It’s amazing how quickly you adapt to your environment when you stay in a new place for awhile. For instance, it now seems normal that whenever I turn on the sink, I hear the water gushing outside. Or the lizards that live in our house (they eat the bugs, so we leave them alone). Or that our “automatic washing machine” has two compartments and is not automatic at all. Or that we can get anywhere in Lusaka by taxi for less than $5. Or, that food here is outrageously cheap. When we go to ShopRite, we are now appalled to find chicken that costs more than $3 a kilo, or mangoes for more than $.25 each. Or that no one here ever has change for a 50K bill. If you purchase something from a vendor, they will often disappear to “ask a friend” for change because they never have any. We have no idea what has happened to the 20K, 10K, 5K and 1K bills but we think that they might be in some kind of shortage. It's a mystery to us.
We are also used to the fact that showing certain parts of the body is completely inappropriate. It is a little surprising though which parts are allowed: Cleavage, for instance: Totally acceptable. Thigh, or any leg above the knee: Completely inappropriate. This might be why when Beth and I are running outside (don’t worry Mom, we always bring the boys with us) people sort of stare. Someone today actually turned all the way around to stare as I ran by. Ron told me to take it as a compliment. I figure, at least it makes me run faster.
We are also used to the fact that showing certain parts of the body is completely inappropriate. It is a little surprising though which parts are allowed: Cleavage, for instance: Totally acceptable. Thigh, or any leg above the knee: Completely inappropriate. This might be why when Beth and I are running outside (don’t worry Mom, we always bring the boys with us) people sort of stare. Someone today actually turned all the way around to stare as I ran by. Ron told me to take it as a compliment. I figure, at least it makes me run faster.
Today, we went to Arcades to check out the Sunday market, and Beth purchased some very nice handmade bags. Then we headed to Kibwata Cultural Center, which also has a crafts and produce market, but it was quite deserted by mid-afternoon, and it was pouring outside and the grounds had turned to mud, so we headed home (Welcome to Zambia in the rainy season). Finally, we decided to walk around Lusaka and take some pictures before dinner. This almost got us into big trouble (long story, more on that later, apparently photographing monuments is not allowed according to the Zambian Police) But all ended up well, and we are home safely ready for our final week at work. I can’t believe that the weekend is already over!
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