Well I'm here....

Greetings from Lusaka -

The flight was fairly good apart from a dodgy and near aborted landing as the rain suddenly hit and a fellow passenger. As I sat with that pint - and some prawns in T5 I praised myself at being able to get a bulkhead seat and the prospect of stretching out on the eleven hours ahead. We boarded - I made myself comfortable - them my dreams were shattered as lumbering towards me - complete with cowboy hat - and the words 'howdy seat mate' appeared a 7ft high by 7 ft wide American. After a range of inflicted conversation about how he was a frequent traveller and knew there were no ATM's in Zambia ( there so are - and there were 5 years ago when I was last here); and how he was convinced that we would be subject to 'internal cavity examination' to enter the country I decided to absorb myself in the in-flight entertainment (Glee) and then fell asleep. See Parker it's not just with you I watch Glee and fall asleep! Anyway it worked and I awoke as we were descending in the rain to land.

I was to be met by Peter at the airport - I thought he would be holding a board saying something like ' Newt' or 'Dickie' - there was no board; in fact after circling the arrivals hall several times I concluded there was no Peter.....and no answer on his mobile....but just as I was debating next moves in turned up in his truck and off we shot into the city.

I am staying here for 2 nights - at somewhere called Marble Inn - there is no marble though - or hot water but its clean and close to the city centre.

I met Peter again this afternoon over a beer for my 'In Country Induction' - it was very short and I think was his excuse to get to a bar to watch Spurs versus Arsenal - as though of you who know me well will imagine - I failed at being a great  footy watching buddy.

Anyway I do have a Zambian mobile if you want to use it - from the UK 0026 974899978 and I know a few more things about my task....

I go to Mkushi at 6am on Monday - the bus is so luxury it also will be carrying the post and I am to catch it at the central post office. Donata from Donata school will meet me in Mkushi when the bus arrives - anytime between 9am and midday (maybe it depends on deliveries?) - and then I start to help Donata to grow her school.

Mkushi has 3,000 people - not like Lusaka's 1 Million then - but apparently there's an expat farming community - who are 'quite lively'

That's all I know - oh and the school will give me lunch everyday - I must be grateful for that I know - but I wasn't good with British School dinners....

Speak soon -