Friday – Greatest thing about working overseas is that all United States Government (USG) employees take Friday afternoons off. The office is actually closed and locked by 12:30 so I had no choice. For the record, we do work 9 hour days every day just like I do at home, so don’t get uppity that it’s an abuse of your tax dollars.
So I took advantage of my Friday afternoon to finally resolve the issue with my cell phone. I purchased and unlocked cell phone from ebay before I left. You may remember from earlier entriesFrom left to right: Home cell, bunk ebay cell, Zambia cell
that I purchased a local SIM card and therefore should have been merrily on my way. WRONG! Ebay unlocked phone doesn’t play nice with the African network, so alas I had to purchase one here any way. The good news is that the Ebay phone was only $30 and is returnable. But still this picture of the three cell phones that I currently have in my purse is FUNNY. I feel like one of those guys who opens his coat to show watches for sale. Moving on…
I decided after the cell phone shopping shenanigan to check out the aforementioned Irish pub in Zambia called O’Hagens. Being that most of the food here isn’t stellar my expectations were low. The good news is…this place is awesome. When you enter it’s like the Irish version of a TGI Fridays with crap all over the walls: lyrics of Danny Boy, Jokes about the Scottish, Irish Flags, etc. They’re playing American music and I’m excited. I opened the menu and discovered that they have a beer challenge that is far easier to surmount than Taco Mac. Jamie you would be on board with this. You just need to drink 20 beers different beers in 2 months and then you get your name on the wall. That’s it! There is something sort of appealing about having my name on the wall in an Irish Pub in Zambia. Ok, I do want to leave my mark on the world in other ways, but there is a decent amount of humor in the thought.
Looking at the menu of beers I see that they have Boddingtons! I haven’t had this since I tasted Charlie’s beer back in DC in January. Time for my own. It was as good as I remembered. Funny story though…. So I poured my beer into the glass and felt a thump of something inside the can. !!??! That’s not good. You never know what’s going to happen with African bottling plants. Although I think this is imported, the sound is a little disconcerting. So I peer into the can half afraid of a bug carcass or something else. Can’t see anything, so I read the can. Turns out that inside there is a pressurized thingy to release carbonation when the can is opened. I’m guessing this aids with freshness or something or other. There is a warning on the can to not try to remove it for fear of injury, so I’m pretty sure I know what that thump was now. Phew! Good to know, but had me nervous for a few seconds.Lunch was a nice basket of chicken fingers and chips (remember that means French fries). It was soo good to have familiar food. As I was eating the owner, who is a legit Irish Expat came around to check on all the tables. Ah, that explains why the food was good. O’Hagens gets the thumbs up from this American. I need to go back here and try the fish and chips.
6 comments:
Ah, the widget. That's a good beer. Anyway, I love your blog! Your writing really paints a great picture. I love hearing about small cultural differences like "maize flakes." I also laughed out loud to hear about the cat named Christine. :o)
YAY! Glad you like it! I have about 6 more entries in the works. I swear people think that I'm crazy because I take pictures of my beer, etc. but it's all for the love of the blog. :)
That is Patrick's favorite beer. I will tell him that you enjoyed in Zambia while he enjoys it stateside. We got drunk one night (big surprise) and removed the ball. Reminds me of a spray paint can. glad to hear that you are eating well and your phone issues may be resolved. Btw, it is "Hey lady, want to buy a watch." Must get back to work. This insurance gal is keeping government hours this week.
YAY for good food that reminds you of home :) And I think you should totally take the beer challenge ... 20 in a month is completely doable, and it's something fun to bring back with you in addition to the real mark you make on the world :)
NOW I want to go to Zambia! Other African countries may have gold, diamonds and mystery ("Heart of Darkness"), but Zambia has GREAT Irish beer! - Dad
Unfortunately, not all USG employees get to take Friday afternoons off overseas. Yes, that's me, working until 5:00pm on a Friday while you enjoy the afternoon off. Lucky.
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