Election Day!

September 27, 2006 17:45 Lusaka, Zambia

Election fever has gripped the city. Today, Election Day, is a national holiday. Minibuses have been cruising the streets with air horns, loudspeakers, and crazed political supporters hanging from windows, doors, and bumpers screaming SATA. Outside of Melisa (grocery store) yesterday morning, women were campaigning in Mwanaswasa t-shirts and caps. Of the twelve candidates, Sata and Mwanaswasa, the current President, seem to be the two favorites. From my limited investigation and questioning of those around me, I am under the impression that Sata is the favored candidate of the poor; word on the street favors Sata who promises change. Chinese employers have a reputation of exploiting local labor and general feeling is negative towards them. One of Sata’s promises is to throw out the Chinese living in Zambia (key investors in Zambia’s copper industry). Chinese ambassador Mr. Li has said, “Chinese investors were "scared" to go to Zambia in case opposition leader Michael Sata won.” (BBC News) Many of Sata’s supporters did not register and therefore cannot vote. Mwanaswasa promises more of the same: stability. Rural Zambians are skeptical of Sata’s promises of drastic change. In the Simons’ house, Mwanaswasa is favored although none of us are Zambian and therefore are not eligible to vote.

Last night we had quite a few people over for drinks, etc. I made SUSHI! That’s right. Carol and I rolled grated carrots, sticky rice, wasabi, and a slice of omelet in nori. Carol taught me how to make samosas too. There were about 15 of us last night. I was conversing with the East Indian neighbors and their son when I learned they had another son at home. Wanjiru and I were sent over to fetch him. He joined the party. Aunt Gacheke talked some people into joining our salsa lessons. Wanjiru and I both have partners now and our group is up to four couples. Things happen when they happen so the classes with start sometime between now and when I leave (hopefully). Another one of the guests I chatted with for quite awhile, Peter, lived in Moscow for several years. We shared our stories about extreme climates and Orthodox cathedrals. Tony, a seasoned Hasher, stayed the longest and shared stories about the many hundreds of hashes he had been on.

On Tuesday, Auntie, Carol and I went and picked up a Buddist monk who mediates with Auntie regularly. After driving around for a bit (me driving) and asking for directions (Carol asking for directions) we found the YMCA which we heard was an orphanage. It turns out that it is now a place for local children (it’s in a rough area) to get together. I did happen to have my camera with me and the kids went nuts. We took pictures and then they all clamored to see the digital image of themselves. It was hilarious! We’re going back next week.

Wanjiru, Sentai, Noah, and I held a ping-pong tournament today. Noah and I played first and I won 25-23, CLOSE! Sentai beat Wanjiru. Noah won consolation and Sentai beat me for first. We played red light-green light and various other games to pass the time. Good fun except the grass is so hard! It’s very very itchy and sitting in it is simply not the same as I remember. Some friends of the family are downstairs so I better go join. Drinks are in progress and dinner is on the way. Carol tried to show me how to roll out dough to make a tortilla and she kicked me out rather quickly because I was too slow! I did slice tomatoes though and helped Wanjiru set the table.

Love, Catherine