Monday, October 13, 2008

From Jo'burg to Lusaka

I arrive in Johannesburg a little bleary eyed, but happy to see a familiar place. I had an 8-hour layover here on my last trip, so I’ve explored it rather well. I really, really want a cup of coffee, but it’s 5:00 pm here. Drinking coffee now means loosing the war against jetlag. I make a quick stop in the bathroom to change clothes, wash my face, and to brush my teeth and hair. Much better. I only have about an hour and a half until my connecting flight boards, so I need keep moving.

Even though the Jo’burg airport is very clean, modern, and offers duty free shopping on par with Paris or Amsterdam, it’s very clear to me that I’ve arrived in Africa. The first thing that hits me is the smell. Those of you that have been here know what I’m talking about. I don’t really know how to describe it other than a strange mixture of dirt, body odor and just plain different. You don’t smell it everywhere, but when you do it’s unmistakable. It’s nice to be back. I browse past a few of the shops in pursuit of a large bottle of water and my gate. In doing so I find a guidebook to Zambia. Eureka! I couldn’t find one of these in the states. I pass on picking up a sandwich for the road. I know I’ll regret this decision later.

The flight is short comparatively (2 hours) and uneventful. I arrive in the Lusaka airport and get through customs without a problem. Thankfully both of my bags came through. I met up with my Embassy driver and another embassy staffer that had been visiting Cape Town for the week. As we drive to the hotel, I begin to take in Lusaka. Though it’s dark there is still much to see. They drive on the other side of road here. I suppose that makes sense since Zambia once was a British protectorate (Northern Rhodesia). Still, every time I see a car coming towards us on the other side of the road I cringe. I’ll get used to it though.

The hotel is very nice. My room has a king-sized bed, flat screen TV, mini-fridge and yes Mom, there is a shower. Mom’s still familiar with Kenya when I had to take bucket baths for a month. I’m more than happy to be done with that.

After getting to my room, I decide to go down to the hotel bar for some people watching. I try one of the local brews and enjoy the live music. There’s something far more poignant about a group of Africans singing “Revolution” by Tracy Chapman. Not knowing Zambia’s political history that well, I’m sure their song selection is mainly to please the Western guests. But still…the point isn’t lost on me. Ah...it's finally 11 pm and my beer glass is empty. Time for bed!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I can't believe you got off for Columbus Day in Africa, and I'm forced (yes, forced) to work in the dumpy old lab. Sweet sweet federal government employment...

Julia said...

Glad to hear that you made it an that your accomodations are better than most of the hotels that I stay at on business trips. I do always have a shower. No need of a bucket. Will keep commenting and reading blog until the man (aka Travelers) catches me. Love that Tracy Chapman was being played. She sang of a revolution and drove a Mercedes. Miss the kitties? I will have funny pictures of mine posted soon

Elizabeth said...

Glad you and your luggage arrived safely! xoxo

Kate said...

Erika - yes, I may complain but federal holidays are the jam. Come work for CDC so we can go shopping on days like Columbus Day.

Julia - Tracy Chapman fans unite! Do I miss the kitties...of course! However...wait until two postings from now. I got a kitty fix. :)

E - Me too! Want any pretty fabric from here?