Well hello there again!

It’s been a while! Unfortunately, Jack and Sam were too wrapped up in their soccer game to blog so here we are filling you in on the past 2 days.

On Saturday the 23^rd, we went to the Munali High School eager to see the kids and take a field trip. To our surprise, the kids were all dressed up (one of our friends, Lolanji, was wearing 8 inch heels. OY!)  when we were told that this would be a very casual outing. After chatting for a bit, we boarded 2 Munali school buses and managed to fit 40 people in each bus along with cases of soda, drums, and a sound system. People were smushed 6 to a row when there technically were supposed to be 4… Although we all had our moments of claustrophobia, it was an efficient way to get close with people (in more than one way).

On our way to the game park, we were able to see a different part of Lusaka. We passed the industrial district and saw families (including toddlers) crushing and selling rocks on the side of the road for construction purposes. Although we were all aware of the severe poverty, it was eye opening to experience it in person.

Finally, after 2 long hours (we got lost and had to take a detour), we reached our destination. At the gate, the guards boarded the bus and took a head count. Although many saw this a normal, Sam believed it was a way to later check if anyone had been eaten by lions while visiting the park.

While waiting for lunch to arrive, most of us went on a ride around the park and saw zebras, buffalo, weird birds (Grace thought they were African chickens), kudu, antelope, impala, and wild tires. There were mixed feelings about the park. Our deaf friend, Limbikani, was terrified that he would get eaten alive by the lions while others, including Enock, wanted the lions to poke their heads the bus and say hello!

Lunch was still not there so we decided to start the program. Sam and Carly (yes, the 2 most talented vocalists in the group) were randomly chosen to sing for everyone. Their choice song? Call Me Maybe. Tendai, the coordinator of the outing, sang Killing Me Softly while Gabe and Tommy sang backup harmonies. We were also excited to watch the performances which were also narrated in sign for the deaf. We watched plays, poetry, dances with traditional (but revealing) clothing, and songs and plays from the deaf. By the end of the performances, we had all been pulled up to participate in the dances and embarrassed ourselves with our white moves. I guess we’ve got some learning to do! Afterwards, people stripped into their bathing suits and jumped in the pool.

Lunch finally arrived at 3 pm and the portions were as large as our heads. There was pork, chicken, coleslaw, pasta, soda, fruit, two different types of rice and potato salad. Despite the large portions, we all managed to finish every last crumb on our plates.

After a long day of activities, the ride back was surprisingly peaceful and pleasant. We arrived back at Munali, said our goodbyes, and headed back home as the sun started to set.

NEXT DAY (aka today, Sunday the 24th):

Today was a mellow day. We had a late start and got dressed in our Sunday best. We walked to Saint Clare’s and attended a once-in-a-life-time church service. It was full of traditional songs with drumming, dancing, and harmonic parts. Saint Clare’s had beautiful brick walls and large windows allowing the light to shine in. We listened to the priest give a sermon in Nyanga.  Afterwards, we gathered in the courtyard outside the church and mingled with church goers and one of the Sisters. Some of the kids from church walked back to Pioneer Camp with us as we made our way to lunch.

After a quick bite to eat, we loaded the bus and drove down to the Arcades; an open air craft’s market with several rows of shops and stalls. We shopped for an hour, bargaining with the local merchants, succeeding some of the time. Our favorite item was the 100% M’zungu t-shirt. The largest purchase of the day came from Sonja, who bought a 40 pound wooden elephant after much bargaining. While the hecklers were not as intense as some in other countries, our bargaining skills were put to the test and we had to be aware of scams.

Just before our dinner of burgers and sweet potato fries, the power went out and we were forced to eat in candlelight (very romantic I know). Our group discussion was held in utter darkness, an interesting way to reflect on the day’s events. But alas, power came on a mere 40 minutes before the kickoff of the England-Italy game, so Sam, Reed, and Josie did the dishes in record time (22 minutes to be exact) and rushed over to the bar where we are now enjoying this thrilling match. Allez England!

Tiza Onana,

Grace, Leora, and Sam

P.S. Happy Birthday Carol Spare! Sam loves you!