Just a short one - as aware I haven't blogged recently....
The reason being that I've been laid up ill with a bad stomach etc - shouldn't have jested about that popcorn! anyway gettin better now hurrah - and preparing to come home - just a few things to write up - looking forward to Heathrow on Saturday!
R
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Monday, 13 December 2010
Civilisation!
I have left Mkushi and travelled to Lusaka with Donata who wanted to say goodbye to me in Lasaka - we caught a taxi as the rain was such that it seemed the best mode of transport - the busses do not run to a timetable and you just have to stand open to the elements on the Great North Road - you have to wait up to 90 minutes for a bus on average and we would have been drenched and out stuff ruined - my clothes allready all stink mind you from being washed in the same water as that bath.
Anyway I have to confess that for my first night in Lusaka I did book myslef into some luxury - I decided that I no longer wanted to remove the frog from the shower each night - or face a menu limited to one option - I paid the difference on my accomdation allowance and checked into Lusaka's best. Donata came with me for tea and it was like that scene from Crocodile Dundee - she had nevedr seen a lift, electronic sliding doors - or what impressed her most was the credit card door entry system for the rooms. I think many of you know that I can be a bit of a 4 and 5 star boy - and I think Donata began to realise why I didn't gush over the Harvest Inn
Anyway the Lusaka contingent of Donata's family all came to greet me and Donata and I had our final resume meeting before saying goodbye.
I now am meeting some of the other guys from the team to ensure appropriate follow up - comiling my legacy report and having some reflection as I prepare to come home
Richard
Anyway I have to confess that for my first night in Lusaka I did book myslef into some luxury - I decided that I no longer wanted to remove the frog from the shower each night - or face a menu limited to one option - I paid the difference on my accomdation allowance and checked into Lusaka's best. Donata came with me for tea and it was like that scene from Crocodile Dundee - she had nevedr seen a lift, electronic sliding doors - or what impressed her most was the credit card door entry system for the rooms. I think many of you know that I can be a bit of a 4 and 5 star boy - and I think Donata began to realise why I didn't gush over the Harvest Inn
Anyway the Lusaka contingent of Donata's family all came to greet me and Donata and I had our final resume meeting before saying goodbye.
I now am meeting some of the other guys from the team to ensure appropriate follow up - comiling my legacy report and having some reflection as I prepare to come home
Richard
Friday, 10 December 2010
The Adhoc Committee
Just a quick one today - it's been a bit mad saying goodbyes....and am shattered.
Did just that really today said farewells - everyone seems to know I'm off from Mutinda in the Butcher's, to Peter the Journalist with his pink umbrella and the banana lady.
Have to say much as I have moaned about some bit's its been great and the people have been so lovely and honest - special mention must go to the chambermaid who was honest enough to return the 300 dollars I left in my shorts sent for washing - that's about 5 months of her wages - I did giver hera good tip before some of you start.
Anyway have had a spring in my step - realise I did have a bit of Cabin Fever from being stuck here - and after waiting 2 hors last night for the kitchen to do egg and chips I am glad to do my last meal at the Harvest inn. Even more glad on the last meal as Peter the Journo informs me the Zambian Environmental Health have given them a week to clean the kitchen or be shut down......that news takes some digestion!
Anyway in zambia we have a 50 Kwacha note - its worth about half a pence - and it is the bain of your life when you buy something and they give you a handful of them - it buys nothing apart from 10 litres of water from the bore hole - anyway there is a sourfaced bar woman at the Harvest Inn called Sharon - shes just had hair extensions so she looks like Dionne Warwick - every day whenever I buy abything she huffs and puffs - Zambians never have chenge its always a saga. So taday, just for my own amusement I bought a bottle of beer (6000 Kwacha) solely with 50 Kwacha notes that I have been keeping - 120 bank notes for one beer - her face was priceless.
Donata had a letter today (that's big news in itself - and causes excitement as it gives a new envelope to reuse) - however the contents just sum this all up. The council want to view the new school site to process the license - they have formed the wonderfully named 'ad hoc' committee to do this - the bad nes is they want 300 quid to pay for the visit, guess they need some cash
Heading to civilisation shortly to start wrapping things up!
Did just that really today said farewells - everyone seems to know I'm off from Mutinda in the Butcher's, to Peter the Journalist with his pink umbrella and the banana lady.
Have to say much as I have moaned about some bit's its been great and the people have been so lovely and honest - special mention must go to the chambermaid who was honest enough to return the 300 dollars I left in my shorts sent for washing - that's about 5 months of her wages - I did giver hera good tip before some of you start.
Anyway have had a spring in my step - realise I did have a bit of Cabin Fever from being stuck here - and after waiting 2 hors last night for the kitchen to do egg and chips I am glad to do my last meal at the Harvest inn. Even more glad on the last meal as Peter the Journo informs me the Zambian Environmental Health have given them a week to clean the kitchen or be shut down......that news takes some digestion!
Anyway in zambia we have a 50 Kwacha note - its worth about half a pence - and it is the bain of your life when you buy something and they give you a handful of them - it buys nothing apart from 10 litres of water from the bore hole - anyway there is a sourfaced bar woman at the Harvest Inn called Sharon - shes just had hair extensions so she looks like Dionne Warwick - every day whenever I buy abything she huffs and puffs - Zambians never have chenge its always a saga. So taday, just for my own amusement I bought a bottle of beer (6000 Kwacha) solely with 50 Kwacha notes that I have been keeping - 120 bank notes for one beer - her face was priceless.
Donata had a letter today (that's big news in itself - and causes excitement as it gives a new envelope to reuse) - however the contents just sum this all up. The council want to view the new school site to process the license - they have formed the wonderfully named 'ad hoc' committee to do this - the bad nes is they want 300 quid to pay for the visit, guess they need some cash
Heading to civilisation shortly to start wrapping things up!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Goodbyes...
It's been a manic day - but before I go into that I would like to thank two of you in particular -
Craig for describing in detail on the phone all the ingredients that was going into his Chicken Pie - I didn't know you had a sadistic streak
and Tara for phoning to tell me how bad my typing is - in my defence - the computer has several keys missing and others stuck - the chair has three legs and I am often distracted by a lizard or some nights a plague of dragon fly things that drop dead at dusk
Anyway today -
We started with meeting His Royal highness Chief Chitina - well that was a palava - I was collected by his security guard - and we were told we had to be quick as he had to go to the clinic for his stomach ulcers. Anyway I was told to take a gift so grabbed the last of my supply of love spoons - and we sat. The guard looked at the gift and said yes this is nice but the Chief also likes paper. I asked Donata how much I should give - and she shrugged - the guard helpfully said the more cash I gave the bw\etter the quality of the audience. I gave a fiver.
The Chief arrived complete with a Giraffe Tail to flick away the flies and my fiver got me a ten minute chat about the school.
Then off to the local education minister for a grilling about the business plan - after feeling inadequate he then said it was good - asked to copy the appraisal system in governemnt schools and asked if I could come back and work at a District level - I just smiled. He also agreed some support for the school - al last we will ahve science equipment and craft equipment.
The off to the School for the Mzungu leaving party - I had Chocolate and crisps for the Children - at the sight of the chocolate they fell silent - some were frioghtened to eat it - none had had it before - then they murdered the crisps - a tube of Pringles from my bag just went up in dust. Te kids kept all the packaging to take home and show their families.
We then danced to Zambian Music - and then I played them tunes from my IPOD - they were stunned into submission - and just stood mesmerised especially when it played videos - they loved Go West by the Pet Shop Boys - though I'm not sure in this country I should be introducing them to my camp classics.
I told them about all of our fundraising efforts - there were teats and I filmed a message from them all I will post it on a stronger connection.
Then off to brief Mrs Hunt the schools patron on the work I ahve done and to actually giver her the donated cash to look after. We are buying some text books and funding about 70% of the bore hole
She seemed pleased with the work -
I now just have to finalise some things here - there off to Lusaka to complete some work around sustainanability and to make sure al the actions are bottomed out
Walking back from school today I knew that my work was settling in - Donata and I were talking about how bad the food is in the Harvest Inn - even she thinks so - she said Mr Charlie (the owner) needed to performance manage his staff and give them appraisals! Result....
Craig for describing in detail on the phone all the ingredients that was going into his Chicken Pie - I didn't know you had a sadistic streak
and Tara for phoning to tell me how bad my typing is - in my defence - the computer has several keys missing and others stuck - the chair has three legs and I am often distracted by a lizard or some nights a plague of dragon fly things that drop dead at dusk
Anyway today -
We started with meeting His Royal highness Chief Chitina - well that was a palava - I was collected by his security guard - and we were told we had to be quick as he had to go to the clinic for his stomach ulcers. Anyway I was told to take a gift so grabbed the last of my supply of love spoons - and we sat. The guard looked at the gift and said yes this is nice but the Chief also likes paper. I asked Donata how much I should give - and she shrugged - the guard helpfully said the more cash I gave the bw\etter the quality of the audience. I gave a fiver.
The Chief arrived complete with a Giraffe Tail to flick away the flies and my fiver got me a ten minute chat about the school.
Then off to the local education minister for a grilling about the business plan - after feeling inadequate he then said it was good - asked to copy the appraisal system in governemnt schools and asked if I could come back and work at a District level - I just smiled. He also agreed some support for the school - al last we will ahve science equipment and craft equipment.
The off to the School for the Mzungu leaving party - I had Chocolate and crisps for the Children - at the sight of the chocolate they fell silent - some were frioghtened to eat it - none had had it before - then they murdered the crisps - a tube of Pringles from my bag just went up in dust. Te kids kept all the packaging to take home and show their families.
We then danced to Zambian Music - and then I played them tunes from my IPOD - they were stunned into submission - and just stood mesmerised especially when it played videos - they loved Go West by the Pet Shop Boys - though I'm not sure in this country I should be introducing them to my camp classics.
I told them about all of our fundraising efforts - there were teats and I filmed a message from them all I will post it on a stronger connection.
Then off to brief Mrs Hunt the schools patron on the work I ahve done and to actually giver her the donated cash to look after. We are buying some text books and funding about 70% of the bore hole
She seemed pleased with the work -
I now just have to finalise some things here - there off to Lusaka to complete some work around sustainanability and to make sure al the actions are bottomed out
Walking back from school today I knew that my work was settling in - Donata and I were talking about how bad the food is in the Harvest Inn - even she thinks so - she said Mr Charlie (the owner) needed to performance manage his staff and give them appraisals! Result....
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Dinner at Carmen Miranda's
I went to bed last night a happy man - not just cause the MP - or her staff - managed to cook a mighty fine Hungarian Sausage and chips (even it it did take 2 hours) - but because she phoned the President and it does look like we have te cash for the classrooms - so maybe I have achieved something!
I told in the taxi on the way home who whooped with joy and went to church to pray for the night. The funniest thing was the MP giving me a bill for 20 quid for dinner.
Today we have touted ourselves round the councillors who ahve a say on the funding application I put in - I don't know how many business plans I have received for Councillors Business ideas with me promising to pass onto any UK investors I know - anyone interested in the Mkushi Conference Centre ha ha. Anyway all the signs are good that we have support for our plans.
We then went to the site of the new school -its beautiful up there on the hill looking over the mountains and then walked back through the township buying some stuff for the kids end of term party tomorrow - I also have Pringles and Chocolate in the hut as a surprise - they have never had crisps or chocolate - DON"T blame me for introducing it to them it would have happened some time!
I also bought Popcorn in the market - I asked for 10000 KWA worth (about one pounds worth) - I have enough Popcorn to keep Odeon in business and had to pay a boy with a wheelbarrow to help me take it home
We then met with more councillors -and tonight we have to meet with the Chief - I am a bit disapointed that he is town at the Mkushi Motel - think developing world Cross roads - then worse - but it means that we do not have to go to the Palace. I have to take a gift - I have one lovespoon left.
I think it is getting out that the Mzungu will shortly leave town - I am being beseiged by all and sundry from 'buy african viagra to help the women's co-perative'. The women are quite scary actually ad now seem to be stalking me -= they are outside the internet cafe in the rain waving at me as I type
Anyway my audience with the Chief awaits
Till tomorrow....
R
I told in the taxi on the way home who whooped with joy and went to church to pray for the night. The funniest thing was the MP giving me a bill for 20 quid for dinner.
Today we have touted ourselves round the councillors who ahve a say on the funding application I put in - I don't know how many business plans I have received for Councillors Business ideas with me promising to pass onto any UK investors I know - anyone interested in the Mkushi Conference Centre ha ha. Anyway all the signs are good that we have support for our plans.
We then went to the site of the new school -its beautiful up there on the hill looking over the mountains and then walked back through the township buying some stuff for the kids end of term party tomorrow - I also have Pringles and Chocolate in the hut as a surprise - they have never had crisps or chocolate - DON"T blame me for introducing it to them it would have happened some time!
I also bought Popcorn in the market - I asked for 10000 KWA worth (about one pounds worth) - I have enough Popcorn to keep Odeon in business and had to pay a boy with a wheelbarrow to help me take it home
We then met with more councillors -and tonight we have to meet with the Chief - I am a bit disapointed that he is town at the Mkushi Motel - think developing world Cross roads - then worse - but it means that we do not have to go to the Palace. I have to take a gift - I have one lovespoon left.
I think it is getting out that the Mzungu will shortly leave town - I am being beseiged by all and sundry from 'buy african viagra to help the women's co-perative'. The women are quite scary actually ad now seem to be stalking me -= they are outside the internet cafe in the rain waving at me as I type
Anyway my audience with the Chief awaits
Till tomorrow....
R
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Glastonbury'esque
I have a new hut at the Harvest Inn - this is the newly finished deluxe room - it does have an air con unit but that is just for show -there is also a TV which gets no signal but switches itself on when the fridge boots up. There is also a bath which means for the first time I have properly seen the colour of the water.
I have lived for the last 2 days on peanuts and bananas, they cooked me dinner last night but as I was sat under a light and saw it I couldn't quite face it - also I have eaten the Harvest Inn out of Chilli Sauce and Ketchup which I have been using to hide the taste.
Anyway I woke up today and got to the internet cafe to do some printing - they had lost the key - and after 40 minutes we got in - the man at the nextdoor fishstall let me shelter from the rain. Then they had no paper so that took another hour and then the photocopying shop was closed for an hour to go to a funeral - so what would eb a 10 minute task at work took 3 hours.
Anyhow staff appraisals followed - Donata got into the spirit and was harsh but fair - this is a big step as it is not in their culture to criticise - the staff took onto target setting really well - I was pleased - and in actual fact suggested far bigger quality improvement targets than would have. We also identified some key training and learning needs and once again I was struck by the lack of resources - some subjects have no textbooks or teacher guides - yet a teacher guide costs just a fiver.
Throughout the day it has been steadily raining so by mid afternoon I was well out of place in shorts and flip flops - I now look like I should be at the Glastonbury Festival as all the paths and roads have turned to mud! It is amazing the effect the rain has - things are turning green so quickly, snakes and lizards are reappearing - and the water is so needed - at the weekend we saw Buffalo that had literally got them selves stuck in the mud close to the last remaining drops of water and died stuck there - creating a buffet for the vultures.
No rest for the wicked so we went through the mud in my Glastonbury type attire to meet the other MP - remember the last one was building a posh lodge - well this one has a large hardware store and the only shop in town that sells chocolate. He broke off his timber selling to grant me an audience - and agreed that the school should get some money - they are recalling some money from the Tanzanians who build a dodgy Maize Mill and he phoned the Minister in Lusaka to see if we can get 19 million of that - that's half the money that we need for the new build!
I talked with Donata today abour fundraiisng from the White Farmers in the area - we have developed a letter and pack to go to them - but Donata always visits them personally. She has no transport and does this onj foot - it takes 10 days to get round the farms - she goes with a friend and they carry their own food - begging accomodation as sun falls with local villages / farm workers. All my fundraising mates who say fundraising is hard take note!
Finally huge thanks to all who have raised / offered money - we are trying to give the school a total by Thursday - so please its not too late - look at last Saturday's blog for details of how to help or text me on 07977 668 632
Anyway I now have to brave a cold bath in yellow water to scrub myslef up for dinner with the other MP - The Carmen Mirand'esque one. Donata has been coming / not coming all day as it clashes with church. She is now coming as she is hungry - I am fearing that it will be traditional Zambian....I have also had to give Donata a lesson on political astuteness - she sad she wanted to speak to the MP about not standing agaonst Donata's mate in some council election - I said Ididn't feel that would help our cause for cash
Till tomorrow - unless we flood!
R
I have lived for the last 2 days on peanuts and bananas, they cooked me dinner last night but as I was sat under a light and saw it I couldn't quite face it - also I have eaten the Harvest Inn out of Chilli Sauce and Ketchup which I have been using to hide the taste.
Anyway I woke up today and got to the internet cafe to do some printing - they had lost the key - and after 40 minutes we got in - the man at the nextdoor fishstall let me shelter from the rain. Then they had no paper so that took another hour and then the photocopying shop was closed for an hour to go to a funeral - so what would eb a 10 minute task at work took 3 hours.
Anyhow staff appraisals followed - Donata got into the spirit and was harsh but fair - this is a big step as it is not in their culture to criticise - the staff took onto target setting really well - I was pleased - and in actual fact suggested far bigger quality improvement targets than would have. We also identified some key training and learning needs and once again I was struck by the lack of resources - some subjects have no textbooks or teacher guides - yet a teacher guide costs just a fiver.
Throughout the day it has been steadily raining so by mid afternoon I was well out of place in shorts and flip flops - I now look like I should be at the Glastonbury Festival as all the paths and roads have turned to mud! It is amazing the effect the rain has - things are turning green so quickly, snakes and lizards are reappearing - and the water is so needed - at the weekend we saw Buffalo that had literally got them selves stuck in the mud close to the last remaining drops of water and died stuck there - creating a buffet for the vultures.
No rest for the wicked so we went through the mud in my Glastonbury type attire to meet the other MP - remember the last one was building a posh lodge - well this one has a large hardware store and the only shop in town that sells chocolate. He broke off his timber selling to grant me an audience - and agreed that the school should get some money - they are recalling some money from the Tanzanians who build a dodgy Maize Mill and he phoned the Minister in Lusaka to see if we can get 19 million of that - that's half the money that we need for the new build!
I talked with Donata today abour fundraiisng from the White Farmers in the area - we have developed a letter and pack to go to them - but Donata always visits them personally. She has no transport and does this onj foot - it takes 10 days to get round the farms - she goes with a friend and they carry their own food - begging accomodation as sun falls with local villages / farm workers. All my fundraising mates who say fundraising is hard take note!
Finally huge thanks to all who have raised / offered money - we are trying to give the school a total by Thursday - so please its not too late - look at last Saturday's blog for details of how to help or text me on 07977 668 632
Anyway I now have to brave a cold bath in yellow water to scrub myslef up for dinner with the other MP - The Carmen Mirand'esque one. Donata has been coming / not coming all day as it clashes with church. She is now coming as she is hungry - I am fearing that it will be traditional Zambian....I have also had to give Donata a lesson on political astuteness - she sad she wanted to speak to the MP about not standing agaonst Donata's mate in some council election - I said Ididn't feel that would help our cause for cash
Till tomorrow - unless we flood!
R
Monday, 6 December 2010
Back to School
Well I left Flatdogs in an open truck yesterday and all was going well till we had a blow out. We had 30 minutes to get to the airstrip - but hey all hands to the deck as all the locals came out - I'm not sure if they really helped JJ change the tyre as teh truck was lifted, bounced, jacked from all angles but we made it.
Anyway a bumpy flight ended with a smile as in Lusaka airport one of the groundcrew came up and slipped me the number of Hope the stewardess - ha ha - well I must look butch after my time in the bush - she will remain just that - Hope
Anyway another night at teh Marble Inn - you may remember that from an earlier blog - no marble, no hot water and this time no lights!
Up at 5 am to catch the post bus to get to work for 11 - well if the last post bus was eye opening this was eye popping. I don't know what it was but everyone was in a real fiesty mood - and the bus was overloaded - I counted one lady with 15 bags - I guess they just use it to move house. Anyway boarding the bus was more chaotic than I imagine that the last chopper from Vietnam was - but we all got on - and thanks to the conductor who got my bag into a retrievable place.
Anyway we sped, bumped and twisted our way up the Great North Road - 7 of us in our row for 5 - but everything was flying about - I got hit by a suitcase, a saucepan and some maizemael - and then there was a fight - it was good to get off after 5 hours.
Anyway Donata had tried hard with the work I had left her and done most - the main issue being that she had appraised all the staff in a group session so they shared each others strengths and weaknesses - needless to say Chloe who is never late is offended at being called late
Anyway an admin day today - finishing all the paperwork I have designed and absorbing all of their feedback. I will produce final copies later tonight and then we are all systems go. It does feel like we have entered the next stage. School has finished for 4 weeks now - but all the kids are back in on thursday to see me - and apparently they are practising a song etc which is a big secret but was teh reason we couldn't go to school today but ahd to work in my new hut.
Time away in luangwa was great - time to reflect on how little can mean so much to these guys - when you see kids carrying litres of water on their heads - and you realise that local people can't afford to bu the produce they raise you realise something is wrong. I knew that Zambia is poor - it's one of the poorest countries in the world, but as I talk to other people round the country I realise that the people in this town are poor - and to be poor in a poor country is not a great place to be. despite this the laughing, smiles and friendliness of all is contagious.
I am sure we will bring some of the young people from Rathbone here to see this - to help - but as importantly to realise their place in the world and their need to act responsibly and to build them into some kind of Ambassadors. I guess it's about developing their broadest education and experiences - I'm also determined that it won't be just about coming to help build this school - it will also about understanding the culture and beauty of this place - and experiencing things such as seeing elephants, lions and other animals in their rightful place in the ever decreasing bush.
Anyway we are re-doing appraisals tomorrow - then off to see the Chief if he grants us an audience - Donata is scared as there are Lions in the valley - I told her we are going in a cab we should be safe.
Catch up tomorrow
Richard
Anyway a bumpy flight ended with a smile as in Lusaka airport one of the groundcrew came up and slipped me the number of Hope the stewardess - ha ha - well I must look butch after my time in the bush - she will remain just that - Hope
Anyway another night at teh Marble Inn - you may remember that from an earlier blog - no marble, no hot water and this time no lights!
Up at 5 am to catch the post bus to get to work for 11 - well if the last post bus was eye opening this was eye popping. I don't know what it was but everyone was in a real fiesty mood - and the bus was overloaded - I counted one lady with 15 bags - I guess they just use it to move house. Anyway boarding the bus was more chaotic than I imagine that the last chopper from Vietnam was - but we all got on - and thanks to the conductor who got my bag into a retrievable place.
Anyway we sped, bumped and twisted our way up the Great North Road - 7 of us in our row for 5 - but everything was flying about - I got hit by a suitcase, a saucepan and some maizemael - and then there was a fight - it was good to get off after 5 hours.
Anyway Donata had tried hard with the work I had left her and done most - the main issue being that she had appraised all the staff in a group session so they shared each others strengths and weaknesses - needless to say Chloe who is never late is offended at being called late
Anyway an admin day today - finishing all the paperwork I have designed and absorbing all of their feedback. I will produce final copies later tonight and then we are all systems go. It does feel like we have entered the next stage. School has finished for 4 weeks now - but all the kids are back in on thursday to see me - and apparently they are practising a song etc which is a big secret but was teh reason we couldn't go to school today but ahd to work in my new hut.
Time away in luangwa was great - time to reflect on how little can mean so much to these guys - when you see kids carrying litres of water on their heads - and you realise that local people can't afford to bu the produce they raise you realise something is wrong. I knew that Zambia is poor - it's one of the poorest countries in the world, but as I talk to other people round the country I realise that the people in this town are poor - and to be poor in a poor country is not a great place to be. despite this the laughing, smiles and friendliness of all is contagious.
I am sure we will bring some of the young people from Rathbone here to see this - to help - but as importantly to realise their place in the world and their need to act responsibly and to build them into some kind of Ambassadors. I guess it's about developing their broadest education and experiences - I'm also determined that it won't be just about coming to help build this school - it will also about understanding the culture and beauty of this place - and experiencing things such as seeing elephants, lions and other animals in their rightful place in the ever decreasing bush.
Anyway we are re-doing appraisals tomorrow - then off to see the Chief if he grants us an audience - Donata is scared as there are Lions in the valley - I told her we are going in a cab we should be safe.
Catch up tomorrow
Richard
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Flatdogs!
Did I say that I was having a weekend off from being in Mkushi?
Anyway on Fri evening a caught a light aircraft to Mufuwe and grabbed a lift to teh fantastic Flatdogs Camp - I discovered this place when I was overlanding a few years ago and have wanted to come back for a while. Its a campsite set on the shore and boudary of teh Souuth Luangwa National Park - alongside the Lungwa river which has the denseist hoppo population in the world.
On Friday I was met in a layby by the camo and we went straight o a nightdrive. Just me and my guide Robbie in the open topped landrover with the huge electrical storm overhead - but no rain. I got a text from Louise to say it had been minus 14 degrees in Brecon (It was 40 in Lunangwa) and Robbie screamed that I had to text Louise back and tell her not to die!
We immediately saw elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and impla the headed for sundowners on the ridge. After that it became aazing as it became pitch dark and we were out alone with this huge storm bewing on the plains of Africa. We used a spotlight to pick out hyena, mongoose, fruit bats and all the ight animals you rarely see.
Great food and a few too many beers followed before bed. My tent was by the river and the watchmen scared away a few hippos so that I could get to it - I removed a lizard and spider muttering the words at l;east itrs not a snake
The morning agme drive at 5.30am came too quickly and another great drive followed - in fact I did three more and managed to spot Lions and Leopards as well - and those words at my tent about a snale turned out to be a prophercy as I came fae to face with a long bron sand snale on my patio!
Anyway sitting by the river was a great place to finish the final plans for next week at the shool with the background sights and sounds of the hippos
Ayway back to Lusaka shortly then the post bus to school
R
Anyway on Fri evening a caught a light aircraft to Mufuwe and grabbed a lift to teh fantastic Flatdogs Camp - I discovered this place when I was overlanding a few years ago and have wanted to come back for a while. Its a campsite set on the shore and boudary of teh Souuth Luangwa National Park - alongside the Lungwa river which has the denseist hoppo population in the world.
On Friday I was met in a layby by the camo and we went straight o a nightdrive. Just me and my guide Robbie in the open topped landrover with the huge electrical storm overhead - but no rain. I got a text from Louise to say it had been minus 14 degrees in Brecon (It was 40 in Lunangwa) and Robbie screamed that I had to text Louise back and tell her not to die!
We immediately saw elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and impla the headed for sundowners on the ridge. After that it became aazing as it became pitch dark and we were out alone with this huge storm bewing on the plains of Africa. We used a spotlight to pick out hyena, mongoose, fruit bats and all the ight animals you rarely see.
Great food and a few too many beers followed before bed. My tent was by the river and the watchmen scared away a few hippos so that I could get to it - I removed a lizard and spider muttering the words at l;east itrs not a snake
The morning agme drive at 5.30am came too quickly and another great drive followed - in fact I did three more and managed to spot Lions and Leopards as well - and those words at my tent about a snale turned out to be a prophercy as I came fae to face with a long bron sand snale on my patio!
Anyway sitting by the river was a great place to finish the final plans for next week at the shool with the background sights and sounds of the hippos
Ayway back to Lusaka shortly then the post bus to school
R
Saturday, 4 December 2010
Important if you want to help
No Blog yesterday - apologies but I had a bectic morning in Lusaka and then caught a flight about 4pm up to the Luangwa Valley and straight out ont a night safari - you see I am having a weekend off from Donata and Mkushi. Donata is convinced I will get eaten and calls me about every hour to check I'm safe....she will run out of talktine soon!
Anyway Lusaka was good - I had a good catch up meeting with Christine - my leadership coach - and planned the next phase. It's looking as though next week will be my last in Mkushi - as the last tasks need to be completed in Lusaka - and as this whole adventure has a personal developmet remiot to it I must also have some reflection time - today is the first day I have not worked for several weeks.
Anyhow it was good to meet up with the others and discuss experiences - and also to sort soe additional support for teh School - and start to plan for rathbone coming out here next year.
I do laugh in Lusaka - we stopped at some lights at teh bigest roundabout in town and there were theusual guys in the road selling their wares - in the time it took for one light cange I had been offered through the car window -
An infatable superman
2 live ducks
A tummy tuck
and what I can only describe as Mallets Mallet
Anyway it was great to sort out some additional support for Donat - thanks to the IT guys at Rathbone who are sourcing some obsolete IT equipment.
Anyway so many of you have asked how you can help, which I really wasn;t expecting - and equally I know that colleagues at Rathbone are fundraising - thank you for that.
The main thing we need is cash to be honest - for 3 things -
1. School running costs
2. text books
3. A bore hole for water at teh new site
Small cash makes a big difference - a tenner feeds this school for a week - 25 quid pays fora teacher for a month
Adrienne Hunt the looca patron has agreed to manage any donations to make sure the are spent appropriately - and to provide financial records.
The easiest and chepaest way to get them cash if for anyone wo wants to support to transfer money to my UK bank account and will do a cash withdrawal nxt Thursday to ahnd over the cash at teh end of term party.
Small amounts really will amke a big difference - as you will see from the pictures on the blog (there is also a link on the side to more pics)
Carole my PA in Ponttypridd had agreed to be co-ordinator for any donations - thanks Carole - so if you want to help email / call her - carole.papworth@rathboneuk.org or 01443 491 853 and Carole will help get the cash to Donata
If you want to send equipment I will post an address next week
Thanks guys - all your offers of support are unexpected but appreciated
Tomorrow I will tell you about my weekend off at teh amazing Flatdogs Camp and the night with the hippos!
R
Anyway Lusaka was good - I had a good catch up meeting with Christine - my leadership coach - and planned the next phase. It's looking as though next week will be my last in Mkushi - as the last tasks need to be completed in Lusaka - and as this whole adventure has a personal developmet remiot to it I must also have some reflection time - today is the first day I have not worked for several weeks.
Anyhow it was good to meet up with the others and discuss experiences - and also to sort soe additional support for teh School - and start to plan for rathbone coming out here next year.
I do laugh in Lusaka - we stopped at some lights at teh bigest roundabout in town and there were theusual guys in the road selling their wares - in the time it took for one light cange I had been offered through the car window -
An infatable superman
2 live ducks
A tummy tuck
and what I can only describe as Mallets Mallet
Anyway it was great to sort out some additional support for Donat - thanks to the IT guys at Rathbone who are sourcing some obsolete IT equipment.
Anyway so many of you have asked how you can help, which I really wasn;t expecting - and equally I know that colleagues at Rathbone are fundraising - thank you for that.
The main thing we need is cash to be honest - for 3 things -
1. School running costs
2. text books
3. A bore hole for water at teh new site
Small cash makes a big difference - a tenner feeds this school for a week - 25 quid pays fora teacher for a month
Adrienne Hunt the looca patron has agreed to manage any donations to make sure the are spent appropriately - and to provide financial records.
The easiest and chepaest way to get them cash if for anyone wo wants to support to transfer money to my UK bank account and will do a cash withdrawal nxt Thursday to ahnd over the cash at teh end of term party.
Small amounts really will amke a big difference - as you will see from the pictures on the blog (there is also a link on the side to more pics)
Carole my PA in Ponttypridd had agreed to be co-ordinator for any donations - thanks Carole - so if you want to help email / call her - carole.papworth@rathboneuk.org or 01443 491 853 and Carole will help get the cash to Donata
If you want to send equipment I will post an address next week
Thanks guys - all your offers of support are unexpected but appreciated
Tomorrow I will tell you about my weekend off at teh amazing Flatdogs Camp and the night with the hippos!
R
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Lusaka!
Well, I'm, in Lusaka - I did the 5.30am start!
From the Harvest Inn I had to take a taxi to the junction of the Great north Road where I was to flag down a bus....it is then really just luck as to whether you get a good bus or a bad bus.
Anyway there was one taxi in teh market at 5.45 - so I jumped in - noticed how cracked his windscreen was - then bartered on the price - he asked for £2.50 for the 2 km drive - I got him down to a pound.We had the normal banter about where I was off to then he said he would take me to Kipiri Moshi for just a fiver. Its about 110knm away - and it turns out the driver was from there and was chuffed to get a return fare - hence the cheap price - it is also a better place to get a bus as it has a bus station and is on the join of 2 routes.
I agreed, then started to doubt if the taxi would get there - we had to tie my rucksack into the boot as the boot didn't shut and flew open as we went over pot holes. The crack in the windsceen seemed to get bigger and then the driver confessed he hadn't been to bed.
All that aside it was amazing - dawn was breaking and Zambia was waking up - in the countryside they were starting fires outside their huts, setting up their satlls of tomatoes and firewood at the roadside - and putting the ox's into harness in order to start ploughing. The only downside was the drivers country and western CD.
Anyway we picked up some others and got to Kapri Moshi - the bus station was like any bus station in the developing world as I wobbled through slightly ill balanced with my ruck sack and other bags. Again it was great to watch - people were setting up their stalls, the caterpillar lady was counting caterpillars into bags - and the lad infront of me was making an ornate tower our of packets of crips. people were there with their luggage, huge bags, chickens in makeshift cages of string and branches, goats, buckets of fruit etc
Three busses to Lusaka didn't stop as they were full - and after an hour I got one - the Mzungu has got his bus they cried as IO got on the bus - the bus pulled out and I was still in the aisle - I looked at about 100 faces looking at the White Man on the bus - and then realised there were no seats....was I to sit in teh aisle. Anyway conductor to the rescue - and 8 of us and 6 bags shared a row of 5 seats......I helped Thomas a six year old with his spellings.Thomas and his siter were travelling from Tanzania to Namibia to start a new life after being orphaned - 57 hours on busses - with no real idea what was at the end other than their uncle - hey I could be cramped for 3 hours.
Well Lusaka Bus Station was like Victoria Coach Station on speed, but somehow I retrieved my bag - haggled a taxi driver down - questioning why on 30 degree heat with 3 bags in the middle of chaos was I haggling over a pound.
Then off to my hotel - I have hot water for the first time since arrival - and have done a load of work trying to link Donata up with other similar organisations around the world, trying to get them a VSO placement etc - also I have emailed some of my personal contacts such as Edexcel and Pearson in the hope of getting some resources for the school.
Anyway I'm off to meet the other 2 guys from Wales for a beer shortly which will be great - and some food - my steak last night was a disapointment - Mr Charlie the owner returned to the hotel so I couldn't go into the kitchen - Chef took 90 minutes to grill my steak so you can imagine what it was like - still I had been knocking back the beers with Peter from Mkushi radio so all was fine!
Good news is by tomorrow the blog should have pictures - they are downloading as I type!
R
From the Harvest Inn I had to take a taxi to the junction of the Great north Road where I was to flag down a bus....it is then really just luck as to whether you get a good bus or a bad bus.
Anyway there was one taxi in teh market at 5.45 - so I jumped in - noticed how cracked his windscreen was - then bartered on the price - he asked for £2.50 for the 2 km drive - I got him down to a pound.We had the normal banter about where I was off to then he said he would take me to Kipiri Moshi for just a fiver. Its about 110knm away - and it turns out the driver was from there and was chuffed to get a return fare - hence the cheap price - it is also a better place to get a bus as it has a bus station and is on the join of 2 routes.
I agreed, then started to doubt if the taxi would get there - we had to tie my rucksack into the boot as the boot didn't shut and flew open as we went over pot holes. The crack in the windsceen seemed to get bigger and then the driver confessed he hadn't been to bed.
All that aside it was amazing - dawn was breaking and Zambia was waking up - in the countryside they were starting fires outside their huts, setting up their satlls of tomatoes and firewood at the roadside - and putting the ox's into harness in order to start ploughing. The only downside was the drivers country and western CD.
Anyway we picked up some others and got to Kapri Moshi - the bus station was like any bus station in the developing world as I wobbled through slightly ill balanced with my ruck sack and other bags. Again it was great to watch - people were setting up their stalls, the caterpillar lady was counting caterpillars into bags - and the lad infront of me was making an ornate tower our of packets of crips. people were there with their luggage, huge bags, chickens in makeshift cages of string and branches, goats, buckets of fruit etc
Three busses to Lusaka didn't stop as they were full - and after an hour I got one - the Mzungu has got his bus they cried as IO got on the bus - the bus pulled out and I was still in the aisle - I looked at about 100 faces looking at the White Man on the bus - and then realised there were no seats....was I to sit in teh aisle. Anyway conductor to the rescue - and 8 of us and 6 bags shared a row of 5 seats......I helped Thomas a six year old with his spellings.Thomas and his siter were travelling from Tanzania to Namibia to start a new life after being orphaned - 57 hours on busses - with no real idea what was at the end other than their uncle - hey I could be cramped for 3 hours.
Well Lusaka Bus Station was like Victoria Coach Station on speed, but somehow I retrieved my bag - haggled a taxi driver down - questioning why on 30 degree heat with 3 bags in the middle of chaos was I haggling over a pound.
Then off to my hotel - I have hot water for the first time since arrival - and have done a load of work trying to link Donata up with other similar organisations around the world, trying to get them a VSO placement etc - also I have emailed some of my personal contacts such as Edexcel and Pearson in the hope of getting some resources for the school.
Anyway I'm off to meet the other 2 guys from Wales for a beer shortly which will be great - and some food - my steak last night was a disapointment - Mr Charlie the owner returned to the hotel so I couldn't go into the kitchen - Chef took 90 minutes to grill my steak so you can imagine what it was like - still I had been knocking back the beers with Peter from Mkushi radio so all was fine!
Good news is by tomorrow the blog should have pictures - they are downloading as I type!
R
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Another great day in the dust
Hey
Well a really good 24 hours - after blogging yesterday we went into the small township over the bridge to get soft drinks for today's Parent's meeting - it seems that bribery of a imitation coca cola will be enough to egt them to show up! The township was the first real time that I have had a bit of tension about being the white man - what was great however was that I am obviously known in this town - after a bit of verbal grief from some guys in a bar - the others in the street were sticking up for me saying - no he is our friend, he is helping us.
Anyway I battelled back with 2 trays of soft drinks - feeling rather inadequate against the women who had sacks of maize on their heads and babies on their backs.
Anyway then the Aids day vigil - it started with a procession with bands, majorettes, the police and many council members - with many joining in traditional and singing - and we were joined by nuns, priests, teh old and the young - then we spent a while of the village football pitch with prayers and songs and candles - after which they moved onto church - it was emotive - I confess to a lump in the throat - I think the African singing, the chanting, the electric storm in the distance and the drumming were really quite haunting
Anyway up really early today for the parents mornning - I was a bit nervous as I called this meeting to introduce the new terms of reference for the PTA and to get the parents views for the self assessment process. I say parents but obviously with as many orphans as the school has pupils were represented by older brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles.
50% of the kids were represented and teh meeting was amazing - some had walked 8 miles each way to join us - and we sat under the Mango trees - with 2 of the teachers acting as translators as we had to translate into two different tribal languages. The 'parents' really participated - singing, laughing, praying and breastfeeding through the meeting whilst giving really valuable data about the school.
We then met mrs Hunt the main donor for the school, I went through all that I had done to date - she seems pleased - and we also discussed the use of sustainable energy at the new school site - I am going to have a longer discussion with her at her farm next week. However I met her at her Butcher's shop and realised the issue - the average black can't afford to buy decent beef here - despite a huge national cattle herd. however teh Chef at the Harvest Inn is tonight going to cook a perfect steak and chips - as I have bought direct from the farm - and I am going in the kitchen with him to cook Western style! It will probably the first time I get any form of food poisoning this trip.
This afternoon Donata wanted me to meet the Priest who she holds in high esteem - I'm not saying much - just what a big house, big satelitte dish and the first DVD player I ahve seen here
Anyway we also then had a trek as we had a power cut and we had to print a letter for Mr LuLu the head of education - the internet cafe had lent their generator to teh hardware store - we went there and they had lent it to someone else - after 90 minutes of searching for the generator we were saved by the power comming back
Thats about it - just a funny anecdote - just walking here a young girl about 6 was pointing at me - shrieking with laughter at teh white man and walking backwards - until she went head first into a ditch causing much laugher across teh amrket.
Tomorrow I go back to lusaka - as I need to use a good internet connection to get resources for the school - Im on the local bus again - and have to be at teh North Road Junction at 5.30am - tomorrow I am meting two other Welsh people on teh same programme for dinner in Lusaka - then I have my learning review on Friday with Christine my assigned leadership coach - hopefully we will get some kind of connection in Lusaka
I am shattered its been long days and constant for 2 weeks - so I spending teh weekend away from Mkushi - in one of Zambia's best Game Reserves - camping next to the river with the hippos and crocs
I know I'm coming back on Monday - but I'm going to miss this place - but I have to go to Lusaka - I have promised the school an end of term party next Wednesday and i have to get supplies - only one pupil in teh school has ever tasted chocolate
Take care - and speak to all you guys tomorrow from lusaka!
R
Well a really good 24 hours - after blogging yesterday we went into the small township over the bridge to get soft drinks for today's Parent's meeting - it seems that bribery of a imitation coca cola will be enough to egt them to show up! The township was the first real time that I have had a bit of tension about being the white man - what was great however was that I am obviously known in this town - after a bit of verbal grief from some guys in a bar - the others in the street were sticking up for me saying - no he is our friend, he is helping us.
Anyway I battelled back with 2 trays of soft drinks - feeling rather inadequate against the women who had sacks of maize on their heads and babies on their backs.
Anyway then the Aids day vigil - it started with a procession with bands, majorettes, the police and many council members - with many joining in traditional and singing - and we were joined by nuns, priests, teh old and the young - then we spent a while of the village football pitch with prayers and songs and candles - after which they moved onto church - it was emotive - I confess to a lump in the throat - I think the African singing, the chanting, the electric storm in the distance and the drumming were really quite haunting
Anyway up really early today for the parents mornning - I was a bit nervous as I called this meeting to introduce the new terms of reference for the PTA and to get the parents views for the self assessment process. I say parents but obviously with as many orphans as the school has pupils were represented by older brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles.
50% of the kids were represented and teh meeting was amazing - some had walked 8 miles each way to join us - and we sat under the Mango trees - with 2 of the teachers acting as translators as we had to translate into two different tribal languages. The 'parents' really participated - singing, laughing, praying and breastfeeding through the meeting whilst giving really valuable data about the school.
We then met mrs Hunt the main donor for the school, I went through all that I had done to date - she seems pleased - and we also discussed the use of sustainable energy at the new school site - I am going to have a longer discussion with her at her farm next week. However I met her at her Butcher's shop and realised the issue - the average black can't afford to buy decent beef here - despite a huge national cattle herd. however teh Chef at the Harvest Inn is tonight going to cook a perfect steak and chips - as I have bought direct from the farm - and I am going in the kitchen with him to cook Western style! It will probably the first time I get any form of food poisoning this trip.
This afternoon Donata wanted me to meet the Priest who she holds in high esteem - I'm not saying much - just what a big house, big satelitte dish and the first DVD player I ahve seen here
Anyway we also then had a trek as we had a power cut and we had to print a letter for Mr LuLu the head of education - the internet cafe had lent their generator to teh hardware store - we went there and they had lent it to someone else - after 90 minutes of searching for the generator we were saved by the power comming back
Thats about it - just a funny anecdote - just walking here a young girl about 6 was pointing at me - shrieking with laughter at teh white man and walking backwards - until she went head first into a ditch causing much laugher across teh amrket.
Tomorrow I go back to lusaka - as I need to use a good internet connection to get resources for the school - Im on the local bus again - and have to be at teh North Road Junction at 5.30am - tomorrow I am meting two other Welsh people on teh same programme for dinner in Lusaka - then I have my learning review on Friday with Christine my assigned leadership coach - hopefully we will get some kind of connection in Lusaka
I am shattered its been long days and constant for 2 weeks - so I spending teh weekend away from Mkushi - in one of Zambia's best Game Reserves - camping next to the river with the hippos and crocs
I know I'm coming back on Monday - but I'm going to miss this place - but I have to go to Lusaka - I have promised the school an end of term party next Wednesday and i have to get supplies - only one pupil in teh school has ever tasted chocolate
Take care - and speak to all you guys tomorrow from lusaka!
R
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