Wednesday, 18 July 2012
Nsobe Holiday Photos
Nsobe Holiday - July '12
Our trip to Nsobe was lovely. We left on Saturday morning and arrived late that afternoon. We would have arrived sooner, but we missed the turn off and so ended up going through Ndola to get there. Which in a sense was not too bad, as neither of us had been there and it was interesting to see it through the car windows. It is definitely a bigger place than Solwezi and has far more to it, such as shops etc.
Our first stop on our trip was in Kitwe. We went to Whimpy's, which is a fast food burger joint. Oh how wonderful to have fast food! The kids literally jumped out of the moving car, when they saw a playground attached to it as well. So we enjoyed a nice lunch and play before getting on our way. We then came across a detour which took us down a dirt lane with a hundred other cars and so we were detained a while in that. While we were patiently waiting to go, someone decided to be cheeky and over take all the waiting vehicles on the left. Well Karma came back to bite him. We passed said vehicle, now dry bogged and stuck for goodness knows how long. I am sure it would have taken them longer to get unstuck, than it would have taken if they had have waited patiently like the rest of us! it is the same everywhere you go.
After about our 15th police check of the day, we arrived at Nsobe. A haven of green lushness in this dry and dusty place. We headed straight to the bar for a drink. As they were not selling wine, I am now a dear friend of Redd's, a lovely tasting South African cider. It was so relaxing to sit on the bank of the dam and watch the sun set. As we were heading down to dinner we were told the giraffe were close, so we went to have a look. How wonderful to see the giraffe walking calmly by. They are such big beautiful creatures.
Our room was simple but comfortable. The only big problem for the weekend was that we often had no power, only candlelight. This is not really a problem for those who are prepared. We however have no torch and only had the one candle in the room. So after a quick shower by candlelight it was into bed and sleep. Thankfully, the room had lots of blankets as they are all open to the elements. They are thatched and are not fully enclosed due to the high temperatures in summer. Thus, they get cold over winter. I enjoyed snuggling down under the blankets, but did not enjoy being constantly kicked by Laura, whom I was sharing a bed with.
The next day after breakfast, we were told about the snake and bird sanctuary so headed there for a look.It was wonderful for the kids. They got to see bunny rabbits and guinea pigs, real local wild life .Lol. They also had some beautiful African birds and turtles. As we were walking around we saw the giraffe again as they had just been fed and so were able to get a real close up view. The owners put out some feed for them, which helps with their nutrition in a smaller environment. We then headed back to the snakes. Phil and Tom were so brave and held a snake. We could not believe that Tom held one, as he is usually more afraid than Laura. But he was so excited to hold the Variegated Green snake and so proud of himself. I held a baby Nile crocodile called Fiffi. Very fierce name, and the kids had a pat. We then headed out on a self guided game tour. We came across the owner walking his 2 Labrador's and his tame Serval. It's funny seeing a wild animal as such playing with the dogs. We then came across some Sable Antelope, which are absolutely beautiful. I can see why people like to have them as trophies. We did not see much else that we haven't seen previously, but it was lovely to get out and look.
Lunch consisted of Implala chops. Very nice I might add. Then Phil and Laura had a sleep whilst Tom and I tried our hand at fishing. We bought a couple of bamboo rods and some worms and hit the water. We caught 2 small fish and released them back to grow up. That night we had Venison stew, which was beautiful, Laura loved it.
On Monday, since it was a public holiday, saw a big influx of locals and tourist to the place. It was crowded. I unfortunately woke up with a problem tummy, so headed back to bed while Phil took the kids to breakfast and then on another game drive. Kids are not the best people to take on a game drive as their loud voices often scare animals away. Especially our two! On their return I felt somewhat better and went out to watch them in the canoe. Phil had a lovely time with the kids out on the dam. I was not so confident to take them out. We had life jackets, but they were not the best fit and I did not want to tip the canoe. It seems my fears were not silly. That afternoon a 23 year old local Kitwe man drowned, when he tipped the canoe and could not swim. He was out with two others and a 2 year old. Luckily the mother was able to keep herself and the baby afloat as the father did also. Unfortunately for Sage, he drowned with the water only centimeters from his head. Such a shame and a waste. If only they had worn their life jackets.
That afternoon we went out searching for Zebra. We had not seen any and were determined to find them. We searched high and low with no success. Phil however got to see some Sitatunga, which he was thrilled about. Another lovely dinner and then to bed early with no power.
We hit the road for home on Tuesday and this time managed to find the correct way home. We were driving along when we came across the Chimfunshi (chimpanzee orphanage) turn off. We decided to go in and have a look. We drove in and paid the fee, then headed off to see the chimps. They are a lot bigger than you expect. I was thinking we were going to see these gorgeous little monkeys, but my gosh they are big. My size, but shorter in the legs. When we saw them, they were just finishing lunch and one decided to throw some of its food at me. The kids thought this was hilarious. Then they started to make their big monkey noise and Laura got completely scared and wanted to go straight back to the car. Thankfully, she and the chimps calmed down. Some of the situations these animals have come from is atrocious. People buy them as pets and then realise they grow up and can't be controlled. One was in the circus for 26 years and made to do all sorts of non-chimp things. They looked so sad. We then went to the rehabilitation area. This is where others are free to roam in the wild. They are still behind fences, but no cages. Chimpanzee's are not native to Zambia and so cannot be released into the wild. But at least they have a safe place to live for the rest of their lives. Which apparently is a long time, as their lifespan is similar to ours. We met the owner and had a lovely chat to her and she gave us a book that she wrote about her hippo that had died recently.
From there we headed home. We only just made it too. As we were entering Solwezi, we realised we were low on fuel. The first station had no fuel and the only one in town that did had a queue for about 1km. Thankfully, we needed diesel and everyone was waiting for petrol. We managed to sneak in. Another car tried it, but they wanted petrol. I honestly thought a riot was about to occur.They very quickly went to the back of the queue. The rest of the drive went ok.
The kids are doing really well on the long drives. We have no dvd player for them and no music. So it is pretty boring and fights do occur, but they really are doing a great job.
Our first stop on our trip was in Kitwe. We went to Whimpy's, which is a fast food burger joint. Oh how wonderful to have fast food! The kids literally jumped out of the moving car, when they saw a playground attached to it as well. So we enjoyed a nice lunch and play before getting on our way. We then came across a detour which took us down a dirt lane with a hundred other cars and so we were detained a while in that. While we were patiently waiting to go, someone decided to be cheeky and over take all the waiting vehicles on the left. Well Karma came back to bite him. We passed said vehicle, now dry bogged and stuck for goodness knows how long. I am sure it would have taken them longer to get unstuck, than it would have taken if they had have waited patiently like the rest of us! it is the same everywhere you go.
After about our 15th police check of the day, we arrived at Nsobe. A haven of green lushness in this dry and dusty place. We headed straight to the bar for a drink. As they were not selling wine, I am now a dear friend of Redd's, a lovely tasting South African cider. It was so relaxing to sit on the bank of the dam and watch the sun set. As we were heading down to dinner we were told the giraffe were close, so we went to have a look. How wonderful to see the giraffe walking calmly by. They are such big beautiful creatures.
Our room was simple but comfortable. The only big problem for the weekend was that we often had no power, only candlelight. This is not really a problem for those who are prepared. We however have no torch and only had the one candle in the room. So after a quick shower by candlelight it was into bed and sleep. Thankfully, the room had lots of blankets as they are all open to the elements. They are thatched and are not fully enclosed due to the high temperatures in summer. Thus, they get cold over winter. I enjoyed snuggling down under the blankets, but did not enjoy being constantly kicked by Laura, whom I was sharing a bed with.
The next day after breakfast, we were told about the snake and bird sanctuary so headed there for a look.It was wonderful for the kids. They got to see bunny rabbits and guinea pigs, real local wild life .Lol. They also had some beautiful African birds and turtles. As we were walking around we saw the giraffe again as they had just been fed and so were able to get a real close up view. The owners put out some feed for them, which helps with their nutrition in a smaller environment. We then headed back to the snakes. Phil and Tom were so brave and held a snake. We could not believe that Tom held one, as he is usually more afraid than Laura. But he was so excited to hold the Variegated Green snake and so proud of himself. I held a baby Nile crocodile called Fiffi. Very fierce name, and the kids had a pat. We then headed out on a self guided game tour. We came across the owner walking his 2 Labrador's and his tame Serval. It's funny seeing a wild animal as such playing with the dogs. We then came across some Sable Antelope, which are absolutely beautiful. I can see why people like to have them as trophies. We did not see much else that we haven't seen previously, but it was lovely to get out and look.
Lunch consisted of Implala chops. Very nice I might add. Then Phil and Laura had a sleep whilst Tom and I tried our hand at fishing. We bought a couple of bamboo rods and some worms and hit the water. We caught 2 small fish and released them back to grow up. That night we had Venison stew, which was beautiful, Laura loved it.
On Monday, since it was a public holiday, saw a big influx of locals and tourist to the place. It was crowded. I unfortunately woke up with a problem tummy, so headed back to bed while Phil took the kids to breakfast and then on another game drive. Kids are not the best people to take on a game drive as their loud voices often scare animals away. Especially our two! On their return I felt somewhat better and went out to watch them in the canoe. Phil had a lovely time with the kids out on the dam. I was not so confident to take them out. We had life jackets, but they were not the best fit and I did not want to tip the canoe. It seems my fears were not silly. That afternoon a 23 year old local Kitwe man drowned, when he tipped the canoe and could not swim. He was out with two others and a 2 year old. Luckily the mother was able to keep herself and the baby afloat as the father did also. Unfortunately for Sage, he drowned with the water only centimeters from his head. Such a shame and a waste. If only they had worn their life jackets.
That afternoon we went out searching for Zebra. We had not seen any and were determined to find them. We searched high and low with no success. Phil however got to see some Sitatunga, which he was thrilled about. Another lovely dinner and then to bed early with no power.
We hit the road for home on Tuesday and this time managed to find the correct way home. We were driving along when we came across the Chimfunshi (chimpanzee orphanage) turn off. We decided to go in and have a look. We drove in and paid the fee, then headed off to see the chimps. They are a lot bigger than you expect. I was thinking we were going to see these gorgeous little monkeys, but my gosh they are big. My size, but shorter in the legs. When we saw them, they were just finishing lunch and one decided to throw some of its food at me. The kids thought this was hilarious. Then they started to make their big monkey noise and Laura got completely scared and wanted to go straight back to the car. Thankfully, she and the chimps calmed down. Some of the situations these animals have come from is atrocious. People buy them as pets and then realise they grow up and can't be controlled. One was in the circus for 26 years and made to do all sorts of non-chimp things. They looked so sad. We then went to the rehabilitation area. This is where others are free to roam in the wild. They are still behind fences, but no cages. Chimpanzee's are not native to Zambia and so cannot be released into the wild. But at least they have a safe place to live for the rest of their lives. Which apparently is a long time, as their lifespan is similar to ours. We met the owner and had a lovely chat to her and she gave us a book that she wrote about her hippo that had died recently.
From there we headed home. We only just made it too. As we were entering Solwezi, we realised we were low on fuel. The first station had no fuel and the only one in town that did had a queue for about 1km. Thankfully, we needed diesel and everyone was waiting for petrol. We managed to sneak in. Another car tried it, but they wanted petrol. I honestly thought a riot was about to occur.They very quickly went to the back of the queue. The rest of the drive went ok.
The kids are doing really well on the long drives. We have no dvd player for them and no music. So it is pretty boring and fights do occur, but they really are doing a great job.
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Week 15 - Photos
Week 15 - 8.7.12
A short week this week due to our Nsobe holiday.
We arrived back late Tuesday night. Clement had accomplished so much whilst we were away. He has put in some plants around the larpa and put some sugar cane in along the back fence. We are trying to build a screen as our back fence boarders a main walkway. It will be nice when all the cane and creepers grow to give us some privacy. Phil feels as though he is in a fish bowl when he sits outside. I'm use to it now, but it will be nice to have some privacy back.
On Wednesday, I thought I'd better get started on Laura's cake. As we can't get a lot of marshmallow here on site, I decided to try and make my own, then thought I could use that for marshmallow fondant. Would not recommend doing this. I thought it was going well until I tried using it on Thursday. Unfortunately, it was not pliable, just a dry mass of sugar. I did however get the fairy castle made out of it, but not the fairy. Such a shame, but better luck next time. Laura still liked her cake.
Wednesday also saw me finish the stabilisation of the cubby house. Then on Thursday, Clement and his friend Wilson, moved it to it's final spot. He was then able to build the stand and place the cubby house up on top, to then start on the floor. I was a bit disappointed as I was going to give the floor a go myself, but Clement wanted to do it, so I let him go ahead. I don't think I would have been able to get it done by Friday as he did. It looks good. Now we just need to pretty it up.
Friday arrived and I was exhausted. For the last few days I've had 5 kids playing at the house all day. Thank goodness for Carol, as I would never have managed to get everything ready for Laura's party and drinks. I again volunteered to have Friday drinks here, as I thought it would be easy to combine Laura's party with the drinks and Maree and Meagan's farewell. I ended up having to tell the kids to go and play somewhere else, as they just kept messing up my organised chaos. I think I sat down at 2:50pm and everyone was due to arrive at 3pm. It all went well. The kids had fun in between injuries and us adults had fun also. Laura's finished cake looked good and the castle had a few nice comments.
There have been a couple of new families on site. Brenda arrived with Sonya (4) and Henry (3mths), her husband was already here. Anke and her tribe of 4 boys (Jean 6, Fabian 4, Sebastian and Guillome 1)and husband have been here a couple of weeks. So the girls bought their kids up for the party. They are both lovely and their kids will be a great addition to Tom's class. I am sure we will be spending a bit of time together.
Saturday was Laura's actual birthday. Hard to believe my baby is 3. She opened her presents in the morning and then proceeded to be cheeky all day. She has basically given up her day sleeps and so plays with the boys all day getting as filthy as they do! We had dinner outside around the fire to celebrate which was lovely. Sorry to rub it in about the weather, but it really is wonderful sitting around in shorts and t-shirts by the fire watching the sun set and the beginning of a chill just coming into the air. How cold is it back home in Oz? Lol.
I also saved a banana palm yesterday. Unfortunately when someone leaves, their garden does not get watered and so starts to die. I saw a couple of plants the other day and decided to relocate them to our garden. We are also trying to extend our side fence, to stop people from wandering through (as mentioned , we are on a main walkway). So I planted the palm down the side and built on a fence extension. I can't wait until we can pick our own banana's. Although I have been told it could take 2 years. We also went to the local chicken farm, which also sells plants and bought a few more varieties to go around the larpa. Can't wait to see what our garden looks like after the first wet season.
Phil is having to work today. So this morning I took the kids down to the dam today to see if we could find some animal footprints. Whilst out walking lately, we have come across quite a few. Today however, there weren't many which was a bit disappointing. So Tom decided to create some strange footprints to scare the walkers.
Today is also a sad day. Meagan and the kids leave. We are just about to head down and say goodbye. The kids are really going to miss Lachie. I will miss my friend and neighbour also, but we wish them all the best for a wonderful future.
The time we spend here will be very interesting, as we are going to be welcoming people regularly as well as wishing others goodbye. I wonder how long we will be here and how interesting it will be to look back on our time here and the friends we make.
Week 14 - Photos
Week 14 - 1.7.12
I went back to the clinic on Monday with Laura. Firstly, we
had to get her checked for Malaria and so another finger test was done. She was
so brave, unlike the fight she put up the first time. She offered up her thumb
and only cried a tad. I discussed with the doctor about getting her tonsils
removed and so we are going to arrange to get her tonsils out in South Africa.
We have an appointment for the end of July and ideally we would like to only do
one trip and so are trying to arrange her appointment for one day and then the
operation the next. Hopefully, this can be done. I will probably go down with
Laura, and Carol will hopefully stay here with Tom whilst Phil is at work.
We’ll see.
Tuesday was spent going on my walk in the morning and then
trying to fix the cubby house. It’s been quite difficult, as I have had to
strip the floor due to termites and so I am now in the process of stabilizing
the floor base, so we can move it to its permanent position. Not so easy with
old rusty nails and the drill does not reach with our extension cord. New nails
are in order.
I drove to Solwezi today to stock up on a couple of items. I
bought some new nails, some wood preserver for the larpa (before the termites
take a liking to it), groceries and new t-shirts for me. I cannot find shoes
here that are my size, as the shops stop at size 8. I will have to try the
roadside stalls next. I am glad I did
not take the kids with me, as it is a long enough day as it is. In the
afternoon, we went to the soccer pitch to watch a game. ATS (catering and
maintenance) were playing Security. It was great to watch, just like watching a
grand final. Every time ATS scored the crowd would run onto the field, some
doing cartwheels, some dancing and singing. It was a fantastic atmosphere and Krissy
and I had a ball watching. The kids just played, but at least they left us
alone.
On Thursday, some trees were being cut down and so I managed
to get some tree logs. Why? Well, one is for the base of a bird bath and the
other a base for a squirrel / bird feeder.
They are quite solid and so should work quite well once dug into the
ground. Tom and I then made the squirrel feeder on Friday. I don’t think it
looks too bad. Phil is non-committal and I have yet to hear what the squirrels
think.
These last few weeks, my feet have been craving carpet. Yes,
I know how strange this sounds. But since we have been here, my feet have not
felt anything soft or lush under them and trust me, feet crave this sensation.
It is either hard concrete flooring, dirt tracks with rocks, rocks or just
dirt. Shoes don’t help as the ground is so hard, and when you wear the same
pair of shoes every day, well it just doesn’t mean anything. My feet would love
to feel a plush carpet with full soft pile. Oh the poor things are so sad and
feeling very neglected. Lol. I bought a plastic non-scratch scourer, that would
normally be used for dishes and I am using this in the shower on my feet! It is
the only way I can get the dirt off them at the end of each day. Now you can
understand why they are so sad.
We are heading to Nsobe Game Camp for the weekend. It is an
extra-long weekend here (4 days), and so will blog again after we get back.
Hopefully we will see some giraffe and zebra.
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