Still in Lusaka but not much longer. The days go by and staying at the Paceli Hostel could become a bit of a habit. There is one major reason for not travelling much which is the cost of anything to do with tourist activities, so reserving my resources for when I get to Livingstone in a couple of days time. Also, it is apparent that to do a lot of this part of Africa, a lot of time and money is required. Most of the people here are seriously long term travellers or doing some sort of work. Anyway, with people like Miriam running the place, and lots of interesting friendly folk, it makes a static situation very pleasant. Here is Miriam with her 19 month old cute little charmer.
Today is Sunday and the Sunday craft market is open. African crafts such as ebony elephants, rip off rhinos wooden face masks are in abundance.
I quite liked these small wire bicycles with the colourful riders. Maybe when I return here next week I'll get one.
The prices of these batique materials seemed considerably lower that in Europe. I suppose that's normal but a long way to go for a bargain!
After the market we headed off for the mall about half way between the market and the hostel. With the death of Madiba last week, its been top of the news, not only in SA but also all of Southern Africa. The mall doesn't have a multiplex cinema but at least its a new modern one surrounded by coffee shops, a Wimpy, and shops selling all the latest street fashions. Africa???
But that's what we did, three of us went to see 'Long Walk to Freedom'. Not a bad movie but maybe Richard Attenborough, bless the old darling, would have made a much better job of it.
Doing nothing has always been one of my greatest aspects so with nothing to do, this short movie clip materialized from the last night's culinary experience.
A couple of the lads have just gone out to reserve a table at a nearby restaurant so it looks like another food experience is in store later on. Hopefully, it'll rain again this evening and adjust the temperature to a pleasant level, hopefully.
The Paseli Pool team were in action last night while the rain drummed on the car port roof. Algerian, Indian, German and a person of doubtful origin.
The rainy season should have begun a month ago but it has been late. The heat of the first days abruptly changed yesterday evening with several heavy showers. The change was a joy and I slept through the night without the any restlessness. Breakfast in the compound yard with a couple of African agricultural specialists from the copper belt in the north. Interesting chat about the problems of storing farm produce.
Its been a pleasant sociable day with two of the pool team. We walked down to the city, again for me, and did a few things like changing money. Lusaka has its shabby side and this street more than meets that description. Pi... Alley perhaps?
Crossing the railway bridge, heading towards the bus station, I spotted the origin of some of the market porter's barrows. They are converted from wheelbarrows and fitted with a car wheel. Walking through the crowded market could be dangerous with these heavily loaded barrows crashing into your legs. I have had one slight collision and a scratched arm already.
We decided to try a lunch in a swanky hotel. The outside dining area beside a swimming pool was rather nice and quite a contrast from the events of the previous couple of hours. But even here the cost of an excellent meal and drinks costs only about £5.
Anyway, the main objectives of the amble were achieved which means that I now have a bus ticket to Livingstone (Tuesday) and also a bag of dried black caterpillars that Miriam is going to cook. If they seem a little too unpalatable we will have Rajish's (Indian) contribution to fall back on. I think it might be an eventful dinner tonight.
