Lusaka, Zambia

Last night we had dinner at the hotel. The  Food and  Beverage manager, a Cypriot  came to speak with us. He only arrived 13 days ago from Jo' burg and was already frustrated with the shortages. In fact, the wine we ordered was not in stock. The head chef is Dutch and there is a Chinese and an Indian chef also. The Chinese, to our surprise have recently bought the hotel. The Chinese appear to be investing in Zambia. 

This morning breakfast was a combination of European and Chinese food. The staff are willing but need training. 

Lusaka is the first city the Lonely Planet described as  not having any sights worth seeing that I've read at any rate. However, we needed to get to the bus station to buy our tickets for Kipiri Moshi, where we will board the Tasara train to Dar Es Salaam. 

The very helpful staff at the hotel had phoned  to confirm that the train was running - otherwise we would have to return the 240km to Lusaka and fly to Dar.  I hope it doesn't come to pass but after our earlier experience, who knows?

We walked the 20 minutes to the Bus Station  to get a flavour of the city. On entering the station, we were the only white people, we had to fend off numerous touts. Eventually, with the help of an official, we found the Mazgandu Family Bus kiosk, (this family are reputed to have the best busses but we may have gospel music - must get out the cotton wool again) and purchased our tickets. It appears that we have to take the 0630hrs bus to KM as the later bus was too risky - we might miss the train!! 

We then crossed the road to the railway station.  It was closed. We were taking photos through the fence when a security man asked us what we were doing. 

He was none too sure as to how he'd react when I said my CC liked trains. He then communicated with others and opened the gate for us. He told us not to take photos until we had seen the police. The police didn't appear interested in us and sent him to administration. (they obviously get a lot of visitors like us ! ) The manager came out to us and told us we could take whatever photos we liked, having established that we were Irish. 

As we took our photos, we discussed the state of the Zambian and Irish soccer teams  (I'm an expert you know) and the Irish weather - he said he supposed it was too hot for us - we concurred. 

We got a shot o the Jubilee train we were supposed  to take last Tuesday from Livingstone to Lusaka. Now it appears,it only travels on Sundays - not Fridays,Tuesdays and Sundays  as we were previously  advised.

 We thanked the manager and left the station, walking back towards the hotel where we came upon some interesting photo opportunities. 

           There's posh for you!

We entered a very upmarket shopping centre, not unlike Brooklyn in Pretoria. It would compete with any in the western world - as far from the huts of yesterday as you can imagine! 

The only interesting observation we made was that in the supermarket, where we had gone to stock up provisions for our 2 day train journey, there was a queue of women at the back of the store awaiting what appeared to be a consignment of potatoes. I saw two other white people in the complex. It reminded me of being in Disneyland in Tokyo with the children some years ago and we were the only whites and the centre of attention. 

Having purchased our provisions for the train, we taxied back to the hotel, where I am now sitting by the pool, writing this blog. 

Today is my CC' s birthday so we will do some fine dining tonight. He is lucky - he gets to spend his birthdays  in the most unusual places!  

There will be a three day silence, Gaye take note!  (to your utter relief, dear reader but fear not, in Dar, I'll make up for the silence) as I doubt the Tasara has internet on board. 

We've got this far in one piece, let's hope it continues.....