Around town.

Lusaka is not a very pedestrian friendly city. My way too posh house is located further from town than I would like. If minibuses were not so aggressive, I would think about getting a bicycle. I think it would be hilarious enter a roundabout (traffic circle) on a bike. I have in fact walked almost entirely around one before I realised it would have been much faster and more logical to walk the opposite direction. Roundabouts, however, make getting to know a city more challenging. Fortunate for me, the people who used to live in the house before me took taxis quite often, so a lot of drivers know the house well; all I have to say is take me to Bob and Mary’s house. Until a few days ago, I did not even know my exact address. I don’t think I stand out that much, but I have a feeling a lot more people know me than I know them.

Sorry this is a very boring post. Work has kept me busy with meetings and school visits. I will try to write more about what I’m doing once I figure that out. The transition to work and life here has been really smooth. I keep thinking there has to be more to it, but I couldn't ask for a better first few weeks.

House.

I have moved into my flat (a condo or townhouse in North American standards). Is it wrong that it is nicer that some of the places I lived in as a student? Apparently, according to the person who manages housing, Canadians have a tendency to feel guilty when their accommodations are too posh. I suppose that follows the habit of incessantly saying sorry.

The house, which I share with a speech therapist from the UK is more spacious than it needs to be for two people. It has a kitchen, large living and dining area, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a garden. The neighbourhood consists mostly of expats, UN workers, and embassy people. It feels weird living here, but I guess most middle/upper class including the staff I work with live in places like this (guarded compound). I am starting to think I have some kind of complex. Maybe somewhere in my subconscious I think that if I live as modestly as possible, I am making up for my privileged upbringing. There is a supermarket a ten minutes walk from the house, but for now I think I’m going to try to make it to the market in town once a week. Again, probably part of the complex, but I love getting fresh vegetables market.