KALIMBA FARM

View Larger Map The morning began with bucketing rain and everything was awash, making me think that it was here to stay for the day. By 11 a.m. it was a changed place and all thoughts of rain disappeared. 

The red dirt track leading to the Kalimba croc farm was drying out fast as the old taxi bounced and lurched on every bump. Somehow it made it to the gates of the 'farm'. Tyres and shoes had to be disinfected at the gate for some reason. http://thebestofzambia.com/kalimba-reptile-park/

This sizable chameleon wasn't looking very camouflaged in one of the snake pits, blissfully unaware of the danger lurking below.    

A bush full of egrets are amongst the most common birds in the area.






The best thing about this trip out was that it was feeding time for the crocodiles that came in all sizes.

This handsome fellow looks almost friendly with his untidy rows of teeth.

This must be one of the smelliest jobs. After many hours I can still smell the stench coming off the rotting chicken carcasses as the keeper tossed handfulls over the wall to the waiting crocs. For the big crocs, a chicken is no more than a tiny snack. 

LUSAKA , HEADING HOME SOON

Lusaka is no different from when I left it but not such a sociable place as before. The crew I met at Paseli Hostel so long ago have mostly moved on to another African country while a few have returned for a Christmas at home. 

While many Zambians still go to the crowded teeming markets in the city, an increasing number are heading out to the modern shopping malls on the outskirts, which are not unlike any mall found in developed countries. Its strange that Zambia is still one of the poorest countries where this kind of shopping phenomena first appeared only five or six years ago. 

Christmas decorations at the Manda Hill mall are not exceptional but all the same the giant snowballs look a bit lost here in the heat of Africa. Had coffee and some food here last night with two Australians from Paseli, Michael and Amy. 

I am sure that these names are recognizable to some. 

Not sure that Wimpy even exists any more in Britain. I remember this burger place before the dominance of McDonalds took place.

And even Spar is here. A few others like Subway are here too. 

The  signs are that Africa is on the move. 

Pity the internet is not so reliable as I sit here this morning up at Manda Hill mall where the wifi is working. 




On Monday I take off for home, back to the winter.

LUSAKA AGAIN

Jollyboys is far away now and its back to the peace and tranquility of Paseli Hostel. The 8 hour bus trip with Shalom bus company will, for now, go down in history as one of the most unenjoyable bus journeys in my history. The large bus was a normal width had been fitted with an extra line of seats, making 2 on one side and 3 on the other. Consequently the seats could only be comfortable for a school outing for 12 year olds. 

But back at Jollyboys last night I found some locals playing this Zambian game called isolo. Two stones are put into each dish and the idea, like drafts, is to take all your opponents stones. The board is made from two carved pieces of hard wood and hinged down the centre. Can get quite noisy.

So at Paseli another family dinner was had with all the cooking done by the guests and Miriam, the host, doing the washing up. She had to wash up because there'd be no dishes or plates for breakfast in the morning. That would never do.

A new American member of the fraternity sitting on the right provided the ice cream for afters. What a pleasant way to finish an arduous day.