Well have arrived in Hoedspruit and bag turned up as well so I'm sorted.
The airport here is like someone's front room and you can wander in and out of the security to see someone depart. Leopard skin chairs and all.
Have not got to the campsite yet as am being shown around the town. Had lunch at Wimpeys!!!! But have found the internet cafe which is much quicker than Livingstone so hopefully I'll be able to load a photo or 2 to the blog. It's a very small place with about a dozen shops (Spar garage gifts shops pubs and restaurants.)
Takes about 10 minutes to see the lot but I think it'll be home
I think this may well be a small group of people which will be nice.
Apparently there is a giraffe that comes to graze near the camp in the mornings. I'll take a pic if he does
Yas you've cracked the comments - looks as if you've added loads. SO if anyone else has been having problems - try again as I've altered the settings.
Well that's all for now. Hello MAM - hope you're well on the mend. Take care. Love Sue xxx
Monday, 5 May 2008
Sunday, 4 May 2008
On My Way to Hoedspruit
Well have packed up from Livingstone and am impressed that I managed to get everything in to my rucksack. I'm sure I managed it easier when I left the UK - the girls in the house were taking bets to see if I managed it.
The one thing I won't miss from Livingstone are the power cuts we've had for the last 4 nights. At around 6pm the powers that be decide to turn the electricity off and then it comes back on around 9.30m, so last night I was packing by torch which may account for the difficulty with getting it all in.
Flight to Johannesburg was 2 hours late and I arrived in Joburg with the first success of the day - my luggage arrived safely. There was no one waiting for me and no trolley for my ton weight bag,but I found a little man to carry it for me even if it cost me 20 rand (1 pound 20)- worth every penny.
It's such a luxury to be in a hotel with my own bathroom and bedroom and a mirror to see what my hair looks like - though I wish I hadn't bothered - it's so long. Have had a long bath and dried with a real white fluffy towel. Drying with my travel towel is not quite the same. Burger and chips for tea in my room followed by fruit salad. As the first hour on the internet is free _ I thought I'd take the opportunity to update the blog.
I'm really looking forward to Hoedspruit - it will be nice to be learning something new and having the opportunity to see loads of wildlife.
Update on Rubes My sister rang me at 7.30 this morning (6.30 UK time) and I thought it was going to be bad news but it was just that Jeanette had rung the night before and all the younger volunteers from the other houses were at ours (the oldies had gone to bed) and Jesse, a young drunk dutch lad answered the phone. He couldn't understand her nor she him. Anyway - Rubes is doing fine and should be home soon.
Jeanette - Lynda (one of the ladies in Zambia) said to make sure our mam gets some speech therapy to help her get back to normal, so can you ask next time you visit her. Thanks
I'm sending some photos home on DVD so Rubes can look at them via the TV but they won't arrive till June.
Anyway - enough excitement for one day. Need to go rearrange the bag to see if I can make everything fit better.
Have fun. Love Sue
The one thing I won't miss from Livingstone are the power cuts we've had for the last 4 nights. At around 6pm the powers that be decide to turn the electricity off and then it comes back on around 9.30m, so last night I was packing by torch which may account for the difficulty with getting it all in.
Flight to Johannesburg was 2 hours late and I arrived in Joburg with the first success of the day - my luggage arrived safely. There was no one waiting for me and no trolley for my ton weight bag,but I found a little man to carry it for me even if it cost me 20 rand (1 pound 20)- worth every penny.
It's such a luxury to be in a hotel with my own bathroom and bedroom and a mirror to see what my hair looks like - though I wish I hadn't bothered - it's so long. Have had a long bath and dried with a real white fluffy towel. Drying with my travel towel is not quite the same. Burger and chips for tea in my room followed by fruit salad. As the first hour on the internet is free _ I thought I'd take the opportunity to update the blog.
I'm really looking forward to Hoedspruit - it will be nice to be learning something new and having the opportunity to see loads of wildlife.
Update on Rubes My sister rang me at 7.30 this morning (6.30 UK time) and I thought it was going to be bad news but it was just that Jeanette had rung the night before and all the younger volunteers from the other houses were at ours (the oldies had gone to bed) and Jesse, a young drunk dutch lad answered the phone. He couldn't understand her nor she him. Anyway - Rubes is doing fine and should be home soon.
Jeanette - Lynda (one of the ladies in Zambia) said to make sure our mam gets some speech therapy to help her get back to normal, so can you ask next time you visit her. Thanks
I'm sending some photos home on DVD so Rubes can look at them via the TV but they won't arrive till June.
Anyway - enough excitement for one day. Need to go rearrange the bag to see if I can make everything fit better.
Have fun. Love Sue
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Farewell to Zambia
Well this is my last full day here and tomorrow I fly to Johannesburg where I'll stay in a hotel overnight before flying to Hoedspruit on Monday
I've really enjoyed my time here even though it was the school holidays and didn't get to do any structure teaching.
It's been a real education to see how differently people cope here in Zambia. Bandha, the man in the old peoples home I spoke of a few days ago died on Thursday night and whilst it is very sad , it is also a blessing that he is no longer suffering. The Zambian attitude to death is quite something. They are sad to lose their brother, sister, child or mother but their strong believe in God and going to a better place gives them such strength to deal with their loss.
We in the western world have a lot to learn from these people - they have very little but make the most of what they have because of their spirit and courage.
I have seen some humbling sights and met such amazing people. The staff at African Impact do a fantastic job and everyone has looked after us so well. I thank them all.
Just a note on my mum. I spoke to my sister Jeanette last night and Rubes will be in hospital over the weekend but is doing well. I hope you keep up your good spirits mum and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.
So it's 'Goodbye from Zambia' and will soon be 'Hello from South Africa'
I've really enjoyed my time here even though it was the school holidays and didn't get to do any structure teaching.
It's been a real education to see how differently people cope here in Zambia. Bandha, the man in the old peoples home I spoke of a few days ago died on Thursday night and whilst it is very sad , it is also a blessing that he is no longer suffering. The Zambian attitude to death is quite something. They are sad to lose their brother, sister, child or mother but their strong believe in God and going to a better place gives them such strength to deal with their loss.
We in the western world have a lot to learn from these people - they have very little but make the most of what they have because of their spirit and courage.
I have seen some humbling sights and met such amazing people. The staff at African Impact do a fantastic job and everyone has looked after us so well. I thank them all.
Just a note on my mum. I spoke to my sister Jeanette last night and Rubes will be in hospital over the weekend but is doing well. I hope you keep up your good spirits mum and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.
So it's 'Goodbye from Zambia' and will soon be 'Hello from South Africa'
Friday, 2 May 2008
This is for my mum again
Sorry everyone - this note is really for Rubes but I know everyone who knows her will want to know that she's had a mini stroke and is in hospital. I spoke to her today and she's (as usual) making everyone laugh and getting a lot of attention too. I know you'l all send her your best. Anyway this bits for my mum as my sister Jeanette will print it off for to read.
Hi mum
Really sorry to hear you're in hospital but Ceri tells me you've not been taking your medication properly so I'm not sure I'm going to have any sympathy with you!!!!.
It was good to speak to you today and it sounded as if you're giving the nurses a good laugh. You do sound a little funny as I know the side of your face is a bit numb and you sound as if you've been drinking the whisky again.
On a serious note - you make sure you do as you're told!!! Take it easy and let them take care of you.
I've done my last projects today and will be getting ready to leave here on Sunday. I'm going to a church african lunch tomorrow where they are serving traditional food to raise money for the church. (I'll say a little prayer for you!!)
I'll then be staying overnight in Johannesburg before I travel on to the Game reserve in Hoedspruit.
Jeanette will ring me tonight to let me know how you're getting on and I'll update the blog before I leave.
I love you loads mum and I'm sure you'll be ok providing you do as you're told.
Take Care and I'll speak to you soon
Love Sue.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi mum
Really sorry to hear you're in hospital but Ceri tells me you've not been taking your medication properly so I'm not sure I'm going to have any sympathy with you!!!!.
It was good to speak to you today and it sounded as if you're giving the nurses a good laugh. You do sound a little funny as I know the side of your face is a bit numb and you sound as if you've been drinking the whisky again.
On a serious note - you make sure you do as you're told!!! Take it easy and let them take care of you.
I've done my last projects today and will be getting ready to leave here on Sunday. I'm going to a church african lunch tomorrow where they are serving traditional food to raise money for the church. (I'll say a little prayer for you!!)
I'll then be staying overnight in Johannesburg before I travel on to the Game reserve in Hoedspruit.
Jeanette will ring me tonight to let me know how you're getting on and I'll update the blog before I leave.
I love you loads mum and I'm sure you'll be ok providing you do as you're told.
Take Care and I'll speak to you soon
Love Sue.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Monday, 28 April 2008
Final Weekend in Zambia
Well the weekend has come and gone and I managed to do some of those things that I've not got around to. Went early to 'Wonderbake' and had the best cup of coffee since I've been here.
Then walked (via the scenic route) to Maramba market and bought some material for 10000 kwachas (about one pound tweny pence). I then took it to the sewing centre where they'll make me a skirt and bag plus a purse for 60000 kwachas ( less than ten pounds) so a pretty good deal.
We watched 'Pulp Fiction' at our house on Saturday - I'd forgotten what a bizarre film it is.
Lynda (who reminds me of Yas - Yes she drinks expresso as well Yas!!) had her wallet lifted from her bag on Saturday. Luckily a Chief inspector from Lusaka was walking behind her and apprehended the villain. After she'd made sure he was a genuine policeman - she went with him to the police station where they gave the man a severe reprimand with a stick. Not a good experience she said.
I've also been to church the last couple of sundays which has been great listening to the choir - real gospel singers, but this week they were at another church.
Today I was at Nakatindi school doing revision with the 7th grade and this afternoon went to the farm to do Adult literacy class. We taught them how to read and write the story of the 3 little pigs. I usually teach Christina on the computer but the power transformer had died so we couldn't do that. Her brother in law had died this week too so she didn't stay. They have such a philosophical way about death here.
Anyway - enough for today. Long walk back to the house for a cuppa and tea gets delivered at 5.15. Bye for now. Love Sue
Then walked (via the scenic route) to Maramba market and bought some material for 10000 kwachas (about one pound tweny pence). I then took it to the sewing centre where they'll make me a skirt and bag plus a purse for 60000 kwachas ( less than ten pounds) so a pretty good deal.
We watched 'Pulp Fiction' at our house on Saturday - I'd forgotten what a bizarre film it is.
Lynda (who reminds me of Yas - Yes she drinks expresso as well Yas!!) had her wallet lifted from her bag on Saturday. Luckily a Chief inspector from Lusaka was walking behind her and apprehended the villain. After she'd made sure he was a genuine policeman - she went with him to the police station where they gave the man a severe reprimand with a stick. Not a good experience she said.
I've also been to church the last couple of sundays which has been great listening to the choir - real gospel singers, but this week they were at another church.
Today I was at Nakatindi school doing revision with the 7th grade and this afternoon went to the farm to do Adult literacy class. We taught them how to read and write the story of the 3 little pigs. I usually teach Christina on the computer but the power transformer had died so we couldn't do that. Her brother in law had died this week too so she didn't stay. They have such a philosophical way about death here.
Anyway - enough for today. Long walk back to the house for a cuppa and tea gets delivered at 5.15. Bye for now. Love Sue
Sunday, 27 April 2008
African Impact in Zambia
Thought I'd write a little about the work that African Impact do - they are the company that run the projects that I'm involved in.
Maramba Community - Home based care
Maramba Clnic is the hub of a number of projects that are in place to help the community. The medical volunteers help in the clinics taking blood pressure and temperatures, weighing babies etc.In addition we are helping to make bricks and then we use the bricks to build a wall around the clinic which will then give the patients privacy from the passers by.
Maramba Farm - Here we have helped them clear the land (with just hoes and a rake)ready for planting crops (7 acres) but a long way to go. We have also helped with the contruction of Mushrooms sheds - it's been good to see the progress on these as they have been finished in less than 7 weeks.
There is an Adult Literacy club everyday at the farm which is helping some of the mature members of the community to learn to read and write - I really enjoy this one
One of the volunteers dad's (Dr America) has run workshops here too and given people advice on HIV/AIDS. malaria TB etc.
The project volunteers also visit an old peoples home to deliver their medicines to them and just to chat. There's one old guy there who is blind but insists on wearing his glasses.
Milota school - Here we are helping with the building work to raise the roof in order to give it better ventilation for the children
Nakatindi school - Here we've been painting the classrooms during the school holdays
Maanu Mwbandi - This school is in the back of beyond and originally was 2 classrooms made of mud and that. African Impact have now built 3 classrooms and outdoor shelter and toilet block. The kids are a little wild and cheeky but it's good to see them progress.
There are so many other things here but they'll have to wait till I get home.
Love you all. Sue
Maramba Community - Home based care
Maramba Clnic is the hub of a number of projects that are in place to help the community. The medical volunteers help in the clinics taking blood pressure and temperatures, weighing babies etc.In addition we are helping to make bricks and then we use the bricks to build a wall around the clinic which will then give the patients privacy from the passers by.
Maramba Farm - Here we have helped them clear the land (with just hoes and a rake)ready for planting crops (7 acres) but a long way to go. We have also helped with the contruction of Mushrooms sheds - it's been good to see the progress on these as they have been finished in less than 7 weeks.
There is an Adult Literacy club everyday at the farm which is helping some of the mature members of the community to learn to read and write - I really enjoy this one
One of the volunteers dad's (Dr America) has run workshops here too and given people advice on HIV/AIDS. malaria TB etc.
The project volunteers also visit an old peoples home to deliver their medicines to them and just to chat. There's one old guy there who is blind but insists on wearing his glasses.
Milota school - Here we are helping with the building work to raise the roof in order to give it better ventilation for the children
Nakatindi school - Here we've been painting the classrooms during the school holdays
Maanu Mwbandi - This school is in the back of beyond and originally was 2 classrooms made of mud and that. African Impact have now built 3 classrooms and outdoor shelter and toilet block. The kids are a little wild and cheeky but it's good to see them progress.
There are so many other things here but they'll have to wait till I get home.
Love you all. Sue
Quick update
Well I can't believe that next week will be my last week here in Zambia
We had a couple of cold nights this week - I've had to use the blanket!! I'm now used to the train horn ata 5.30 in the mornings and the wailing of the call to prayer. The house cats (Lucky and Skip - mother and son) also appear at the window at 6 trying to get in. It's amazing how you adapt!!
Natalie and Laura left on Thursday - they are a great couple of girls and we went to happy hour at Rhapsody's (local cocktail bar) to say goodbye. No chance of getting drunk as it's takes half an hour for your drink to arrive.
Decided not to go on the 5 day trip as it was to Zimbabwe and I had so much trouble getting the dollars together to go that I took it as a sign!!. Will write about the work that African Impact are doing here
We had a couple of cold nights this week - I've had to use the blanket!! I'm now used to the train horn ata 5.30 in the mornings and the wailing of the call to prayer. The house cats (Lucky and Skip - mother and son) also appear at the window at 6 trying to get in. It's amazing how you adapt!!
Natalie and Laura left on Thursday - they are a great couple of girls and we went to happy hour at Rhapsody's (local cocktail bar) to say goodbye. No chance of getting drunk as it's takes half an hour for your drink to arrive.
Decided not to go on the 5 day trip as it was to Zimbabwe and I had so much trouble getting the dollars together to go that I took it as a sign!!. Will write about the work that African Impact are doing here
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