A Bittersweet Final Day

As we are reaching the end of our project, we decided to bid farewell to our client by taking them to dinner on Thursday. They recommended a German restaurant called Garret’s, which they promised was the best dining in Lusaka. When we got there, we were not disappointed with the selection of foods that they offered from traditional German fare of schnitzel to a few curries and various other options. We started with some bread and hummus (quite tasty, something we were all craving, and T promised us that they occasionally have it at Shop Rite but we have scoured high and low and have yet to see it). We enjoyed a relaxing dinner and then we proceeded to make the mistake of ordering dessert. Some advice to anyone traveling in Lusaka: DO NOT ORDER TIRAMISU. The tiramisu tasted like they either used spoiled cream, or sour cream. We think that they could use some advice from our Italian friends. But all in all, still a delicious meal and a great way to end the week!

So quickly Friday has arrived, we are amazed that it is already the end of our project! During lunch today we took a walk to one of the local villages where people turned to stop and stare, as Ron and were on the prowl for some tasty produce. A woman came up to us and shook our hands and said “I’m hungry, I’m hungry, please I want some rape” (which is a local green leafy vegetable, looks like kale, although we haven’t tried it yet) and it was selling for only 500K ($.10) so Ron gave her the money to which she graciously accepted and thanked us profusely. We continued our walk, walked by a school where we saw the kids dressed smartly in their green and yellow uniforms. There were a group of older girls walking behind us who kept saying “mzungu” and laughing, until we turned around and smiled and waved, to which they giggled even louder. As we returned back to the office (our conference room) I realized that this is the last time that we would smell roasting corn wafting from the kitchen around lunchtime or purchase our beloved mangoes and bananas from the lady at the stand down the street.

Our final presentation was received by a room full of nods and smiles. We’re hoping that we met their expectations; we definitely enjoyed the past 3 weeks and have learned so much about healthcare in Africa and the challenges with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. At dinner on Thursday, our client said that when the health clinic nearby first opened its doors a few years ago, people were being brought in wheelbarrows because they were too sick to walk. Today, the patients walk in and receive their medications; it is amazing what a difference the local organizations have made to the lives of the Zambian people. This whole experience has been eye-opening and we are grateful to have met such generous, kind people who have welcomed us to their country.