential passenger, issues a loud, high pitched whistle to attract attention and tells the driver to stop if the passenger shows interest whereon the driver swerves off the road to the dusty non-tarmac area beside, often careering dangerously close to a ditch or chasm.  The lucky passenger is then packed into the already heavingly overloaded bus which shoots out into the heavy traffic.  BUT, I can get to Lusaka for 5,000 Kwacha, about 60p and the speed is good, the only exception being when a bus is beginning its journey when it will wait until stuffed with paying passengers to maximise the income generated.
I see interesting people on the bus;  the early (8am) voluble drunk man,  young women chatting on their mobile phones, school children travelling to school in beautifully laundered white socks (how long can that last in this land of brown dust?) tiny babies sleeping snugly wrapped in woolly jumpers and knitted hats, tied to their mothers' backs with brightly coloured and patterned chitenges.
So no regrets for swapping my transport to the bus- and I can get the occasional taxi without  coming near the cost of running another Hildah- just pray I don't end up in that chasm!

Thursday 22 November 2012

two months on....

A typical dawn view as I stand at the open door, singing psalms with the sisi birds (Blue waxbills but that's the sound they make)

Visitations

is the grand title of those occasions when we pile into the Mother of Mercy Hospice minibus or Hilux to run mobile clinics, offer HIV testing or make visits to our patients in their homes (or, even better for them, when they're not at home because they're working or visiting elsewhere- healthy enough to be active!)
The idea of home visits is to make sure they are being looked after if necessary and supported by an 'adherence supporter' or buddy who checks that the medication regime is being adhered to.  This is crucial as, when drugs are missed, HIV can develop resistance to that set of drugs, necessitating a change of regime (or 'line') As there only are a limited number of drugs available and some are not suitable for other medical reasons, the patient is entering an even more tricky area.
On other occasions, the minibus is packed up with HIV testing kits, tables and stools and we set up a mobile testing facility in one of the busy compounds.  Those who present (usually 40 in a morning session) are counselled, given the rapid fingerprick test and recounselled after when the result is known (about 10 minutes)
The third category of visitation is a mobile ART clinic, offering counselling, health checks and the provision of ART (anti retro viral therapy) medications to patients enrolled in our clinic but living as much as a two day journey (on foot) away from the hospice.  This follows exactly the procedure carried out at our regular (Tues, Thurs and Fri) clinics.
We're an adaptable bunch; have minibus,will travel that extra mile to ensure our patients are well cared for and respected, even the poorest or the most remote. 

Sunday 18 November 2012

Praise and worship in Chilanga

The 33rd Sunday of the church's year today, energetically and reverentially (those aren't contradictory)  celebrated here.  I go to the English mass which means the liturgy and homily are in English and some of the singing.  This starts at  7 hours to be followed by the Nyanja Mass at 9 hours so timing can be a pressure.  This morning, though, Mass began at 6.55 hours and ended at 8.40 hours: a visiting priest, a young Franciscan, was concerned about upsetting local arrangements so was eager to be punctual.  This managed despite an extra procession; today is Bible Sunday so the Holy (Oyera) Bible was danced in and ensconced on a specially decorated lecturn in pride of place in the sanctuary.
The usual (short) entry procession of the seven servers, beautifully robed in white and the presiding priest, following a large heavy cross carried usually by the smallest server, atated proceedings.  The special entry of the Bible happened before the liturgy of the Word; after the gospel the congregation filed up to put their offerings in one of two padlocked wooden chests, in preparation for the Offertory procession.  Accompanied by loud praises sung by the choir and congregation, about thirty women in matching chitenges (skirts) T shirts and head wraps danced slowly in with gifts including sacks of maize meal, vegetables, bottles of cooking oil, chickens and goats (for special feasts or anything involving a bishop) either on the hoof or trussed and carried on shoulders.  Following them come the week's chosen group, either men, women or youths who make their added contributions, either in kind or envelopes containing money.  Everything is presented to the priest with a little bob or curtsey (men and women both), following which they walk or dance back to their seats.  Loud ululations of joy and praise punctuate the music and some great dance moves can be enjoyed as many men and women have their own style which they are happy to show uninhibitedly before God and the congregation.
The Mass goes its customary way after this, with a long queue for Holy Communion and some varied and interesting notices, usually containing pleas for financial help to finish the church extension.
Then breakfast- two boiled eggs, toast and marmalade and coffee if I can get it on this well-started Sunday!

Monday 5 November 2012

Monday again, start of a new week.  This week some colleagues are on leave, including the adherence so, suitably upskilled and informed, I am ready to try that role tomorrow, with the able assistance of Sister A and Faides. 
Some staff have travelled to Mpansha to get some planning work done and to visit the Borromeo Sisters' mission hospital there.  Maybe I'll get another opportunity to visit there but for now, I feel I'm needed (or I need to be) here.
The rains made a little show but now seem to have withdrawn and the temperature is still hot and dry.

Saturday 3 November 2012

More interesting days here at Mother of Mercy Hospice- life's never boring here on the Great North Road (that never quite made it's intended Cape to Cairo)  As today is Saturday and there were no visits planned, it has been a domestic day of Mass, breakfast, laundry and gardening.  Loaned a 'small hoe' by the gate and grounds man, we have made small flower beds near the stoep of our house and planted Calla lily and African Marigold seed and transplanted a few ferns and Sansaveria (mother in law's tongue) from other borders.  Now the watering, always a challenge out of the rainy season; these little beds, less than a metre square, are near the kitchen door and so can be easily moistened with spare water, even from the washing up when cool.  Not sure the mint root I have acquired will survive the heat-maybe under other plants when they are established; this fragrant herb likes a damp shady environment but I see it coping under other plants.  Basil now, that would enjoy our hotter than Mediterranean climate- will look for seeds.
There's a fund-raising and celebratory braai (BBQ) in the Guardian Angels school next door; much singing and drumming which eventually has grown quiet- this is probably the eating part; we have paid for 2 chicken portions to be delivered later for our supper though we do also have a small bowl of the delicious local beans- similar to the red beans used in chilli dishes but these are pink and tender and tasty, cooked with a little onion by Rose, the hospice cook.  Add some chilli pepper and tomatoes, the braai chicken, a couple of flour tortillas and a cold beer and that's a good Saturday night feast.  We have also some ground(pea)nuts dry roasted over charcoal bought from near the bus stop, sold in tiny plastic bags for 1,000 kwacha each bag  (about 10p)
I walked down to Chilanga South to visit the ATM which allows customers to take out 2 million kwacha, about £250.  It seems safe: a bullet-proof perspex shield round the ATM and a couple of paramilitary security guards, often with rifles, sitting by the exit for protection.
Time to go and sort out those foodie delights!

Wednesday 31 October 2012

First solo trip to Freedom compound yesterday to supervise the 'adherence supporters, the volunteer good neighbours who undertake to visit 'their' patients regularly, usually weekely or twice a month depending on need.  
The supporter I was supervising yesterday was Bertha, a non-English speaking woman of generous girth and smiles.  The 'Zone leader', who organises and checks on this charitable outreach, came round with us and translated for me when needed.  I could understand a lot of what was going on by reading Bertha's body language, tone of voice and expression.  She left the stool she had been given to sit on and sat down on the mat, close to her patients and spoke directly and gently.  She listened empathically to her patient, checked on her adherence to her medication, checked the storage (tricky in a tiny hut - needs to be off the ground away from kids, creatures and the awaited rains yet hung in a plastic (local name for a carrier bag) under the roof sometimes becomes unsuitably hot for the efficacy of the ARVs (anti retro viral drugs) which should be stored, as most meds, below 30 degrees,
I found the experience hot and tiring, of course, but overlaid with the urge to try and do what little I can by visiting these people, showing them respect and honouring their dignity.  
I have Margaret's mobile number and will be planning the next trip to supervise another supporter;   so far I have met David, Alice and Cecilia as well as Bertha.  David plays electric bass at Sunday Mass and has excellent English- maybe Margaret might get a rest on his day?

Monday 29 October 2012

Long gap, no posts but now my clever IT consultant (thanks, pet) has found the correct url and so I've put that on facebook and should be back in business.  Next stretch, adding photos- have put some on my facebook page but will try my hand at here too.
Settling in here, finding what's needed job-wise and surviving the heat, a typical October pre-rains which could start anytime soon.
A mammoth shopping trip to Manda Hill to sort out 'essentials' like a lead to connect my camera to the laptop- without which no photos.  Phoenix photographic found one, attached to a card-reader which I'm sure has many uses including reading the camera card directly (why would you take it out of the camera? probably virus control but I can rely on AVG to do that.  This shopping trip was epic; we took 2 buses to Manda  Hill and managed to transport our heavy bags back on buses too, with the help of one of the security guards at the mall who pushed all our goods to the bus-stop in a shopping trolley, saving the 150,000 kwacha taxi fare  (about £20; for reference, the bus fare was 20,000 both ways for the 2 of us)
Small accomplishments in the greater scheme of things but important to us for our survival and thriving.
We have an excellent fruit stall outside the hospice gates: sweet oranges and apples and stubby cucumbers for 1,000 each and small, sweet bananas "500, one" ie 500 each. Today, I fancied a cabbage as we are short on green veg and the Zambian cooking style isn't my taste.  I like the onion and tomato but not the large amount of cooking oil involved.  The only size available was HUGE so my digestive health should be excellent when I finish it in a fortnight or so- probably be sick of it by then.
I helped out at the Guardian Angels Community School run on the Mother of Mercy Hospice site for the orphans and disadvantaged children, affected or infected with HIV/Aids.  Class of 60- did some sentences with then, conjunctions and tenses- the noise was phenomenal and I'm not sure whether any learning took place.  A grand time was had by all.

Sunday 23 September 2012

retail therapy

Yesterday we were given a lift to Manda Hill shopping Mall where I found a bargain mobile for ZK 63,000, equivalent of about £8, to use with my Airtel (Zambia) sim card. Lots of things available, bought some hair slides to keep my hair, wild because of the dry air, in its place (on my head, fairly neat), some notebooks, ice cream and some tonics for our gin (Hurrah, now we have gin, tonic, ice and lemon- a great victory)
7 hours (7am) Mass very lively with excellent song and dance.  Music in Nyanja (local language) but Mass prayers and readings in English.  The church (of our Lady) is being extended as there's insufficient room, even with two Masses; fund raising concert in Lusaka next Saturday, tickets ZK100,000.
Everyone friendly and accepting with apparent pleasure my faltering attempts to communicate in Nyanja- keep breaking into the tiny bit of Tonga (from my time in Southern Province) which causes general amusement. 

Thursday 20 September 2012

Lusaka shopping trip yesterday- today the post office!

Yesterday Liz and I took the 'minbus' to Lusaka from 'The Road' (Great North Road, designed to connect the Cape to Cairo) outside Mother of Mercy Hospice.  The 'bus' seemed already overful but we were merrily crammed in on a single seat together. The fare was as we had been told, Kwacha 5000 each so we were disgorged in the City Market whence we walked through to Freedom Road and on to Cairo.  Money changed, we walked to 'Downtown', a shopping area where they were, as on Saturday, unable to get my cell phone going, (mine is Orange UK locked so I will buy  a Zambian one- they had a Samsung for K 83,000 (K8,000 = £1 currently)-and I have bought the sim plus talktime.  Then on to 'Shoprite' for our groceries.  We bought a bottle of gin but missed the tonic though overall a successful mission: envelopes, biscuits, cheese,... delights in store!
Today I did the 30 minute round trip walk to Chilanga Post Office where I bought USA and UK stamps (K5,000 and K 4500 respectively)  It was hot and dusty along the Road.

Would love some comments on this!!

Wednesday 19 September 2012

in Zambia

Arrived early on Saturday 13th at Lusaka airport- delighted to find my old friend Sr Bernard still sorting out safe passage for people arriving and leaving.  Met By Sister Jeremia and transported to Chilanga.  Many memories for me- partly the same and partly moved on.

Tuesday 18 September 2012

3 days in...

First duty day today, job-shadowing the counsellor.  Sadly the in patient wards (8 men's, 8 women's, 5 children's beds) at the hospice are closed as we await government funding for wages which are needed to keep this Mother of Mercy Hopice operating.  At the moment only clinics and home visitations are operating; the wards are waiting, neat and clean and ready to welcome needy patients. 

Sunday 2 September 2012

ten days to go...

First duty day today, job-shadowing the counsellor.  Sadly the in patient wards (8 men's,  women's, 5 children's beds) at the hospice are closed as we await government funding for wages which are needed to keep this Mother of Mercy Hopice operating.  At the moment only clinics and home visitations are operating; the wards are waiting, neat and clean and ready to welcome needy patients