Odd and ends

Some bits and pieces of everyday life

1.    Power cuts – three in three nights last week.  Ranging from a couple of nights to the whole night.  I made a resolution one night to get all cooking done in daylight.

2.    Nshima.  This is the national staple food. A maize based thick porridge (slightly more stodgy and firm) which is served with two relishes (often pumpkin leaves) and eaten with the hands.  I have tried and am not a fan. Personally I think it tastes and texture of cardboard, however the making of it is considered an art form and as one taxi driver said to me today ‘my stomach needs it three times every day or it will be the end of the world’. Zambians love their nshima.

3.    Religion. Zambians like to know which church you go to.  I have been asked the question many times over the past couple of days, so I try to explain that I don’t and this is not usual in England.  They find this hard to contemplate so often follow it up with ‘But you do believe?’ or ‘Who made you?’.   Religion is a intrinsic part of daily life here, with people wearing their best clothes attending Church on Sunday for 2 to 4 hour services.

4.    ‘Muzunga’ – (white person). Whenever I am walking to work, or back home, going on my recent morning runs or going to the local shop all children like shouting muzunga as a greeting followed with ‘how are you?’. You cannot walk anywhere without getting this greeting and no response in required – just a smile and a wave.  You are then treated to one of the highlights of Africa – a smiling child face followed by laughter.  I am learning to catch them out by saying ‘ ‘ which means ‘I’m okay’ in the local dialect.

5. Nigeria films and soaps are the new Bollywood - (actually known locally as NollyWood!).