A Musungu's Life Goes On

Musungu (spelt as in the Bemba Language) means white European. The Bantu word is Mzungu and is used over a lot of southern Africa. Really I should have used the word Bazungu as that is the plural in Bemba. This is the language of most of the Zambian people here in this area at least. The children are taught in Bemba in the early years before learning English and carrying on with education with that.

Just recently we have both been going to various things around Ndola. Last weekend was a big public holiday here with “heroes Day” as one of the 3 days of holiday. Yes most places (except the big supermarkets) were closed Friday, then Monday and Tuesday. That gave time for a big International Trade Fair here in Ndola where many dignitaries came to see including the Zambian President, Mr Edgar Lungu, Many of his government ministers and other African Heads including Mr Uhuru Kenyatta from Kenya. It was a very big event so we had to go. It was interesting for us but we could not really see the interest, other than the very blue candy floss, for many of the school children being brought along in uniform from various schools. There was some British Interest as well in a Land Rover Stand although Land Rover is, I believe now owned by an Indian Company.

Malcom ChunKing Up

Dancers at the Trade Fair

Political Mini

Love these instruments

Public School Outing

Blue Candyfloss

Both of us have of course carried on with various school activities, visiting, talking to the teachers and trying very hard, sometimes frustratingly hard to get things sorted. It doesn’t help that I arrange to meet the guy who is putting in a new borehole at one school at 9.00am. I get there but no contractors so I phone. “On the way and just 20  mins away” followed by 1 hour later the same answer and again at 11.00. OK he and 2 lorries plus about 10 men arrive at midday. Great now to get started. “Sorry we have forgotten the main pipe for the pump” was the first words so of one goes to collect while the others stand waiting. At 1.00 they actually start and I leave at 4.00

Next day no sign at 10.00 of them so again on the phone, “Sorry worked hard yesterday and men tired so not coming in till midday” It is so frustrating getting things like this done but we will persevere and succeed (I hope)

We have also been walking in the area and exploring some of the Bush areas as well as going out driving to see other places not too far away.

One of the places we walked to is a small hill about 2 miles away through the bush. This is really the only hill around so it does stick out. On the way way came across a guy living in the woods making baskets, some for chickens and others just for general use. The hill itself was a bit weird. We could hear chanting so we asked if it was ok to walk up it and was told yes. It is a sacred hill and on it were many many groups (and individuals) all holding religious type gatherings. Some were very quiet, just sitting and reading, presumably a bible, while others were chanting, singing and even shouting all manner of things.

Also at the weekend, Emily our fantastic host here had a big Braai to celebrate her birthday that had happened a couple of days before. Lots of hers and her husband, Malcolm’s, friends came along and we had a great time.

More sunsets

A long exposure of Venus and Jupiter sinking below the tree line

On our walks we have been out looking for wildlife but sadly this area is pretty devoid of it apart from the birdlife and some reptiles. We often see larger birds going over but do tend to only have the smaller birds in the garden. Last week though we did manage a Long-Crested Eagle in the garden which was pretty amazing.

Long-Crested Eagle in the garden

Reptiles tend to be hundreds of lizards but again we did find a chameleon although we did manage a much better one at a boat club we went to on Tuesday. This one was huge compared to most around so was a good spot.

Big Chameleon

Jan with the Chameleon

Small Chameleon in the garden

Chameleon

We also love the signs around Africa, some are shop signs and some are just stuck on lampposts. These ones are self explanatory we think but if anyone does need a pen enlarging, We understand how difficult it must be to write with a small biro then let us know and we will put you in touch.

Pens to be enlarged so no excuses about your writing then

We have been here now for over 5 weeks and have less than a week left before we fly down to Johannesburg to collect out car then take about 5 weeks to drive back up through the bush and the national parks of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and finally Zambia. We hope to be able to post as we go but will never be sure of internet. When we come back we will be moving from Emily and Malcolm’s home into our own on Cherry Farm. This we are looking forward to immensely but will certainly miss the great welcome we have had here from all the family.