Fish ‘n chips Zambian style

Hi all, I’m not sure if I mentioned this on the blog before, but I’m actually trying to get myself to start eating fish. Apparently they are so healthy etc that I actually started feeling guilty about not eating fish. Sadly, I’ve never liked the taste, so slowly I’ve been figuring out ways of preparing filets in a manner which I find palatable. So far I’ve started to enjoy tilapia fried with ginger, garlic & doused in lemon.

Well, Kolo decided she wanted fish for our weekly “nshima” night so she prepared “Kariba bream”: Zambian style. (I think these bream are probably an environmentally sound option because they’re caught locally, not farmed etc). But imagine finding this waiting for the frying pan when I walked in the door from coaching.

Hahahaha. And what do they say- out of the pan & into the fire…so much for my tilapia “fish fingers”*hahaha*. This is the bream post-frying.

I have to admit, the meat itself tasted good; it’s the presentation that was lacking. I only managed a few bites before admitting defeat; then I gorged myself on a lovely plate of potatoes & various veg:-) But I reckon I'm doing pretty well...for a girl who wouldn't touch fish a year ago!

Logic. Or lack thereof

Hmm, guess I’ve been quiet for a bit. I suppose my only excuse is that last week I was very much sidetracked by the Zone 6 club championship basketball games that were hosted in Lusaka. Teams came from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, & Angola (two Zambian teams also participated- no women’s teams though- men only. Boo). There was much excitement & the final ended up being Angola (ranked first place in the country) versus Angola (third place in the country)- it was a GREAT game, though I was disappointed that the underdogs lost.

Otherwise…here’s a photo update of the few small things that have been going on.

Our good friend Kieran was back in Lusaka & had to get rid of some Commonwealth Games Canada attire- holla! I love my new jacket (though ever honest Sarah T. told me this wasn’t the most flattering photo of me- I’ve decided to post it anyway)*grin*.

Then my dear Aunt & Uncle in Florida happened to have a flight attendant friend who was flying to Lusaka & decided to throw together a package. What a lovely surprise & assortment of incredible treats!! Happy early Christmas to me & Al. (Oh, & the lady who delivered it is also a star- the tin of English biscuits she brought have clearly not been saved until the holiday season)*hahah*.

And the jams that my uncle sent finally convinced me to buy a toaster

(I’ve wanted a toaster for a long time but never bothered to invest in one…but with strawberry jam like this- how can you not put it on toast??)

YUM! Thus the subject of my post…I’m not really sure if that was a logical thing to do…buy a toaster because someone sent 3 jars of scrumptious jam??!! Well, it is mango season & there tend to be lots of brilliant mango preserves this time of year…

This seems to be one long run-on sentence; let me end it here before the grammar cops pull the post.

A Tribute to General Mills Cheerios

How I have longed for Cheerios. They used to be my fave breakfast…but I could never find anything similar here in Lusaka. I’ve spent the past couple years hooked on a divine raisin muesli which sort of took over my hunger for Cheerios. Then the other day in the grocery store I found something that looked just like Cheerios!
















Unfortunately, they don’t taste like Cheerios (I had my hopes so high)! They’ve glazed these O’s with something sugary and I have to admit defeat- they just don’t cut it.

Clearly, all is well if my biggest predicament is breakfast cereals.

I’m also determined to try an unripe mango with salt today, a common snack here; I’ve denied trying it up until now because I couldn’t understand why one would choose to eat an unripe fruit, especially one that is so scrumptious when ripe. But I might just love it- I’ll let ya know.

A silly confession

When I was writing my exams Alvin surprised me by bringing me home a new mobile (cell) phone. I had the same cheapie Motorola model for about 3 years, & it was the cause of much teasing- as in I had yet to "upgrade". So now that I’m upgraded people laugh even harder because my phone can actually have a ring tone; & the ring tone it came with happens to be “Live your Life” by Rihanna & T.I. Secretly (well, not so secretly anymore)- I love it*hahaha*. That is my confession- & I can just hear Jen & Canj’s reactions- & the groan from Carly! One of the kids I coach wanted to “Bluetooth” the track to his phone & to be honest- I have no idea what that means- aren’t I ridiculous?! I suppose my upgrade was in style, not in wits…speaking of which I even left my phone charging at home. Whoops.

Feels like spring

No, that's not it- it looks like spring. It is far too hot to feel the refreshing spring rains & cool air. That’s one thing I’ve never understood; how do these flowers spring up & out in the debilitating heat of Zambia’s “hot and dry season”? I suppose we’ve had a bit of rain, but the jacaranda trees always bloom at peak hot/dry season. Bizarre. Anyway, I’m posting for two major reasons:

1. Though Zambia’s elections may be contested, all has been calm and peaceful. I am so thankful. The opposition leader has lost out so we shall see if he kicks up a fuss. I was disappointed at the Inauguration ceremony when Mugabe appeared, proud as a peacock. I think the late Mwanawasa must have turned over in his grave. Zambia denounced his leadership shortly before Mwanawasa passed away, and now he’s celebrating with the current Zambian leader. Ah well, can’t have it all.

2. I’m thrilled to report that my flowers are blooming; my little garden is starting to flourish- hoorray!!

First, here's my portulaca that has come back after I thought I'd lost it. There is a stick in the background used to be my lavender:-( I'm not sure it will come back*hahah*

I think these are called Elephant ears & that my mother loves them. I didn't plant this but they have started spreading through my flowerbed, I may have to transplant the smaller ones so they do not take over my flowers...

I believe this is some kind of day lily- such beautiful sunny colours- they always make me smile! I'm so thrilled that I managed to transplant them from work to home- I guess my green thumb is coming back?