On expat life

The definition of expatriate I accept is broad to include anyone
living and working outside of their country of citizenship. Whether by
choice or chance, many foreigners in Zambia find themselves falling
into the expat world. In Lusaka, the places that frequently have
mostly foreigners include the two shopping complexes, movie theatre,
established restaurants and cafes… basically any Western type hangout
places. I must admit the strange and somewhat uncomfortable feeling I
used to get when I went to any of those places is dissipating or I may
have just accepted that sometimes I want a cup of coffee or a movie
and I will not feel guilty because I can afford to.

One amusing thing I have noticed in the expat circle is how expats
will size each other up. I must get equally stared at by Zambians and
non-Zambians; at least, Zambians don't bother trying to be discrete.
It's odd, but is I think I have also picked up this strange exercise
of trying to figure someone out when you see them. Why is this person
here? Who do they work for? Where are they from? Coming home from
grocery shopping, I saw a girl with a backpack and bandana walking in
my neighbourhood. From the fact that she had a backpack and was
wearing Chaco sandals, my conclusion was she is either travelling or
with the Peace Corps. I could be wrong, but I have correctly
identified Canadians just from Mountain Equipment Co-op gear and
anyone with a Nalgene bottle is guaranteed from Canada or US. I think
it's strange… foreign people trying to figure out other foreign
people. It is even more amusing when people do a full head turn to
check out people while driving. NGOs usually have their logo on their
vehicles and diplomats, embassies, UN have specialised plates, so I
have driven with people who look at vehicles and say hmm… that person
must work for that organisation. I guess on a human level people are
just curious and looking out for other people that maybe they can
identify with.

While I think I have fallen into the comforts and conveniences of the
expat world, I feel strongly not to give up some of things like
walking/taking local transport and shopping in markets because I feel
it keeps me grounded in what I think I'm doing here.

//

I have an answer. On Sunday, I successfully cleaned my house and
washed all my clothes. My decided firm response to anyone that asks me
why I don't have a maid (I mean, housekeeper) is that I find it
satisfying to do it myself. Yes, I will whine about doing it, but the
sight a shiny floor and a pile of folded clothes is fantastic!