After
a few days of clouds the sky is once more a uniform blue - though I
am told that it is still cold.
On
Monday, I was eager to sort out an internet connection and to recover
my Zambian mobile number. I am still suffering the loss of my UK SIM
card in Rome in February. I had moved my numbers to the SIM from the
phone when I swapped it with Jennipher. The result is that I no
longer have the numbers of many Zambian friends. However, they will
have the number I usually use in Zambia and will also know I am in
the country – word gets around very quickly!! The only problem is
that I lost two SIMs in Rome – the other being my Zambian one!!
My
first trip was therefore to Zamtel, where last week I was assured
that blank SIMs would be available from last Friday. It appears I
must have heard wrong, but they should be around on Thursday!
Next
stop the MTN shop to buy a dongle. “Sorry we have none – try
above Food Royal!” So on to the only two storey block in Monze. I
was told they had no dongles and it seemed that there were none in
Monze. However, the other salesperson picked up the phone and told me
to sit down. A little later a guy presented her with a dongle –
apparently the last one left in town!! I needed an additional SIM
card. At the airport the process was very straightforward. They used
the details from my passport to register the SIM and the process was
very quick. In Monze they completed the form, then took my photo, a
photo of the passport, probably a photo of the form and finally a
photo of the Assistant who served me!! I asked for the numbers
required to convert talk time to data bundles and the girl said she
would show me. There were a few quizzical looks and I was asked to
sit down again. Assistants went in and out of the office, phone calls
were made, other customers were served. How much, if anything, had to
do with my connection I don't know. Apparently the SIM was
registered, but not activated. Half an hour passed, ¾ hour and then
a bit more – suddenly smiles appeared and the process was
completed. Most of morning had now passed. However, when I entered
the shop I was feeling rather tense and slightly down. Yet I left
happy and with a spring in my step. You can choose to fight the
relaxed atmosphere of Africa – or you can embrace it!! Fighting it
won't make anything move faster – so relax and enjoy!
On
the way into town I picked up two pieces of chitenge – paying a lot
more than usual. They seem to be of good quality and are made in
Nigeria. At least they are made in Africa and Nigeria is were my
son-in-law has been attending his father's funeral during the past
few days. The shirt will remind me of this time. I couldn't find
Ireen but a guy, who guessed that I was looking for her, took my
material and said he would pass it on to her. I am sure that a shirt
will appear one day (most probably late on August 4th!)
I
couldn't return home without diverting through the market. A friend
from St. Veronica's sells lusala (I wrongly called it Masala
previously) – the root vegetable I like. I also picked up some
pounded groundnuts and some dried fish. I started my quest for
mayonnaise – easy to find except that I don't want Cross and
Blackwell products (part of the Nestle empire). I read only a day or
two back that Nestle are planning to buy rights to extract enormous
amounts of water for almost nothing from a drought ridden part of the
US – I think a poor town in Oregan. They will then sell it back at
a fortune! It appears the company's ethics have not improved. Perhaps
I should spell it Ne$tle! I have now searched a large number of the
small shops for an alternative brand without success as yet. I will
continue my quest!!
I
have forgotten my hat this year. I have a couple at home - one with
South Africa on it and the other Zambia. I could get one that says
'Boy' or another that says 'Pot'– neither appeal!! A stall holder
however promised to get a hat with Zambia on it for tomorrow! I will
keep you posted.
Back
at home I needed to connect to the Internet, catch up with my mails
and send reports. It is good to be back in touch.
This
morning I spent at PIZZ School talking to the children who are being
sponsored or are awaiting sponsorship. Most were in grade one and had
limited English (though still better than my Chitonga!). The
sponsorship scheme raises much needed money for the school, gives the
sponsors a chance to connect with an individual from the school and
often gives a boost to the most disadvantaged children.
I
was struck by the differences between the children. A few were very
cheerful and full of energy, but many were extremely quiet and seemed
weighed down by a terrible sadness. The children all have very
difficult lives and many have endured terrible losses and upheavals
in their short lives. I like to meet all of them each time I visit. I
hope that next year some will seem to be a little less burdened. The
school is very active in trying to support the children – those who
are not performing well or are not responding as would be hoped, will
usually have someone visit their families to see what might be the
cause and if there is any way the school can help. Over the years I
often see differences in the children - particularly in relation to
their self confidence. PIZZ School is so much more than just an
educational establishment.
At
the end of my session I was asked to take a picture of the grade one
children. After the formal picture I asked them to wave their HANDS
to add to our HANDS around the world. You can still show your support
by using this link. Lets
join our HANDS to support disavantaged children around the world
Precious
came around after lunch and invited the three of us to join her for
nshima with rape and pounded groundnuts at supper time. We enjoyed
the meal later and talked for a while with her, her mother and
brothers Andrew and Mike. I enjoyed the company and hospitality. Mike
accompanied us back home under the starlit sky.
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