Oh dear, I just went to turn of the air conditioning in my office because I'm feeling a bit chilly. The A/C is supposed to be maintaing a temperature of 26 degrees Celsius...
Perhaps I have been here too long?! And it's not even cold season yet & I'm whining!!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Neglecting my blog
Well it feels like I haven't written in ages, but it's only been a week since my last post.
I think I have writer's block. There's so much happening for me right now, I just feel like nothing is important enough to share*giggle*
That being said, the first match of Cranium I've ever played in Lusaka did touchdown Tuesday evening. There was a lot going on...so it wasn't the best game, & then since we didn't drink enough wine, we became tired instead of rowdy. I think we'll plan a tournament & I'll try to document the excitement via photos!
Yup, guess things aren't that exciting. I'm just loving the humdrum of routine right now. More when I've a good story to report.
Oh, the update on Breakthrough Sports Academy Basketball. The girls commitment is still up & down, but I have so much to learn from Coach Alinafe's patience. Some days he has 1 girl, other days he has 6. In the meantime (which is the good news), the Under 15 boys team has started training this week! And Alinafe's response to my question about whether or not he's frustrated was: "Now I have the boys to work with, & the girls will come". Kudos Ali!!
I think I have writer's block. There's so much happening for me right now, I just feel like nothing is important enough to share*giggle*
That being said, the first match of Cranium I've ever played in Lusaka did touchdown Tuesday evening. There was a lot going on...so it wasn't the best game, & then since we didn't drink enough wine, we became tired instead of rowdy. I think we'll plan a tournament & I'll try to document the excitement via photos!
Yup, guess things aren't that exciting. I'm just loving the humdrum of routine right now. More when I've a good story to report.
Oh, the update on Breakthrough Sports Academy Basketball. The girls commitment is still up & down, but I have so much to learn from Coach Alinafe's patience. Some days he has 1 girl, other days he has 6. In the meantime (which is the good news), the Under 15 boys team has started training this week! And Alinafe's response to my question about whether or not he's frustrated was: "Now I have the boys to work with, & the girls will come". Kudos Ali!!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Home for the holidays!
I’m so excited, I don’t actually know how I’m going to wait until July 30th now…
I will be coming home WITH Alvin for 3 weeks! We’ll arrive in Edmonton on July 31st & return to Lusaka on the 19th of August. I’m so excited that I won’t be making the marathon journey alone, & I’m just looking so forward to everything. First, introducing Alvin to you all, & second, introducing him to my country. After that excitement, I’m just planning all of the meals I’m craving (Gran’s/ parents’ home cooking), all of the restaurants I need to re-visit & places I’ve missed…from Hawrelak Park to Jasper!
We’ll be home in time for BBQ’s, slurpees, fresh air & Edmonton’s famous festivals! Let’s start planning!!!!!!
It should prove to be an overwhelming couple of weeks, I’ll be sure to savour every second! Can’t wait to catch up with you all
I will be coming home WITH Alvin for 3 weeks! We’ll arrive in Edmonton on July 31st & return to Lusaka on the 19th of August. I’m so excited that I won’t be making the marathon journey alone, & I’m just looking so forward to everything. First, introducing Alvin to you all, & second, introducing him to my country. After that excitement, I’m just planning all of the meals I’m craving (Gran’s/ parents’ home cooking), all of the restaurants I need to re-visit & places I’ve missed…from Hawrelak Park to Jasper!
We’ll be home in time for BBQ’s, slurpees, fresh air & Edmonton’s famous festivals! Let’s start planning!!!!!!
It should prove to be an overwhelming couple of weeks, I’ll be sure to savour every second! Can’t wait to catch up with you all
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Vinkubala
Pronounced: Vin-ku-vala
Definition: Bemba delicacy of fried caterpillars
Now, if I was really smart I would’ve brought my camera to Kolo’s for her “Zambian cuisine” dinner party. But I really wasn’t expecting so many traditional dishes. Of course, my eyes were riveted on the two big bowls of fried black caterpillars. All of my favourite other dishes are there: village chicken, lumanda (particular type of vegetable cooked in a peanut sauce), nshima, chikanda...But there I am, stopped with one hand on the red wine bottle peering down at the brown-headed, semi-curled, many-legged (or furry?) caterpillars.
My words of recent days echoed in my head “I would only try those things if I knew they were prepared properly, at a friend’s place”. Push came to shove & I popped one. The taste was actually ok, the texture less appetizing; it was like a sand bomb had exploded in my mouth. Confession: I only managed to eat one. And I felt like the remnants of caterpillar gut were stuck in my teeth until I had thoroughly washed it down with food & wine.
I’ve been chuckling reminiscing about my days at the former Provincial Museum of Alberta. The husband to my Grade 3 teacher had me eating live mealworms…& I only managed one fried caterpillar??
What is life without a little adventure? Next time I’ll take photos*giggling*
Definition: Bemba delicacy of fried caterpillars
Now, if I was really smart I would’ve brought my camera to Kolo’s for her “Zambian cuisine” dinner party. But I really wasn’t expecting so many traditional dishes. Of course, my eyes were riveted on the two big bowls of fried black caterpillars. All of my favourite other dishes are there: village chicken, lumanda (particular type of vegetable cooked in a peanut sauce), nshima, chikanda...But there I am, stopped with one hand on the red wine bottle peering down at the brown-headed, semi-curled, many-legged (or furry?) caterpillars.
My words of recent days echoed in my head “I would only try those things if I knew they were prepared properly, at a friend’s place”. Push came to shove & I popped one. The taste was actually ok, the texture less appetizing; it was like a sand bomb had exploded in my mouth. Confession: I only managed to eat one. And I felt like the remnants of caterpillar gut were stuck in my teeth until I had thoroughly washed it down with food & wine.
I’ve been chuckling reminiscing about my days at the former Provincial Museum of Alberta. The husband to my Grade 3 teacher had me eating live mealworms…& I only managed one fried caterpillar??
What is life without a little adventure? Next time I’ll take photos*giggling*
Saturday, April 07, 2007
An Aside
I found myself giggling on my walk home from work yesterday. I love the things that remind me that I don't live in North America!
Passing a young man on the dusty pathway, I couldn't help but notice how his starched white top matched exactly his shiny white dress shoes- the only interruption being a pair of baggy jeans. A slow broad smile spread to my lips just as my phone beeped that I had a new message. Saved by the excuse to giggle while looking at the face of my phone, I didn't feel too "crazy" (laughing all by myself, that is). Better yet, it was my Canadian friend complaining about some annoyance ...perfect opportunity to verify if I haven't been gone from Canada too long.
My text reply:
"Male dress: Please remind me if white dress shoes = pimp, and it is indeed a fashion faux pas to wear aqua socks in public. Reminders as to why we love Zambia".
Disclaimer: I do not have any male friends here who sport white dress shoes.
Confession: I do have two male friends who move around Lusaka in aqua socks.
Point in case: Living proof: my dear friend Alinafe
Passing a young man on the dusty pathway, I couldn't help but notice how his starched white top matched exactly his shiny white dress shoes- the only interruption being a pair of baggy jeans. A slow broad smile spread to my lips just as my phone beeped that I had a new message. Saved by the excuse to giggle while looking at the face of my phone, I didn't feel too "crazy" (laughing all by myself, that is). Better yet, it was my Canadian friend complaining about some annoyance ...perfect opportunity to verify if I haven't been gone from Canada too long.
My text reply:
"Male dress: Please remind me if white dress shoes = pimp, and it is indeed a fashion faux pas to wear aqua socks in public. Reminders as to why we love Zambia".
Disclaimer: I do not have any male friends here who sport white dress shoes.
Confession: I do have two male friends who move around Lusaka in aqua socks.
Point in case: Living proof: my dear friend Alinafe
Chaminuka March 2007
I absolutely lucked out! I was invited to a conference at the end of March, held at a beautiful lodge about an hour outside of Lusaka. The lodge is actually quite near to Lusaka…but there are about 23 km on a heavily pot-holed road. The bumpy ride is very much worth it though. (I’m sure my folks & my Uncle can second that motion)! There must be hundreds of hectares of property filled with giraffe, a couple of elephants, hundreds of antelope, zebra etc. The more dangerous creatures are in outdoor cages- they have both lions & hyenas. The lodge itself is magnificent with a heated pool, incredible meals (cheese factory + game meat), & all local alcoholic beverages included. Yes, that means Amarula, Castle, Mosi and Malawi gin for free*giggle*
I was able to go for a ‘bush-walk’ (during which I saw more insects than animals) & for about a two-hour horseback ride. I’ve selected only my favourite shots so those of you who have yet to visit me here will have an idea of why one might want to stay in this “paradise” (as one visitor from Canada put it this morning). Another friend mentioned (after waking up & heading out onto my little patio) “why would you want to live anywhere else?”
What am I trying to justify? You all know I love it here…I’ll just be awaiting more visitors*warm smile*. I must confess, some of these African savannah shots remind me of the beautiful Canadian prairies I have grown to love. So much wonder & calm.
Sun playing on the field
Prairie? Savannah.
Mama Giraffe
Amusing African art*insert wicked smile here*
I was able to go for a ‘bush-walk’ (during which I saw more insects than animals) & for about a two-hour horseback ride. I’ve selected only my favourite shots so those of you who have yet to visit me here will have an idea of why one might want to stay in this “paradise” (as one visitor from Canada put it this morning). Another friend mentioned (after waking up & heading out onto my little patio) “why would you want to live anywhere else?”
What am I trying to justify? You all know I love it here…I’ll just be awaiting more visitors*warm smile*. I must confess, some of these African savannah shots remind me of the beautiful Canadian prairies I have grown to love. So much wonder & calm.
Sun playing on the field
Prairie? Savannah.
Mama Giraffe
Amusing African art*insert wicked smile here*
Thursday, April 05, 2007
It's official!
I will be home on July 31st!!! Woohoo! I've got my plane ticket in hand & am so excited to be heading back to Edmonton for my favourite time of year.
I will be back in Lusaka on the 19th of August.
To be fair, I am missing every wedding I have been invited to this year. I'm sorry for that, but in the end it will be easier to catch up with the crew of you when you're not on the altar, right?? (It didn't actually happen on purpose, applying for leave was a process).
The only other business is that Alvin's ticket is booked, but nothing can be confirmed until his visitor's visa is approved. And we haven't applied yet...so that news will follow HOPEFULLY soon!!
Happy Easter to you all, I'm looking forward to a relaxing 4-day weekend! And of course, seeing many of you this summer!
I will be back in Lusaka on the 19th of August.
To be fair, I am missing every wedding I have been invited to this year. I'm sorry for that, but in the end it will be easier to catch up with the crew of you when you're not on the altar, right?? (It didn't actually happen on purpose, applying for leave was a process).
The only other business is that Alvin's ticket is booked, but nothing can be confirmed until his visitor's visa is approved. And we haven't applied yet...so that news will follow HOPEFULLY soon!!
Happy Easter to you all, I'm looking forward to a relaxing 4-day weekend! And of course, seeing many of you this summer!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
1st Drop in Sports Camp of 2007
I had such a great weekend! (I am speaking of 30th, 31st, March)*smile*
On Friday (that would have been the 30th of March) Breakthrough Sports Academy had our first “Drop in Sports Camp” for 2007. BSA has three grounds at which we offer coaching & football. The main grounds certainly attract most of the attention, and are central for all of the coaches to meet. Our Drop in Sports Camps fall under our “Outreach” programs. Our aim is to target those kids we don’t have in our regular programs, and to cause some commotion at our ‘outreach’ grounds.
As we moved deeper into Luangwa compound, the stares become longer, & more children are curiously calling “mzungu”. It is safe for me to move around in compounds (aka shanty towns), but it is certainly uncommon for white people to spend time within the compounds.
We coordinated the event with the help of Zilole, the young man who coaches most of teams at Kampala grounds. Zilole has re-inspired me in every respect. We had over fifty children participate (we were hoping for about thirty), and they all must have been under 14 years old. Zilole didn’t flinch. He had ALL of the kids up, organized, singing & dancing. I was amazed. All of the kids adore him, & somehow he manages to get these kids to play football in an organized manner.
Zilole is always quiet during our coaches meetings, & only ever quietly requested that we coaches try to make it out to his grounds. Now I understand why. There are so many kids, & there is so much potential for the grounds to be an enormous hub of activity, but he certainly can’t do it alone. Both the Director of BSA & myself are hoping to recruit some coaches to help him out, & to get more than football happening at the grounds (some educational components such as HIV/AIDS education, active living, leadership development, and team building would be so beneficial to the kids in these communities).
I love how my perceptions of “success” have changed during my time in Lusaka. Our program started 45 minutes late, & one of the facilitators pitched up at the grounds when we were supposed to be finishing the program. But the fact that we attracted so many kids (16 of whom were young girls), & that all of the children who participated had so much fun counter those minor “upsets”.
I continue to be humbled by young Zambians I meet. Zilole couldn’t thank me enough for being out there. It makes no sense to me why it matters that I go, and then I realize that he feels like he’s finally getting the support he needs from the “greater BSA”. I feel revitalized, and so do my colleagues. It’s a wonderful feeling to want to give more. If I ever manage to get more of Zilole’s “story” (in my broken Nyanja), I’ll be sure to include it on my blog.
Malanga (director of BSA) Zilole nearby
She looks so happy!
George teaching 'chinese baseball'
Zilole circling up the troops
Peter.
More kids
On Friday (that would have been the 30th of March) Breakthrough Sports Academy had our first “Drop in Sports Camp” for 2007. BSA has three grounds at which we offer coaching & football. The main grounds certainly attract most of the attention, and are central for all of the coaches to meet. Our Drop in Sports Camps fall under our “Outreach” programs. Our aim is to target those kids we don’t have in our regular programs, and to cause some commotion at our ‘outreach’ grounds.
As we moved deeper into Luangwa compound, the stares become longer, & more children are curiously calling “mzungu”. It is safe for me to move around in compounds (aka shanty towns), but it is certainly uncommon for white people to spend time within the compounds.
We coordinated the event with the help of Zilole, the young man who coaches most of teams at Kampala grounds. Zilole has re-inspired me in every respect. We had over fifty children participate (we were hoping for about thirty), and they all must have been under 14 years old. Zilole didn’t flinch. He had ALL of the kids up, organized, singing & dancing. I was amazed. All of the kids adore him, & somehow he manages to get these kids to play football in an organized manner.
Zilole is always quiet during our coaches meetings, & only ever quietly requested that we coaches try to make it out to his grounds. Now I understand why. There are so many kids, & there is so much potential for the grounds to be an enormous hub of activity, but he certainly can’t do it alone. Both the Director of BSA & myself are hoping to recruit some coaches to help him out, & to get more than football happening at the grounds (some educational components such as HIV/AIDS education, active living, leadership development, and team building would be so beneficial to the kids in these communities).
I love how my perceptions of “success” have changed during my time in Lusaka. Our program started 45 minutes late, & one of the facilitators pitched up at the grounds when we were supposed to be finishing the program. But the fact that we attracted so many kids (16 of whom were young girls), & that all of the children who participated had so much fun counter those minor “upsets”.
I continue to be humbled by young Zambians I meet. Zilole couldn’t thank me enough for being out there. It makes no sense to me why it matters that I go, and then I realize that he feels like he’s finally getting the support he needs from the “greater BSA”. I feel revitalized, and so do my colleagues. It’s a wonderful feeling to want to give more. If I ever manage to get more of Zilole’s “story” (in my broken Nyanja), I’ll be sure to include it on my blog.
Malanga (director of BSA) Zilole nearby
She looks so happy!
George teaching 'chinese baseball'
Zilole circling up the troops
Peter.
More kids
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
We got Hoops!
Woo hoo! At long last, after months of waiting, BSA will train today on our full court- I can't wait. I'm so excited I may actually play with the boys today instead of coaching them*grin*
Friday, March 30, 2007
A little bit of luck
At least I managed to post this bit. I'll try to tackle photos from my latest adventures next week! (There are a few good ones)!
Happy Friday.
Happy Friday.
A tumultuous endeavour
As many of my blogs point out, one of the things that keeps me happiest here is volunteering with Breakthrough Sports Academy (BSA). I am so obviously proud of "my boys", and all of the work we do together. Mostly, they remind me I am a fortunate person, and that amidst all of the challenges we face, there is much fun to be had! I am inspired by these kids, & they have NO idea!
One of my dreams has been (falling alongside the goals of the greater BSA) to start up a girls BSA basketball team. The boys have been less than enthusiastic, and not one of them has recruited a sister or cousin or neighbour. I'm smiling, because they are going to have such a learning curve; the girls are coming out!!
I want to shed a little light on how challenging this commitment will be:
One of my dreams has been (falling alongside the goals of the greater BSA) to start up a girls BSA basketball team. The boys have been less than enthusiastic, and not one of them has recruited a sister or cousin or neighbour. I'm smiling, because they are going to have such a learning curve; the girls are coming out!!
I want to shed a little light on how challenging this commitment will be:
NB* I am not the full-time coach, but agreed to get the ball rolling (literally?) while on ‘leave’.
Day 1: I came to the courts with 3 female Zambian coaches (one played ball in Germany, one recently returned from Namibia after traveling with Zambia's Under 20 National team, and one is not a basketball star but is a wonderful leader). To my horror, not ONE girl came to the court to join the team. Needless to say I unloaded on the people who were recruiting, and my ultimatum was that I'm giving four days, & if no girls show interest, we have failed.
Day 2: Flip-side; I had 5 girls and I was the only coach!
Day 3: I knew I would be the only coach for the day, so I made a last minute SOS call to my friend Alinafe. Day 2 I had had a few problems with translating...my Nyanja isn't so great, & a couple of the girls didn't speak any English. Thank goodness Alinafe could help; we had our all-time high turnout- 8 girls. I never would have managed without him. (He’s also recently committed to being the Head Coach)!! Woohoo.
Day 4: I was disappointed because we dipped back down to 4 players. And I was again the only coach. Heart-wrenching note: I wanted to start a team register so I asked the girls to record their names, ages, & the name of the school they attend. Three of the four girls couldn’t write. They are aged 11-17 and my heart was broken. I still haven’t decided how we get those girls into better schools…but this is Lusaka (where they say the literacy rate is much higher than in reality- I believe).
Day 5: No one pitches...none of the 4 coaches I had recruited, and not one girl. (Granted, Alinafe did come by later…so he’s still in my good books)!
Day 6: Back up to Alinafe coaching, & 5-7 girls.
The Youth Basketball League had a meeting with all of the teams last Saturday. I thought it the perfect opportunity to introduce the wavering girl’s team to the whole league. Guess what- success! Five girls showed up, and they all became much more serious/ interested in playing. Now I'm overly optimistic & have no idea what will happen at the courts today*smile*. Though there should be 2 coaches, with me coming in after work. I'll most certainly keep you updated on our progress...I hope these girls create a space in my heart like my BSA boys have. I keep telling myself not to expect too much, or to be too optimistic because things never play out too easily here.
A friend at Right to Play donated a full kit for the girls, so now all we need are hoops...then we'll start the photo ops!!! Yeah, that’s probably the biggest feat of all- our only hoop taken down in December 2006 with the promise of a full court going up. Alas, it’s March 2007 & we’re still trying to patch the court so the hoops will come up as soon as possible. So that feat- we have two teams training for basketball without a court- we’re doing something right!!! The numbers are bound to go up once we have the full court (and of course our game will improve substantially).
With all of these struggles & frustrations, why am I so excited about the upcoming season? Must be the kids…
technical difficulties
So it seems I can no longer blog from work, I must be blocked or something (I'm grumpy because I used to go into the office early to do a few personal things, such as blog... & now I can't do it)
My plan is to still do some writing from the office & try to upload it from an Internet Cafe.
This will be attempt #1. I'm going to try to post some things that've been happening over the past couple of weeks.
Keep your fingers crossed!!!
My plan is to still do some writing from the office & try to upload it from an Internet Cafe.
This will be attempt #1. I'm going to try to post some things that've been happening over the past couple of weeks.
Keep your fingers crossed!!!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Good friends + Cheap rum = A great night!
As luck would have it, I've met a great Canadian girl here, also named Sarah. We always get the giggles during introductions because it seems to Zambians like most Canadian girls are named Sarah. (Walking down the street I am often assaulted by shouts of "Mary", "Jane" in attempts to catch my attention...but no one has yet successfully yelled out 'Sarah'. Sometimes people guess countries, I hear "America" a lot, but my favourite has to be "Russia").
I've digressed.
All I wanted to post is that we brought in Sarah's 20-something-th birthday in style! For those of you who haven't seen me in awhile, you'll be pleased to note that I haven't changed much; after a couple of drinks I still reach a shiny shade of red!
Me being goofy. As usual.
Sarah squared!
Most of the crew
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Victoria Falls via bike
Alvin & I met up with Kirstie & her brother Joel for a day of "keeping fit". It was too much fun.
Just making sure everything is in line before we start rolling.
Ain't no ride like...a stolen bike. Good ol'"ox" song stuck in my head for the whole day! And my only explanation for Kirstie is...her nickname is Jazzy*grin*
On our way to the sight (sound, smell & taste) of Mosi-ao-Tunya "The Smoke that Thunders", or thanks to David Livingstone, more famously known as one of the world's seven natural wonders- the Victoria Falls.
A piece of those Falls with Al & Joel ("Jazzy's" brother- visiting from Victoria, BC)
This is how we look AFTER the Falls. (We got drenched crossing the Knife Edge bridge, & I have to admit I behaved like a small child when I realized I could stand in the centre of a perfectly circular rainbow...or raincircle I suppose).
An attempt to balance (I think), en route to the boiling point.
A brief rest before our cycling journey back involved fending off hungry monkeys. So hungry in fact, they thought the crown would be delectable...until feeling threatened by she-primate Jazzy attacking with sandals. No monkeys were hurt. Promise.
Just making sure everything is in line before we start rolling.
Ain't no ride like...a stolen bike. Good ol'"ox" song stuck in my head for the whole day! And my only explanation for Kirstie is...her nickname is Jazzy*grin*
On our way to the sight (sound, smell & taste) of Mosi-ao-Tunya "The Smoke that Thunders", or thanks to David Livingstone, more famously known as one of the world's seven natural wonders- the Victoria Falls.
A piece of those Falls with Al & Joel ("Jazzy's" brother- visiting from Victoria, BC)
This is how we look AFTER the Falls. (We got drenched crossing the Knife Edge bridge, & I have to admit I behaved like a small child when I realized I could stand in the centre of a perfectly circular rainbow...or raincircle I suppose).
An attempt to balance (I think), en route to the boiling point.
A brief rest before our cycling journey back involved fending off hungry monkeys. So hungry in fact, they thought the crown would be delectable...until feeling threatened by she-primate Jazzy attacking with sandals. No monkeys were hurt. Promise.
The hiatus is OVER!
Hi all, sorry for being out of touch for some time. I took an abrupt two week holiday once I accepted my full-time position here in Lusaka. So much has happened I don't know where to start... the ‘holiday’ started & finished with a Canadian bang, perhaps I can go from there?!
Here is the skeleton update…photos to be added in future ‘blogs’:
- Headed off to Livingstone for a weekend of adventure with Kirstie (Canadian friend based
in Cape Town aka Jazzy). As the photos will reveal…we decided to cycle to the Victoria Falls, it was a wonderfully active day!
- Came back home & spent some time cleaning, baking, & plucking grey hairs (horrifying reality of ageing…with my 26th around the corner)
- Was able to start BSA GIRLS Basketball team (WOOHOO), I have envisioned something like this since my arrival in Lusaka 2.5 years ago. It will be a tumultuous season, of that I’m sure- and the details will have to be revealed in an upcoming blog.
- Made time to visit & putter, things I haven’t had time to do in AGES!
- My last weekend before career-dom included a visit from a good ol’ friend Kieran (know in these parts as "Mabvuto" = problems). He is here on business but we’ve managed to make time to over-indulge in food, basketball, talking and sun! It’s been a great surprise for many of us who first met Kieran when he worked here in- was it 2003-04?! The perfect reason to have a couple beers…right?!
It’s hard to believe my time off is already over, but I am excited about settling down into a new job! Photos to come…which means I’ll be in touch much more frequently now that I don’t have to scream at slooooow Internet connections in public places. Maybe that was the cause of the onset of more grey hair, hmm.
Ciao for now
Here is the skeleton update…photos to be added in future ‘blogs’:
- Headed off to Livingstone for a weekend of adventure with Kirstie (Canadian friend based
in Cape Town aka Jazzy). As the photos will reveal…we decided to cycle to the Victoria Falls, it was a wonderfully active day!
- Came back home & spent some time cleaning, baking, & plucking grey hairs (horrifying reality of ageing…with my 26th around the corner)
- Was able to start BSA GIRLS Basketball team (WOOHOO), I have envisioned something like this since my arrival in Lusaka 2.5 years ago. It will be a tumultuous season, of that I’m sure- and the details will have to be revealed in an upcoming blog.
- Made time to visit & putter, things I haven’t had time to do in AGES!
- My last weekend before career-dom included a visit from a good ol’ friend Kieran (know in these parts as "Mabvuto" = problems). He is here on business but we’ve managed to make time to over-indulge in food, basketball, talking and sun! It’s been a great surprise for many of us who first met Kieran when he worked here in- was it 2003-04?! The perfect reason to have a couple beers…right?!
It’s hard to believe my time off is already over, but I am excited about settling down into a new job! Photos to come…which means I’ll be in touch much more frequently now that I don’t have to scream at slooooow Internet connections in public places. Maybe that was the cause of the onset of more grey hair, hmm.
Ciao for now
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Last
Last: Zambian term that could mean many things depending on the situation, tone, or level of sarcasm. I couldn't think up a better way to describe the current confusion in my heart, body & mind.
I have waited months to make this announcement, & now that is comes to my moment of glory, I feel a twinge of sadness. The great news is, that after a ridiculously long interview process, I have (out of over 350 applicants) been selected for a permanent position under the Aid Section at the Canadian High Commission in Lusaka. I've waited nearly one month for the paperwork to clear- and it is now official! My title will be 'administrative assistant', however I feel like a more appropriate title would be: "development tourism officer". First I'm thrilled- it's a great step for my professional development (working for CIDA will be great on my C.V, I'm working in my field of recreational management/ international development, I get to pursue French classes once again etc etc), & personally- I will be able to plan the next couple of years with my Zambian boyfriend. I have stability, benefits, & for the first time in my life I'm kissing contract life 'good-bye'.
However I know the decision weighs heavy in the hearts of my parents, family, my friends, & especially my grandmother. In my heart, despite the people I miss daily, I'm sure this is the right decision for me. I have thrown myself whole-heartedly into Lusaka life, & I'm in no way ready to leave here. I suppose I just need everyone to know that my door will always be open, now that I know I'll be here for a while. The 'permanent' job will also provide me with the opportunity to travel home...let's plan for summer 2007!
Please, continue to keep me in the loop of all of the weddings, new babies, & events that take place from wherever you are reading this. News from home always keeps me afloat on my bad days, & connected on my good days!
I feel like somehow this is a new beginning, & I'm so excited for the opportunities that will continue flowing in my direction.
Last.
I have waited months to make this announcement, & now that is comes to my moment of glory, I feel a twinge of sadness. The great news is, that after a ridiculously long interview process, I have (out of over 350 applicants) been selected for a permanent position under the Aid Section at the Canadian High Commission in Lusaka. I've waited nearly one month for the paperwork to clear- and it is now official! My title will be 'administrative assistant', however I feel like a more appropriate title would be: "development tourism officer". First I'm thrilled- it's a great step for my professional development (working for CIDA will be great on my C.V, I'm working in my field of recreational management/ international development, I get to pursue French classes once again etc etc), & personally- I will be able to plan the next couple of years with my Zambian boyfriend. I have stability, benefits, & for the first time in my life I'm kissing contract life 'good-bye'.
However I know the decision weighs heavy in the hearts of my parents, family, my friends, & especially my grandmother. In my heart, despite the people I miss daily, I'm sure this is the right decision for me. I have thrown myself whole-heartedly into Lusaka life, & I'm in no way ready to leave here. I suppose I just need everyone to know that my door will always be open, now that I know I'll be here for a while. The 'permanent' job will also provide me with the opportunity to travel home...let's plan for summer 2007!
Please, continue to keep me in the loop of all of the weddings, new babies, & events that take place from wherever you are reading this. News from home always keeps me afloat on my bad days, & connected on my good days!
I feel like somehow this is a new beginning, & I'm so excited for the opportunities that will continue flowing in my direction.
Last.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Second Edition- Ladies Night in Lusaka
The only photo that turned out from the night...& also the only photo I didn't take!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Driving down Young Street on a Friday…
A bit of a random blog.
I was feeling so nostalgic the other day listening to some good ol’ K-OS Canadiana; and it reminded me of this young man’s impression of Canada. Let me set the context. I met Peter at the Sport for Social Change conference in Kenya. He is a part of MYSA’s (www.mysakenya.org) “Shootback” program- therefore filming and photographing the conference events. He had been invited to Vancouver for the launch of this book he was a part of publishing. The only thing he said to me was “China town”. I immediately started laughing as I recalled that notorious East Hastings is next to Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Isn’t that awful- this kid was horrified by the drugs, homelessness & addiction he saw in Vancouver. This is a kid who comes from one of Nairobi’s biggest slums. And Nairobi is infamous for Africa’s slum-life.
How’s that for perspective. I love awakenings like that!!
The next story is non-sequitor…but I have to share! I had a great evening yesterday as I was set for a ‘working day’ with my basketball team. (We’ve had an incredibly slow start to the 2007 season as we actually do not have a court). The agreement has been that we must patch the court, extend from the concrete into the grass line (which involves slashing the grass & turning/ leveling the soil) manually. Of course, this is not really a project suitable for a respectable mzungu woman. I find myself- as the sun is setting and emblazoning the wispy clouds across the sky- with an enormous pick-axe in hand. My commitment to the team is not only as a figurehead. I had the boys (& several older coaches) beside themselves with laughter as I swung the heavy axe to uproot the stubborn grass at my feet. I was so chuffed with myself! It was like heavy-duty gardening that I have been missing so much! I managed a small patch and felt at least a part of all of the work that was going on around me. And as we have less than a month before our league starts…we really need to make ourselves a court- keep your fingers crossed for us! Wish I had my camera...
I was feeling so nostalgic the other day listening to some good ol’ K-OS Canadiana; and it reminded me of this young man’s impression of Canada. Let me set the context. I met Peter at the Sport for Social Change conference in Kenya. He is a part of MYSA’s (www.mysakenya.org) “Shootback” program- therefore filming and photographing the conference events. He had been invited to Vancouver for the launch of this book he was a part of publishing. The only thing he said to me was “China town”. I immediately started laughing as I recalled that notorious East Hastings is next to Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Isn’t that awful- this kid was horrified by the drugs, homelessness & addiction he saw in Vancouver. This is a kid who comes from one of Nairobi’s biggest slums. And Nairobi is infamous for Africa’s slum-life.
How’s that for perspective. I love awakenings like that!!
The next story is non-sequitor…but I have to share! I had a great evening yesterday as I was set for a ‘working day’ with my basketball team. (We’ve had an incredibly slow start to the 2007 season as we actually do not have a court). The agreement has been that we must patch the court, extend from the concrete into the grass line (which involves slashing the grass & turning/ leveling the soil) manually. Of course, this is not really a project suitable for a respectable mzungu woman. I find myself- as the sun is setting and emblazoning the wispy clouds across the sky- with an enormous pick-axe in hand. My commitment to the team is not only as a figurehead. I had the boys (& several older coaches) beside themselves with laughter as I swung the heavy axe to uproot the stubborn grass at my feet. I was so chuffed with myself! It was like heavy-duty gardening that I have been missing so much! I managed a small patch and felt at least a part of all of the work that was going on around me. And as we have less than a month before our league starts…we really need to make ourselves a court- keep your fingers crossed for us! Wish I had my camera...
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
First Edition: Ladies Night Out Lusaka
For anyone who knows me...you will not be surprised to learn that I managed to get a group of gals together for out first "ladies night out". We hit up the ol' bowling lanes & had a blast. It's the first ladies night I've been to where there was NO alcohol, & no dancing!! Both absences have been requested to be top priorities for our next outing...which may be taking place this Friday- there may not be photos from that event*evil laugh*
Thought some of you might enjoy a couple photos of my life outside of basketball?!
Back row left to right: Namukolo, Vicky, Kupela, Inutu, Mildred
Me with Mildred & Inutu!
Thought some of you might enjoy a couple photos of my life outside of basketball?!
Back row left to right: Namukolo, Vicky, Kupela, Inutu, MildredFront row left to right: ME, Leah, Sarah
Me with Mildred & Inutu!
GRRR!
I have to admit, I knew it was coming- but what a pain in the BUTT! While blogging recently I'd realized Google had started recommending opening a Gmail account so that I can continue blogging. So my lovely Gmail friends sent me invitations to sign up...all so that I can keep in touch with all of you floaters in cyber space. There's just no respect for those of us who don't live in North America...it's been such a hassle. And the last thing I need is another bloody email account*giggling*
Now watch, I'll be blacklisted & so much for my blog life. Anyhoo- Happy Valentine's Day- here's me & my Valentine...yes, early this morning & I'm obviously not yet very coordinated!!!
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