lusaka update

i always have a hard time writing when i haven’t left lusaka, as everything seems too normal to comment on. but considering my normal is not everyone else’s i will try and let you in on what’s been going on.

things have been moving along. work hit a bit of a low where i couldn’t seem to find motivation or enough to fill my days, but that is over now. the students that i am supervising are slowly arriving (in total there will be 7 from Canada and 2 from Tanzania). they are all conducting research or implementing projects related to HIV/AIDS. i am responsible for coordinating the logistics of their placements as well as providing support during the research process. this is the short term contract that i managed to secure while i was here and therefore extended my stay.

i also finished the patient interviews for my own research. i am now transcribing the interviews and will compile the data. two of the upcoming student researchers will be using my findings, so deadlines are once again fast approaching. i am looking forward to having a semi-complete product to be able to begin to share and disseminate here in lusaka. i will likely try to get it published once i return to canada and am potentially jobless and needing to fill my time.

last week was the european film festival here in lusaka and i managed to see four films. the first was a german film called ‘nowhere in africa.’ it was really excellent, about a jewish family that fled germany just prior to WWII and ended up farming in kenya. the second was an italian called ‘the second wedding night.’ this one was a bit weird… about a woman who ends up being supported by her dead husband’s brother. the third, and possibly my favorite, was a french film called ‘i’m fine don’t worry.’ it was kind of a family drama with obviously a lot of french-type depressing themes. the last was ‘atonement’ with keira knightley and the very beautiful james mcavoy. basically, i actually enjoyed films for the first time since i’ve arrived. don’t get me wrong, ’step up 2′ is a classic in it’s own way…. but still.

as far as my travel-outside-of-lusaka plans i am going to the lower zambezi this weekend for a canoe safari. there is a bunch of us and it will be a lot of fun. i am a bit freaked out about the proximity of crocs and hippos to me while getting in and out of the canoe… but i’m sure my leg is less tasty than someone else’s. also, very exciting, i bought my plane ticket to uganda for my holiday in july. i will be visiting suz, going white water rafting at the source of the nile and generally exploring eastern africa. i think i will try and also go to rwanda and tanzania, finishing by taking the train from dar es salaam (the capital of tanzania) to zambia. the train ride is anywhere between 40-70 hours-ish, depending on basically everything from fuel to animals on the train tracks. personally this sounds great, although i’m sure i will smell awful after such a long ride!