titles are so hard

September 21, 2006 18:32 Lusaka, Zambia Simons' House

Hi Everybody,

Tomorrow will be a week since I arrived! Time sure flies when you're having fun. Sentai (cousin) and I are listening to Christmas music right now. It just struck me that I won't have a white Christmas this year. Somehow I'll manage. Aunt Gacheke, Sentai and I went to the U.S. Embassy this evening. We made the trip in order to go to the commissary. I would have taken pictures but signs were posted all over the place squashing my picture-taking thoughts. Video cameras watched us from every direction. I was issued a temporary pass in exchange for my passport and I went through a metal detector, etc. We made our way to a large room with shelves full of unobtainable items. Kahlua, Pringles, CapriSun, Aunt Jemima Syrup, etc. I snagged a small bag of M&M's for myself. I was quite content. Sentai attempted to buy the whole store. After leaving the embassy, my aunt was appalled to watch me eat the "ENTIRE BAG!". In my own defence, it was a small bag. It was the equivalent of a chocolate bar. She simply couldn't believe it. I assured her I wasn't crazy. Other than my M&Ms, I have been eating 100% healthy foods. Lots of native foods such as sima, sauces, steamed vegetables, sausages, etc. I did my best to swallow some steamed kale today but simply couldn't finish it. We picked up some ravioli at the commissary and I can smell it downstairs! Carol, Wanjiro, and I went to Melisa (closest grocery store...about 10 km from here) today. We walked about 5 km to get to the minibus stop and then hopped on. We paid about 1500 kwacha each. 4000 kwacha equals about 1 USD. All purchases are in the thousands or the big purchases in millions. The minibus was quite packed and I got cozy with some locals. I'm used to the stares by now. I saw one of the guys from volleyball and we talked for a little while. He invited me for more volleyball tonight. The three of us headed to the minibus stop to catch one back to Ibex Hill. We waited forever but couldn't find one heading in the direction we wanted. Upon seeing me prices immediately sky rocket. Vendors on the street charge nearly double. Carol haggled with a taxi driver and we hopped in for a ride home with our groceries. These two pictures: I saw a guy sleeping in a wheel barrel...hilarious. and the other is of me, Wanjiru, and Carol in the taxi. On Tuesday afternoon we went to the weekly market and spent an hour or so going from vendor to vendor buying fresh fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, etc. for the week. It was crazy hot but I somehow survived. The selections were amazing. Everything looked like it had just been harvested. No such thing as shrink wrapping. That was another fun experience with vendors jacking up prices upon seeing me. Carol and Aunt Gacheke did all the purchasing. I was just along for the ride but I was hounded by "madam, over here" from all directions. People assume I must have money. haha. Everyday do far I've either walked or biked quite a good distance. Add volleyball to the list and I was quite sore yesterday. I love not having to do anything in particular. Uncle Scott is going to teach me to drive standard as well as the ins and outs of roundabouts and driving on the wrong side of the road. He's working with a contact of his to develop a school connection for me. In addition, Aunt Gacheke and I are talking about taking some Zambian dancing classes, Salsa, learning the local language, and all sorts of other exciting and random things. I watched some videos today by Eckart Tolle about "living in the now". I feel asleep in the middle. I'll try again tomorrow. It's a good message...although a tad dry. I keep forgetting to put sunscreen on. I haven't burned yet. Dinner is served. Goodnight. Catherine