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Hi everyone!

Not sure how much longer I have before my time runs out in the cafe but I'm going to try to share some photos with you!

Two days in the ART clinic

January 31, 1354

Hi all!

First off, I'm feeling much better than yesterday. Today, Esther and I spent our second day in the ART (antiretroviral) clinic.

On day one, we spent the entire shift taking vitals. You would not believe how many people frequent the clinic. In the Mongu area alone, they are responsible for seeing over 15,000 clients. And those are only the known, current HIV clients.

On day two, we sat in with the pediatric education counselor and learned more than we ever thought we'd know about HIV.

It's an interesting place. Though it needs its own building, it is housed in a series of small rooms at the hospital. The need for service has far outgrown the infrastructure and so they've had to build a 'shelter' in the back of the hospital for the HIV clients to sit under. Ten by ten, they are called in for vitals and for their records to be opened. Then, they visit a clinical officer who prescribes medications. Next, they visit the educator for adherence education. And finally, they go to the Bleeding Room to give blood and/or to the pharmacy to pick up medications.

The strain is visible everywhere. There are three record rooms and they are filled to the max with documents and files. And the staffing is similar. There are just three nurses and they are incredibly busy.

Overall, it has been an interesting place to spend time.

This weekend, we are heading to the Zambezi river for a cruise and another brye! Excitement!

Picture post

More pictures!

Negative experience

Today I had my first definitely negative experience in Zambia. I've had some ambiguously negative ones already but this was my first that wasn't just my perception.

After we went banking, Esther, Sylvia, and I decided to head to the market for groceries and then to Oasis for an early dinner. The market was the same as usual and we bought some onions and greens. While looking for bread, a man approached us that I perceived to be drunk. He put his right hand high in the sky as if to shake my hand in an exagerated manner. I offered my hand to him and as we shook, he came in uncomfortably close and put his hand in my scrub pocket. Quickly, he removed it along with my only four colour nursing pen. I immediately asked for it back while he babbled back at me with an aggresively taunting look in his eyes. From what I understood, he was trying to 'encourage' me to visit his family members' kiosk by stealing from me. I continued to ask for my pen back, searching anxiously for help from the many people in the market. For a nation with so many people eager to stare and point at us, I was saddened and frightened that nobody would help me even when I asked directly. He reached out for Sylvia and Esther as well but we resisted his touch. Although we were unwilling to go with him, Sylvia and Esther still wanted to pursue the thief. As I asked once again, he pulled back his leg as if to kick at me. I relented, worrying for our safety and for our rent money that we had withdrawn. Turning around, we exited the market and went to Oasis.

An hour later, as I type this, I'm still feeling sick to my stomach. Even though it was just a $5 pen, it was specifically my pen. It was a pen that I had used through my degree throughout the best and worst clinical days. And it wasn't just the pen. He betrayed my trust and stole from me. I'm not sure if I'll return to the market now that I know that Zambia isn't as safe as I once thought.

Kafue

It is Sunday morning at 1044 and our time here is almost through.

Yesterday evening, after dinner, our group moved to the second floor loft for dancing. It was a ridiculous time and I took plenty of photos to document the experience. Sadly, many of them won't see the light of day, haha!

The next morning, the unaffected, such as yours truly, woke up early for more activities. At 0530, Susie, Rachel, and Nat crossed the river for a game drive (an elephant on the middle of the road mock charged them!). At 0730, about half of the remaining group went for a boat cruise. The majority boarded a covered barge-style boat while we hopped onto a speed boat.

While touring the river, we saw many hippos. They're such funny creatures! I love the thought of them sinking to the bottom and jaunting around the river floor. We also saw the national bird of Zambia, a type of eagle (the one on the flag).

We got back to shore about two hours later and enjoyed yet another amazing meal. The crepes here are amazing.

I will never forget my time here. The hospitality has been unbelievable. All of the staff have been terribly kind and accomodating. And the food has been way way too good. The guides are very knowledgeable and seem to know every secret about each animal and plant in Kafue. I've been having a great time.

After lunch (another meal!), we will be boarding our less mini minibus and journeying back to Mongu. Esther and I are spending a week in the ART (anti-retroviral therapy) clinic for individuals with HIV/AIDS. It is going to be hard to readjust to cooking somewhat less inspired meals than here and living like normal people again.

As another fun note, I learned that we will be encountering scorpians during our walkabout in a couple of weeks. I can't say I'm looking forward to them. The good news is that their venom is cytotoxic but won't kill me. It will kill cells locally and cause swelling and redness but life will go on!

You would not believe this place!

January 28, 1030

It's hard to imagine that just yesterday we were hungry, tired, and in Mongu.

Yesterday, we woke up early to meet a couple of minibuses that took us to the Mongu bus station. I am certain that I speak for most of us when I say that we weren't hoping to return there so soon. It's a muddy bustling place with plenty of people asking for tickets (which we never have).

We boarded our bus (essentially a less mini minibus) and took off toward Kafue (I'm not terribly sure how to spell it but, phonetically, it is cuh-FOO-ee). Kafue is this large park and reserve that we drove through on our way from Lusaka to Mongu. Beyond that, I didn't know much about it. I had heard whispers that there was good food where we were going but all I knew for sure that it was the location of our much anticipated safari.

After several hours of driving, we pulled into the long driveway of the lodge. I was giddy. We hadn't even started our safari and we were already seeing animals! The less mini minibus drove us to the end of the driveway and the lodge came into view. Phenomenal. The lodge is this huge building that looks akin to the many huts that we saw on the way.

Upon entering, there is a modest reception area with some local jewelery and gifts. As we turned left, we encountered an open-air seating area, a bar, and to the right, a two floor seating area. It's hard to convey just how amazing it is. All of it is covered but open at the same time. To the left of the two storeys, there is a pair of long tables with enough seating for all of us. Behind, a counter for the many buffets to come. Further yet, a very natural-looking pool with reclined wooden sunbathing chairs and a smaller pool (hottub?) next to that.

Perhaps the best yet was the view. As I walked onto the lower floor seating area, the river opened up beneath and in front of me. A wide blue river, water lazily flowing along, with a small dock below. Across, green foliage as far as the eye can see. Blue sky, hot shining sun, and dollops of clouds above.

Finally, we were in paradise! Everyone flitted around looking at the view, the pool, everything. The owners introduced themselves and the staff and invited us to enjoy a complimentary drink from the bar. Climbing to the second floor to view the river while enjoying a Zambian dry cider was wonderful.

Lunch was served soon after and it was amazing. I felt as though I had been on Survivor for 30 days and was being rewarded with a feast. Gooey, cheesey lasagna, many variations of fresh salad, veggies, and homemade buns. As much as we wanted. I could hardly believe my luck.

We had a few hours before our first chance at a safari (each is optional, but I intended on taking as many as I could). We lazed on the sun chairs, splashed in the pool, and took every opportunity to relax.

At mid-afternoon, many of us hopped into the covered boat and the speed boat and went across the river. At the other side, there were four safari jeeps, each capable of holding ten passengers. We climbed aboard and headed out for our first safari. The sun was out, the animals were roaming, and we snapped many many shots.

Before the sun set, we pulled over and jumped out of the Jeep. Our guide popped open beers and pop for us with meat and cheeses. Even the safari was luxurious! We soon re-boarded and drove back through the sunset.

In our room, Esther and I felt like we were in the lap of luxury. Our little house is a circular building with a couple of chairs and what I can only describe as two princess beds. Complimentary tea and cookies to boot. At the other end, a bathroom with a really neat shower. Everything is so pretty - even our front door has a very large hand carving of an impala. We also spotted two warthogs casually walking by our front door!

The next morning, since a number of us signed up for the early game drive, we received a wake-up call (someone actually knocking at our door!) and a flask of hot water for tea. With thirty minutes until 0530, we zipped around to get ready and went to the lodge. On our way, what did we run into? A hippo! Apparently, he is a rogue hippo that may have been kicked out from the group and now hangs around the lodge. He even snuggles up to the boats at night!

Back across the river and into the Jeeps. In all, we have now spotted hippos, warthogs, elephants (a little baby too!), lions (absolutely incredible! I love kitties!), impalas, heartabeasts, a leopard, zebras, baboons, and lots of neat birds. It's so incredible!

Now, back at our room, I'm sitting on my comfy bed typing out these latest adventures. And those two warthogs just walked by again! Esther, Jackie, Sylvia, and I are booked for an afternoon river cruise. How lovely!

(Book report: I've now finished the first two Hunger Game books, Ken Jennings' Maphead, The Cat's Table, and I'm currently reading Delirium. Nice not to have to read textbooks!)

Almost forgot! Breakfast today was scrambled eggs, back bacon, sausages, roasted potatoes with herbs, lightly baked tomatoes, freshly baked toasted bread with homemade jams, cereals, yogurt, fruit salad, meusli, and orange juice. I am SO excited for lunch!