tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30754707455496447172024-02-19T08:08:36.848-08:00Mark - My Wordsmsdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-20465129008952679032011-05-31T12:52:00.000-07:002011-05-31T12:52:04.255-07:00Back in the USA!After nearly seven months in Africa, my return flight to the U.S. touched down at San Francisco International Airport on April 22. Following a little over a week reconnecting with relatives in the San Francisco Bay Area, I then drove my stuffed Audi TT (everything brought back from Zambia, plus what was left behind on my way out of the U,S. to make a one-bag luggage limit, plus mail retrieved that had been forwarded to a friend in Ventura County) a good 1,000 kilometers back home to San Diego. Hot showers in the morning, a functioning toilet, rapid and dependable internet access, along with other creature comforts and conveniences - not to mention quality time with family and reuniting with friends - it's nice to be home during spring in coastal California!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Touching down at SFO</td></tr>
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</div>At the same time, there's the urban hustle and bustle that contrasts with the generally relaxed and friendly pace experienced at Petauke, and curiosity over how friends and coworkers there are faring. If living in Petauke (albeit following a transitional week of training in Lusaka) entailed "culture shock", coming back to Downtown living in a city of over a million population also involves some adjustment.<br />
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Speaking of the trip back, the flight to San Francisco took a great circle route from Europe, passing over Greenland and some spectacular ice-bound scenery.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEASrs4sD1zzTb1KsxVD-pCCHZeLlZmmSo4Uiega86QcoACCTL9CTTCG7bwHjwGm2PpykJhMk_8L9VC4X1LhSiBUp4mb_51tYy6PK9ae-BYYV6fc_RebhBGQ_PPnTXFENvlQN-rposbjQ/s1600/P4220111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEASrs4sD1zzTb1KsxVD-pCCHZeLlZmmSo4Uiega86QcoACCTL9CTTCG7bwHjwGm2PpykJhMk_8L9VC4X1LhSiBUp4mb_51tYy6PK9ae-BYYV6fc_RebhBGQ_PPnTXFENvlQN-rposbjQ/s320/P4220111.JPG" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's that white stuff?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-62912036921252699292011-05-31T12:50:00.000-07:002011-05-31T12:50:38.334-07:00Even the Best Laid Plans...As most of the readers of this blog probably know, I encountered some challenges that ultimately resulted in leaving Petauke for health reasons during the latter part of March, and spending time in Lusaka and then Johannesburg, South Africa before returning to the U.S. on April 22. In the quest to make "lemonade from lemons," I'll reflect on what occurred in the hope that others might benefit from this experience, and also add a few postings dealing with other topics of potential interest not already addressed.msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-11392951154224076262011-03-03T22:47:00.000-08:002011-03-03T22:47:48.622-08:00Marching On<span style="font-family: Calibri;">February has come and gone, with March, the last full month of my placement, under way. In early February, the usual daily rain showers stopped. The days were generally moderate to warm, and the evenings quite nice, with billowy clouds, lovely sunsets and some great star displays. The front porch served well for dinner al fresco. Rains finally returned, but overall, what is normally one of the wettest months was unusually dry, posing challenges for many crops in the field, especially late planted varieties. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">February also marked the arrival of a new group of VSO volunteers in Zambia, including several in the Eastern Province. Nice to have them here! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last weekend in February included N’cwala (a huge traditional ceremony and giant party near Chipata). Last weekend also afforded an opportunity to cross the border to visit Mozambique, which was a fascinating experience, even if only for an afternoon. It even included a spirited football (soccer) match.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXao1Nbq61SVkyLwIUb9k4D3htfuOF9Ypb2_uOinYnDk-jBTdFg3xm55NDJqkL46tCyT7KG7696_oVqBBj-nl2kVZFV10qrIcaYnzRJSOqp9PG5t3rsgfnohFFHMlfN74KoWTLKmd7sI/s1600/P2270527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXao1Nbq61SVkyLwIUb9k4D3htfuOF9Ypb2_uOinYnDk-jBTdFg3xm55NDJqkL46tCyT7KG7696_oVqBBj-nl2kVZFV10qrIcaYnzRJSOqp9PG5t3rsgfnohFFHMlfN74KoWTLKmd7sI/s320/P2270527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm-up for football match in Mozambique</td></tr>
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</div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-83370423595231477432011-02-25T01:12:00.000-08:002011-02-25T01:12:05.050-08:00Slashers!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No, this isn’t a review of a new Hollywood horror film nor a commentary on vandals destroying tires. Rather, it’s a brief reflection on another observation of life in Petauke with the passing seasons. Ample and generally regular rainfall during the early rainy season months helped to to bring early ripening maize to harvest, and dense growth of herbaceous plants along roadsides and even in the formerly dry and dusty area around our house. The main method of addressing excessive growth of grasses and other plants in unwanted areas is “slashing” by hand with a tool that’s somewhere between a scythe and a pitching wedge (golf club). </span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHxOv4rdG9mE2TgQbUPe12WM8qtOlHlGHAvCXii-ysl4UgeJMlGONiqDB1sANSXuosQRPpshHZY1-BZ_kt8XKkU-9lwRbLxWAC9h9EqItaLTveqTnZpwh7rqmt1uFkZxgykhv79-ulZE/s1600/P1210470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHxOv4rdG9mE2TgQbUPe12WM8qtOlHlGHAvCXii-ysl4UgeJMlGONiqDB1sANSXuosQRPpshHZY1-BZ_kt8XKkU-9lwRbLxWAC9h9EqItaLTveqTnZpwh7rqmt1uFkZxgykhv79-ulZE/s320/P1210470.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slashing vegetation in our front yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I tried it in our front yard, it brought guffaws from all observers and resulted in very little effective slashing. We were fortunate to receive assistance from staff at the adjacent Nyika Motel and later behind the house from some of the younger neighbors. It’s a lot more difficult than it looks! The helpers were rewarded with snacks, cookies and refreshments, a small price for keeping our yard from being completely overgrown. </span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-60668164094477657632011-02-03T23:01:00.000-08:002011-02-03T23:41:16.968-08:00Workshop Redux<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our series of initial workshops with representatives of Area Development Committees profiled in an earlier posting has continued apace. As of this writing, seven workshops have been successfully completed, and large schematic maps have been prepared for 21 of the 22 wards that comprise the Petauke District. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadYsOeLi0a1p1IgGdTTFDqncgvrhYt8V9Vs5h5Q6mLOzGH-GAuAfSixzsoFADgRXaSpHHHhHlU_9_VDhB_9gqtWVoy8AmHjg4cM6ZR8_f0GTTrl4yq_x0iyTQdoyrsNuIMsLxW-87hig/s1600/P1120410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadYsOeLi0a1p1IgGdTTFDqncgvrhYt8V9Vs5h5Q6mLOzGH-GAuAfSixzsoFADgRXaSpHHHhHlU_9_VDhB_9gqtWVoy8AmHjg4cM6ZR8_f0GTTrl4yq_x0iyTQdoyrsNuIMsLxW-87hig/s320/P1120410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Participants at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In one recent session, a local official commented that he thought this was the most valuable workshop he had attended because of the shared knowledge gained by participants in creating the large map of their area. That was gratifying!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XmZqvKKuUkF9Y0Vlhr5PmqtjA671q-BtnL5wBZN1jnuO_FtdC_uCVasBnzHGy4TnQlyqcwViUkQDGPrGjNjHkHXwz_1yUumK9Wc3K_oLuCcu-M7_u6GZZQ6lHengsTxUbP0hAjX6UEE/s1600/P1190463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XmZqvKKuUkF9Y0Vlhr5PmqtjA671q-BtnL5wBZN1jnuO_FtdC_uCVasBnzHGy4TnQlyqcwViUkQDGPrGjNjHkHXwz_1yUumK9Wc3K_oLuCcu-M7_u6GZZQ6lHengsTxUbP0hAjX6UEE/s320/P1190463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of schematic map produced by each group for their area</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-48303037347214630752011-01-31T00:39:00.000-08:002011-01-31T00:39:45.755-08:00Not Your Average Weekend Drive<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Flexibility and spontaneity are important attributes for a productive and successful experience here. A couple of weekends back, I returned from a morning walk and was about to grab a bite to eat when I learned from housemate Ity that Acting Deputy Council Secretary Jovax Ngoma was going on a field inspection tour and had invited us along. The catch was I didn’t know where or how far we were going, or when we would be back, and the vehicle was leaving in about 15 minutes. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQbbQx24A9PVHmSsRSZk8gNObN3p4gnQux0IzKARgUD-qB8PKwCNbWVMoDa2rGYbNPPAFhCz5v85BpLGmzWixZB4nF7Et24mcnhYsVMoGS-7xUZDu4Ee9HfG8RpIrAidYtyrEGt2iC_Q/s1600/P1160455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQbbQx24A9PVHmSsRSZk8gNObN3p4gnQux0IzKARgUD-qB8PKwCNbWVMoDa2rGYbNPPAFhCz5v85BpLGmzWixZB4nF7Et24mcnhYsVMoGS-7xUZDu4Ee9HfG8RpIrAidYtyrEGt2iC_Q/s320/P1160455.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedestrian bridge almost completed</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Part of the route (almost entirely on unpaved roads) covered similar ground from my first field excursion with Works Director Betram Daka back in October, shortly after arriving in Petauke. This was of interest in viewing the contrast between the hot, dry season during the initial journey and the current rainy season, as well as having greater local knowledge. We also went to areas that were new, and approached the border with Mozambique. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BK28Byz0EnPNG5hJMadeMiEx2TcGio-SmbZKRhpBd2wjWhDihDePuMefdnB6obENr8422Rpj9flvBs5Ih_kVZSprzSitslbdnGTcBtFTq60RUHsOnEDNvzkWt8ffs2ewcT7FAC47SIQ/s1600/P1160449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BK28Byz0EnPNG5hJMadeMiEx2TcGio-SmbZKRhpBd2wjWhDihDePuMefdnB6obENr8422Rpj9flvBs5Ih_kVZSprzSitslbdnGTcBtFTq60RUHsOnEDNvzkWt8ffs2ewcT7FAC47SIQ/s320/P1160449.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of storm damage </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had grabbed my camera and served as the photographer to help document the condition of sites visited. Several areas had suffered damage from storms, and some road segments were nearly impassable. After negotiating an especially difficult stretch, we encountered high river levels near the end of the intended loop route, so had to turn around and make our way back via a longer course. Heavy thunderstorms were evident in the surrounding area throughout much of our journey, but just when we thought we were safely past the most challenging stretches, the rains came – in buckets. As darkness approached, the rain subsided, and we returned home feeling rather beat up from the bumpy ride, but exhilarated from the experience. </span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-57812633709915844422011-01-15T03:19:00.000-08:002011-01-15T03:24:53.687-08:00A Walk in the Countryside (and More)<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Previous posts have alluded to the rainy season transition. During the past weekend, a relatively cool and cloudy day provided an incentive to get out and take a good walk around Petauke. I soon reached the outskirts of town, and headed into a part of the countryside not yet visited. The open expanses of green fields backed by rocky outcrops and distant mountains provided a rather idyllic setting, with a number of folks toiling among the fields of maize (corn) and other crops. While the frequent rains can be an inconvenience (power frequently goes down, usually followed by the water supply system), and the mosquito population seems to have dramatically increased, the more luxuriant vegetation, cleaner skies, cooler temperatures and the closeness of most people to the land illustrate some of the appeal of a more rural lifestyle. Virtually everyone encountered was friendly and welcoming, and happy to share greetings and information about what they are growing.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A family on their way to the fields</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Getting back to town on the return trip, I encountered several friends and coworkers, including the Acting Deputy Council Secretary (Jovax) near his home (he kindly accompanied me for awhile and provided directions on the best way to my final destination), several other District Council coworkers returning from a funeral, and a couple of friends (Patrick and Andrew) who generously invited me over to their home for a Zambian meal. To top things off, housemate Ity and I met two other VSO volunteers (Adam from our induction group who is working in Siavonga, and Zoe who is working in Delhi, India) later that evening. They were returning from a trip to South Luangwa National Park and Lake Malawi. It was a beautiful, cool, star-filled evening, with great company and a fine dinner at Chemwemwe Lodge! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7RP5VrBBDzYTvPXVHZeOcUiZNR7-b8BUHByLy7UKSsbYDLSyfwUUUuDMewcP3MC4JXqvvrbWpy4RExGRuyrim3-bEH5D_jWGTqMY2NlXPJSqtxBWkmd4rAvLk2S0WjvTHKcV5mFDWxc/s1600/P1090421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7RP5VrBBDzYTvPXVHZeOcUiZNR7-b8BUHByLy7UKSsbYDLSyfwUUUuDMewcP3MC4JXqvvrbWpy4RExGRuyrim3-bEH5D_jWGTqMY2NlXPJSqtxBWkmd4rAvLk2S0WjvTHKcV5mFDWxc/s320/P1090421.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the trip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-80805049263156012722011-01-06T02:49:00.000-08:002011-01-15T02:14:03.144-08:002011 – Getting the New Year Rolling<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Welcome to a new year! Is it “twenty-eleven”, “two thousand eleven”, or some other terminology? It’s also the outset of a new decade. In any case, life continues to roll along in Petauke, and this week marks three months in Zambia – the halfway point of my placement! </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The local governing body here is the Petauke District Council, which includes elected “councillors” from 22 sub-districts called wards, three members of the National Assembly (Parliament) elected from geographic areas in the district called “constituencies”, and two chiefs’ representatives, for a total of 27. Regular meetings are generally held quarterly, and the District Council has several committees through which most matters are channeled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh723c-NggujeEVPT3omjyE6iqnxoBTk_MwaP9NRKfMFJ07ktNH4q3wPU9roaimIDM4IpyVTcu5od0NQ_34Suyg_YJKxkFAib8mnriNGegTWbbBXXYOt2JbTGLfFwyiCnMUrTq-LELun4/s1600/P1030394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh723c-NggujeEVPT3omjyE6iqnxoBTk_MwaP9NRKfMFJ07ktNH4q3wPU9roaimIDM4IpyVTcu5od0NQ_34Suyg_YJKxkFAib8mnriNGegTWbbBXXYOt2JbTGLfFwyiCnMUrTq-LELun4/s320/P1030394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petauke District Council meeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The full District Council held their initial regular meeting of 2011 on Monday, January 3, the first working day of the new year. Because councillors come from far flung reaches of the district, and a good deal of caucusing goes on prior to the meeting, predicting the actual start is something of an art form. The meetings are also somewhat more formal than I had anticipated. The national anthem is sung (it’s quite melodic) and a prayer is delivered at the outset and close of the sessions. The councillors wear robes, and if one enters or leaves the room during the proceedings, they make a respectful bow toward the dais.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On January 5, 2011, I experienced my first meeting of the Petauke District Development Coordinating Committee. That group is chaired by the District Commissioner, the national government’s lead representative in the district, and the membership is composed of a variety of stakeholders. The District Commissioner’s office coordinates the central government’s activities in the district, and provides a liaison with local government. This was a good opportunity to meet more people involved in development and service delivery locally. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP92JVh7gdayg5IDZEVufkoNGOK7QikNyKeS4Cx7k-y_0_97zD0nyIdbn2JLDDZMUi2z4rYR7gbiKgAaj1jRbK9uANUlAY1TewB8XK-mXU770ut4aNQaAORkt7Q8UqJbzNXhemIJJqmSc/s1600/P1050397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP92JVh7gdayg5IDZEVufkoNGOK7QikNyKeS4Cx7k-y_0_97zD0nyIdbn2JLDDZMUi2z4rYR7gbiKgAaj1jRbK9uANUlAY1TewB8XK-mXU770ut4aNQaAORkt7Q8UqJbzNXhemIJJqmSc/s320/P1050397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petauke District Development Coordinating Committee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Meanwhile, the countryside continues to turn greener, the maize and other crops grow taller, and the thunderstorms seem to increase in intensity.</span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-17346733991951100352010-12-23T23:58:00.000-08:002010-12-23T23:58:40.939-08:00Season's Greetings!All the best for the holidays and beyond!msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-49556471363361008462010-12-23T23:54:00.000-08:002010-12-23T23:54:23.377-08:00Putting the "Work" in Workshop<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>Note: This is the last in a backlog of posts that were delayed by internet access constraints experienced for a few weeks. Since this posting, two additional workshops have occurred.</em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On 30 November, a series of three-day workshops kicked off involving representatives from two of the 22 “wards” that make up the Petauke District. The representatives (one elected person from each “zone” within the ward, and at least 40% female representatives) were from the Lusangazi and Nyakawise “Area Development Committees”. Each ward has an area development committee. The representatives arrived early, took a short lunch, and returned on their own later in the evening to continue working on hand drawn maps for their wards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The commitment and enthusiasm of the participants continued throughout the three days.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlNFMVD48qiKVpH5DYt3Giu2mk_5Bu_ZD63tn_gzhn6WiHh9Gup1tJu5U1lERaLc3-kvlFE4GnggqOF4SyKtwWXdGNGlYMZKjsixgNJPrV6v5lfzo-YbFB6U5Q2jFUQCZ6GwsRLtguOQ/s1600/PB300251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlNFMVD48qiKVpH5DYt3Giu2mk_5Bu_ZD63tn_gzhn6WiHh9Gup1tJu5U1lERaLc3-kvlFE4GnggqOF4SyKtwWXdGNGlYMZKjsixgNJPrV6v5lfzo-YbFB6U5Q2jFUQCZ6GwsRLtguOQ/s320/PB300251.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workshop participants</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The products were generated by the representatives themselves. While quite basic, this is one of the first efforts to introduce spatial considerations in this way, and to cooperatively identify project priorities ”from the ground up” by those most directly affected. Good stuff! Hats off to long-time VSO volunteer and Decentralization Advisor David Dawson as the lead facilitator, District Planning Officer Dulani Phiri who has overseen the effort, others involved in facilitation and translation, and to the participating Area Development Committee members. Here’s hoping the following workshops go this well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs3kmZwJFiaEAbML1Xz1p-dbzy4jptKYSFBlIqHKK2isr7VuAVg1zDgqZX284mmS9JGQzZC-CsFPg1KYO2HjQBbwmc4J3Asb19ZsxpldMrkfJ5QxTM9QcVDxvQ_hFPTu0irvHnxhouSE/s1600/PC020272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs3kmZwJFiaEAbML1Xz1p-dbzy4jptKYSFBlIqHKK2isr7VuAVg1zDgqZX284mmS9JGQzZC-CsFPg1KYO2HjQBbwmc4J3Asb19ZsxpldMrkfJ5QxTM9QcVDxvQ_hFPTu0irvHnxhouSE/s320/PC020272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Workshop participants produced a schematic map of their area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-80720052066539523792010-12-19T04:21:00.000-08:002010-12-19T04:21:34.383-08:00Organized Chaos for a Cause<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Petauke has a Community Centre located on the far side of the town’s main “market” area. The centre currently does not appear to enjoy a very high profile. My ever-industrious housemate and coworker, Ity, conceived of an event to involve Petauke’s children and raise the centre’s profile. She proposed a sports and games day for children, and being a sports enthusiast, I signed on as the “official” photographer and “other duties as assigned”.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErPwyauA3f2wMz28eLbL-YKvn3iQYFJrbi-CbZFXk9pG1Y_BwGIqwPf3bn6Yu0OEGqYqDxKocBC4KO3CVmDtkQBrQSArmeO5UcIIhbBjJMUnQ9ScteQu9WvYuijaEYoYVqvkNmjA4eHc/s1600/PC110018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErPwyauA3f2wMz28eLbL-YKvn3iQYFJrbi-CbZFXk9pG1Y_BwGIqwPf3bn6Yu0OEGqYqDxKocBC4KO3CVmDtkQBrQSArmeO5UcIIhbBjJMUnQ9ScteQu9WvYuijaEYoYVqvkNmjA4eHc/s320/PC110018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sports Day participants waiting to begin</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While conducted under the auspices of the Petauke District Council, which administers the centre, the work was done largely by volunteers, and essentially all the materials (mainly food, refreshments and prizes) were donated by local businesses and other supporters. Teams to compete in events ranging from “three-legged” races, tug-of-war, and dodge ball, to organized sports such as volleyball, were recruited through local schools. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Y-NKSoz87OD4JEH0oYOnPS6EbV2yT52hmcLnzNCR0t3M2unPL1QTdZUzq8igDJyK77sOMOCS2Sa7atvneqzMs1eG7p2KN9J7OuqyjB-pWtMpb6i4LfaXyZQcf5SIFdvxjDnVzisDKQ/s1600/PC110030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Y-NKSoz87OD4JEH0oYOnPS6EbV2yT52hmcLnzNCR0t3M2unPL1QTdZUzq8igDJyK77sOMOCS2Sa7atvneqzMs1eG7p2KN9J7OuqyjB-pWtMpb6i4LfaXyZQcf5SIFdvxjDnVzisDKQ/s320/PC110030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The games begin</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the Saturday morning of the big day, the vehicle and driver arranged to transport supplies to the site didn’t show up (a kind supporter dispatched a vehicle and driver on short notice to save the day), thunderstorms threatened, and when we finally arrived at the site, much of the set-up remained to be completed. Several groups arrived late, and the carefully arranged calendar of events had to be adjusted on the fly.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayi2KLh2OSVDtt5kdSrGqLiECTFftOpFS7mv0xO30hzAu7_MEi7C_xIcNpgy2hZsfkQ_W8OiiC_X9HcAPCup3HgFxYa1McabZ83RTIrC9-cv5lCcHHCdoflfn7jGa_dQ91CqCTYOSJ_Q/s1600/PC110042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayi2KLh2OSVDtt5kdSrGqLiECTFftOpFS7mv0xO30hzAu7_MEi7C_xIcNpgy2hZsfkQ_W8OiiC_X9HcAPCup3HgFxYa1McabZ83RTIrC9-cv5lCcHHCdoflfn7jGa_dQ91CqCTYOSJ_Q/s320/PC110042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volleyball court at Community Centre used for the first time</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But, as the day unfolded, the real pay-off was in the spirited competition and great enthusiasm shown by the participating children. By the afternoon conclusion, about 100 kids had taken part, and left with smiles on their faces (along with having partaken of snacks and refreshments). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ7xYnBHWeVITZun2Thc6d54hn3xcQXuiVdOZV_KzBPjWa5d9obvS_4Vay9NjXKf5fwViIp2jzfpybXqVtR4ntTQEu1t3O84nfPSmeOGAGibf2y7vTvjxYlBp-xjGf_SknthhT1GuiFk/s1600/PC110049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ7xYnBHWeVITZun2Thc6d54hn3xcQXuiVdOZV_KzBPjWa5d9obvS_4Vay9NjXKf5fwViIp2jzfpybXqVtR4ntTQEu1t3O84nfPSmeOGAGibf2y7vTvjxYlBp-xjGf_SknthhT1GuiFk/s320/PC110049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dedicated footballers braved torrential rains to cap off the sports events</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although not directly related to anyone’s original placement, I believe it embodies what the VSO experience is about in several important ways. It was a cooperative volunteer effort, focused on providing opportunities for disadvantaged children, sparked greater awareness of a local resource, and may have planted the seed for local residents to build on this foundation. In any case, it was a memorable experience for those involved.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYze0p6H-WLPIRcpFDxbkWSpgCzdbeHF-4XOeMGZ6zsq__uZyPtGuNHUxy1UFrkNOuxPN7L2d01kpOVmpPPVNn6494pNPCudi4r4pfBE-vaNWwQ0nitAxf3yHr7ikFi7yTn45dFCjVyI/s1600/PC110052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYze0p6H-WLPIRcpFDxbkWSpgCzdbeHF-4XOeMGZ6zsq__uZyPtGuNHUxy1UFrkNOuxPN7L2d01kpOVmpPPVNn6494pNPCudi4r4pfBE-vaNWwQ0nitAxf3yHr7ikFi7yTn45dFCjVyI/s320/PC110052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating at the party held to top off Sports Day </td></tr>
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</div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-74657141633925375882010-12-19T03:07:00.000-08:002010-12-19T03:07:13.112-08:00Wet and Wild<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After showers early in November and a relatively dry few weeks, the rains seem to definitely have arrived to stay. Billowy clouds form on most afternoons, with frequent electrical storms and the heaviest rains to date. Even the previously dusty front yard is displaying small green shoots, and the surrounding ground is being tilled and planted throughout the countryside. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo8ds1SrRrIWV6TcnNUSDkKye66012aic8oszK08YCRV37yLdFlOU5URTQJfdERE7bq_MBOO027WmpmdjCtqfS8eVpqgSm8Rvd_yhFiCyWNmkh76CvuNQRVFbPKrBPK7_1oj7J5em54w/s1600/PB280010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyo8ds1SrRrIWV6TcnNUSDkKye66012aic8oszK08YCRV37yLdFlOU5URTQJfdERE7bq_MBOO027WmpmdjCtqfS8eVpqgSm8Rvd_yhFiCyWNmkh76CvuNQRVFbPKrBPK7_1oj7J5em54w/s320/PB280010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petauke with a thunderstorm threatening</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Especially when the power goes out during storms after dark, the lightning flashes put on a veritable light show over the entire horizon. (Wish I could catch that with a camera.)</span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-18371418977353636982010-12-19T03:00:00.000-08:002010-12-19T03:00:18.348-08:00A Taste of the Netherlands<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The same weekend we returned from the journey to Chipata and Mfuwe, two other Dutch colleagues from our VSO induction group visited separately from Lusaka, where their placements are located. It was nice to reunite with these friends, even if briefly and in the midst of one of the most intense swarms of insects I’ve witnessed. The large flying ants emerge annually with the onset of the rainy season, and are considered a delicacy (inswa) by the local population. The septic system had also reached capacity that week, rendering our toilet unusable, Marjolijn didn’t feel well, and Roland left with a touchy stomach, but I think everyone was able to have a retrospective chuckle over the weekend visit to Petauke. It also gave the Lusaka based volunteers a chance to experience a few of the challenges as well as positive aspects of a less urban assignment, as Roland captured some nice photos on Sunday.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6WzwVR2UUs17y5XCsGqdj7JouFWjtO33mMIcFW_UinOxO95ikpWBZkf2XMLO7Utt0jlWLCWCPbkewC6C9TIDWhrdqLk6gwr0Yvl48PvLFo_3Tcd12Co4sfD9bsR_89hi2ZYYHWY1uIo/s1600/PB270003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6WzwVR2UUs17y5XCsGqdj7JouFWjtO33mMIcFW_UinOxO95ikpWBZkf2XMLO7Utt0jlWLCWCPbkewC6C9TIDWhrdqLk6gwr0Yvl48PvLFo_3Tcd12Co4sfD9bsR_89hi2ZYYHWY1uIo/s320/PB270003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marjolijn, Roland & Ity (VSO Dutch volunteers)</td></tr>
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</div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-52431220803832635432010-12-19T01:57:00.000-08:002010-12-19T02:18:27.279-08:00Journey to Chipata (and Other Adventures)<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>NOTE! </em></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>In the last few weeks, I encountered computer and internet access glitches beyond the norm that constrained making new postings. My apologies for the delay in being able to share the information written during this period. I will post this past material as opportunities permit, starting with this post. </em></span></div></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On 23 November, the District Planning Officer, Works Director, Decentralization Advisor and I made our way to the Eastern Province capital, Chipata, to meet with representatives of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. Because Petauke is a “district council”, as opposed to a “city council” or “municipal council”, planning authority is largely retained by the Eastern Province Planning Authority, which is staffed by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. (My regrets to those of you who aren’t into planning jargon, but some references to work and the professional side of things needs to be made from time to time.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is being developed for the Eastern Province, and we wanted to explore the potential for cooperative efforts in data gathering and management, mapping and other aspects of planning.</span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">After numerous postponements, it was nice to finally engage in a face-to-face exchange of information and ideas. Obtaining consistent and reliable data and basic mapping are a significant challenge.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyCMGpaO9adTDitN33pJJHuzLJSuIUAYxsz2M7Yj_vhFDsONDR-pMwyUgqauZySu4A-eWL2QdhyQDj2pLXyj9vH89h9L1riGMdA3LFESjRsBUf-39cDNvPzHl3XY1MCcpBrR1CMOs6uA/s1600/PB230143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyCMGpaO9adTDitN33pJJHuzLJSuIUAYxsz2M7Yj_vhFDsONDR-pMwyUgqauZySu4A-eWL2QdhyQDj2pLXyj9vH89h9L1riGMdA3LFESjRsBUf-39cDNvPzHl3XY1MCcpBrR1CMOs6uA/s320/PB230143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting at Ministry of Local Government & Housing in Chipata</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day, we attended a meeting of the Eastern Province Planning Authority. The session was also attended by a group from the Lusaka Province Planning Authority, which later participated in a demonstration tour addressing planning issues of mutual interest. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1heTCnsBsbgJ2vTG1slg9woSAEwJhH68rB0VzDsWjCKVQqyWPm8JiQXo6aOPJgmcSeOuWdUXlePjh6HqGLLqSftiS5xXhD8cuGO9Cfh45rdz-AD3xdpLzVsl98EYz5bj6eKbvUnlkyoo/s1600/PB240147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1heTCnsBsbgJ2vTG1slg9woSAEwJhH68rB0VzDsWjCKVQqyWPm8JiQXo6aOPJgmcSeOuWdUXlePjh6HqGLLqSftiS5xXhD8cuGO9Cfh45rdz-AD3xdpLzVsl98EYz5bj6eKbvUnlkyoo/s320/PB240147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting of the Eastern Province Planning Authority</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We proceeded on to the Mambwe District where the rest of the group was staying, and ended up in Mfuwe, the gateway to South Luangwa National Park. This afforded the opportunity to spend the better part of a day and evening in the park, one of Africa’s gems as a wildlife viewing destination. While not the peak time, one could easily spend a week exploring the vast park. This was certainly one of the highlights of my experience in Zambia thus far.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYwTcj2nay63Q3fNhiEO-IfKjzd7UDgpcSzPGIYFU-AE9rdCp_f2g1qZX1dalWuz3HvAaBjoZxQGLzki3p21Z9RqCnWHM18AUXeUtzklk4oLte9Tex3AfTlucTqyAZQlLWPxiuRra53g/s1600/PB250197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLYwTcj2nay63Q3fNhiEO-IfKjzd7UDgpcSzPGIYFU-AE9rdCp_f2g1qZX1dalWuz3HvAaBjoZxQGLzki3p21Z9RqCnWHM18AUXeUtzklk4oLte9Tex3AfTlucTqyAZQlLWPxiuRra53g/s320/PB250197.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Luangwa National Park</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While paved roads exist in the vicinity of the park, portions of the drive there were over “washboard” conditions that were jarring, to say the least. On the way back, one of the tires failed. The vehicle had a spare, but unfortunately, the jack had been placed in another vehicle. With patience and goodwill from passersby, we were finally able to get back on the road before too late in the day. After reaching the main highway, and cruising back to Petauke, the spare tire blew out around 30 kilometers west of Chipata, and still a good hour and a half from home. Our driver, Mr. Banda, deserves a great deal of credit for remaining calm and keeping the vehicle under control while easing it off to the highway shoulder. This necessitated another vehicle delivering a tire. Late that evening, we finally safely arrived back in Petauke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpC70em4A0DKU6gfsbXMILLQCFi0Nq5N7qjhyphenhyphenxsu-nqkKLZvJ2_OVgXMCnRe86r5BCFZtBt_2nuHAYSGMubly8reNAOZIfYjZpt_oLdMzZNQk3MUaQkrQBD4W18rB1-_noQfegwvcSNQ/s1600/PB260247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpC70em4A0DKU6gfsbXMILLQCFi0Nq5N7qjhyphenhyphenxsu-nqkKLZvJ2_OVgXMCnRe86r5BCFZtBt_2nuHAYSGMubly8reNAOZIfYjZpt_oLdMzZNQk3MUaQkrQBD4W18rB1-_noQfegwvcSNQ/s320/PB260247.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First flat tire (of two)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-53456968988217860522010-11-22T04:08:00.000-08:002010-11-22T04:08:22.000-08:00Ity's Excellent Party<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With housemate Ity and I having had a few weeks to settle into our house, she raised the fine idea of throwing a get acquainted party for our neighbors. Thus, we invited everyone from the nine other homes located next to the Nyika Motel, and at 15:00 hours (military time is the standard here) on 14 November, we began serving juice, coffee, tea and chocolate, along with biscuits (aka cookies in the U.S.) and Zambian style “donuts” from our front porch. First, several of the numerous local kids came by (and were remarkably sedate and well behaved). Then, some of the adult neighbors began to drift over, and within a couple of hours, we had exhausted our supplies and met a number of folks. All in all, it was a nice way to become more a part of the community (and we now have 22 plastic cups).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fb7KAkS_ndAWAHQGeEMTIqxCVZdHGFJ-Gu_muUuGPM_UWrUmTZWEIXBNbUzEQr1PRY3jJYMOXlHUCVdrcXS51DkJX14ZZ2anpooAENgFK_li0qqLh5eKRHRooD_OaMls1BKeZoJrfmo/s1600/PB140134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fb7KAkS_ndAWAHQGeEMTIqxCVZdHGFJ-Gu_muUuGPM_UWrUmTZWEIXBNbUzEQr1PRY3jJYMOXlHUCVdrcXS51DkJX14ZZ2anpooAENgFK_li0qqLh5eKRHRooD_OaMls1BKeZoJrfmo/s320/PB140134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early stage of party for neighbors</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Thanksgiving Note</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In case I'm not able to make another post for awhile, please let me take this opportunity to wish a happy Thanksgiving to all those back home in the U.S.!</span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-17615358391179035792010-11-14T22:19:00.000-08:002010-11-14T22:19:49.397-08:00Neighborhood Happenings<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sports Central…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that we’re settling into our house, we’re also starting to get to know some of the neighbors living in the surrounding homes. On Saturday, following morning shopping for most of the week’s supplies, one of the local children was playing out by our front porch. Housemate Ity was interacting with him and a couple of other youngsters, when an idea was hatched to use a rope we had purchased to try some “jump rope.” Soon, other young neighbors of varying ages joined in, and before long, we had a good size group involved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWnkr96ZEXY0BV-0r0_DABjOkpXSuPIMPziyC_yWGwTcs5bYZzf4VrjOrHKFoh52HHRvIYKy8Bk2a-_9t3tEb6b0XtO65AItUj6dXMB6Mgu8FDNoWnKbkozU4PSWh1jphMdZydwaraWQ/s1600/PB130129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWnkr96ZEXY0BV-0r0_DABjOkpXSuPIMPziyC_yWGwTcs5bYZzf4VrjOrHKFoh52HHRvIYKy8Bk2a-_9t3tEb6b0XtO65AItUj6dXMB6Mgu8FDNoWnKbkozU4PSWh1jphMdZydwaraWQ/s320/PB130129.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sports Central"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This transitioned to other local games, one of which involved a rope gradually raised in height where the participants engaged in synchronized dance steps. Another used a tightly rolled “ball” of plastic bags to play a game similar to “dodge ball.” A little exercise, a lot of fun, and some nice interaction with our friends and neighbors!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8vA7pDCQ63LAhxaOojtpvEjPi0Uo6OabUnLp6BBRyGA7b9hkDOBKL0bMam7hhdTdzAq7l2QMu7TMlaQEjsuAFtqhp_6MPz0ocijipQTnQBxZV2plDIUJODdC15oOwc9EoViqV_ZJJD4/s1600/PB130132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8vA7pDCQ63LAhxaOojtpvEjPi0Uo6OabUnLp6BBRyGA7b9hkDOBKL0bMam7hhdTdzAq7l2QMu7TMlaQEjsuAFtqhp_6MPz0ocijipQTnQBxZV2plDIUJODdC15oOwc9EoViqV_ZJJD4/s320/PB130132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Steppin'</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fire…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had to include this photo of trash and low brush being burned in front of our house. Such small fires are a regular occurrence. They seem to help prevent larger burns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegA34nmbwnt6ZkvqRiFNJ6HRcwB1mM8mugiZyCNV4FoUVum7Yayr3YaPeNmVCLar5WyOYA8bFZU-jA8AQh8g4oaaDNCcP2BRN_L5Ud_X1aQAE8m5ckDcapg4frhD0_8VsBXhM-M2jzlA/s1600/PB090128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegA34nmbwnt6ZkvqRiFNJ6HRcwB1mM8mugiZyCNV4FoUVum7Yayr3YaPeNmVCLar5WyOYA8bFZU-jA8AQh8g4oaaDNCcP2BRN_L5Ud_X1aQAE8m5ckDcapg4frhD0_8VsBXhM-M2jzlA/s320/PB090128.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire!</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Great Water Mystery…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As mentioned in previous posts, we are fortunate that our house has electricity and running water. Service interruptions occur rather frequently, however. A storm may knock out electrical service, for instance, which in turn may lead to water well pumps shutting down and cutbacks in water service. In addition, power frequently fails when dinner is being cooked, and the correlation between water shutdowns and when I shower in the morning is uncanny. Thus, we took a lack of water service recently in stride, comforted by the knowledge that water usually is flowing again within a few hours, and we had a couple of buckets of back-up supply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When water was still down the next morning, and then the entire following day, inconvenience evolved to increasing concern. This was compounded by the weekend timing, and the discovery that other houses were getting water. After a third day without water, the toilet essentially unusable, and our supplies almost exhausted, we were chagrined to discover an outdoor valve leading to the house had been turned off. Perhaps we’ll never know who shut off the water or why, but it was so nice to have it flowing again that we could laugh off the episode. In the meantime, we substantially increased our back-up supplies in case a similar challenge arises in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-43374133884250673562010-11-10T23:12:00.000-08:002010-11-10T23:12:55.692-08:00And the Rains Came...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">October is generally acknowledged as the hottest month in Zambia, with the transition from the hot and dry season to the hot and wet season usually beginning in November. While still warm and humid, the rains periodically cool things off a bit, increased cloud cover tempers the sun’s intensity, and breezes accompanying storms provide a welcome respite from the heat. As if on cue, the first week in November brought gathering clouds, some swirling winds, occasional lightning and thunder, and scattered showers. (These phenomena also tend to be accompanied by power outages and water supply cut-offs, but that’s another story.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late Wednesday night (actually early Thursday morning) was absolutely still, when lightning flashed, thunder rumbled, winds picked up, and the initial raindrops on the roof soon sounded as though Somerset Maugham’s “Rain” had come to life. Actually, the precipitation was fairly brief, and probably not nearly as intense as it seemed based upon the noise emanating from the corrugated metal roof. At least the puddles were relatively few the next morning, and no water appeared to have dripped through the small holes in the roof. In any case, the dust was settled for a few hours, and the earth had a distinctly moist aroma. While the rains cannot yet be considered to have officially arrived, the signs are beginning, and farmers are starting their preparations for another growing season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MA49-pOvITbKvzziRIv9dQ5FTQEFHPlnHVifwVvRpPgaX7ivg8iYiXYiLsC4mhvDp07GcpVNrt5UKWIQelFUajhvooiAvOoq2Uooya27hcKg7wfUr4GnlrYGu6zOnZzmWK3vv2oVL4k/s1600/PB070121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MA49-pOvITbKvzziRIv9dQ5FTQEFHPlnHVifwVvRpPgaX7ivg8iYiXYiLsC4mhvDp07GcpVNrt5UKWIQelFUajhvooiAvOoq2Uooya27hcKg7wfUr4GnlrYGu6zOnZzmWK3vv2oVL4k/s320/PB070121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah (right) & other organizers of braai</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">On Sunday afternoon, a welcome “braai” was generously provided for new VSO volunteers in the Eastern Province. This was a great opportunity to see compatriots who also arrived in October, compare experiences to date, and meet other VSO volunteers as well as a variety of people from different organizations. The gathering took place at “VSO House” in Chipata, which features lovely grounds with huge trees. Chipata, the provincial capital and largest city, is about a two-hour drive east from Petauke. Special thanks to the VSO Volunteer Committee and especially Sarah Washington (the Volunteer Committee Eastern Province representative), Rosie and Frances (VSO volunteers residing at the site), and others who helped organize the event or otherwise contributed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">November 8 marked World Town Planning Day, and completion of one month in Zambia (and three weeks in Petauke). </span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-72514906742188532212010-10-31T23:42:00.000-07:002010-10-31T23:42:55.412-07:00Nary a Goblin in Sight<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In what must be a blow to the candy and costume industries, October 31 came and left in this part of the world with absolutely no outward recognition of Halloween. This week, we finally moved into our house. The District Council has put forth a significant amount of effort to make it comfortable, and it has two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a toilet room, and a "geyser" shower, along with other features that are not the norm for a Zambian home. Nonetheless, a few inevitable loose ends and surprises were encountered. No chairs, no water at various times of the day, no place to put the oven in the kitchen, no mirror (perhaps a good thing in my case, but shaving is definitely a challenge without water or a mirror), and an assortment of now familiar characters popping in and out (a pretty sizable lizard that uses the opening in the wall for the shower drain, a very large, hairy and frenetic spider that comes in and out under the front door, and cockroaches that seem to reside in the door locks and frames). One by one, these challenges are being attended (or adjusted) to, with chairs delivered, water stored, cooking with the portable oven on the large living room table, and tolerance for at least some of our extra “roommates”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A number of kids reside in the other nearby houses, and Ity became an instant hit by providing the curious onlookers with balloons. They ran, jumped, and kicked and batted the balloons with amazing energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl1o9bJsKdJ58EFYg_ZATuT0FTF615HLQ4ge0oR4UMIBHuYo_oMTBwempU4c7R1E1OiD7X-izCr-812kDbxizA_Fvbm_k8JL3Qh0oO8m9oLDoLYVvm0d1ZeaEBNh27pqQgDeItpWtwwU/s1600/PA290111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSl1o9bJsKdJ58EFYg_ZATuT0FTF615HLQ4ge0oR4UMIBHuYo_oMTBwempU4c7R1E1OiD7X-izCr-812kDbxizA_Fvbm_k8JL3Qh0oO8m9oLDoLYVvm0d1ZeaEBNh27pqQgDeItpWtwwU/s320/PA290111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ity makes some instant friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another challenge is that the house heats up like an oven during the day and evening this time of the year. Opening up the doors and windows to increase circulation makes it easier for mosquitoes to enter. While Ity traveled to Lusaka this weekend to take part in a program for other Dutch compatriots the first of the week, I stocked up on some home basics, and also carried back a large fan from town. The locals were doubtless snickering or at least scratching their heads over that one.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcprDtuEx6VgfqKtmYaw26GPE0wTjGop7vt7Duw9_oPaKJ_dpcweAgzAgyd2DVmsJXNlUXhlJf2_c9isfizYjKWm03VHTDIv4BZZjD12JxguUTW1wmF1lpGWmRNLCzuNlPZBZHqf3x0U/s1600/PA290115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtcprDtuEx6VgfqKtmYaw26GPE0wTjGop7vt7Duw9_oPaKJ_dpcweAgzAgyd2DVmsJXNlUXhlJf2_c9isfizYjKWm03VHTDIv4BZZjD12JxguUTW1wmF1lpGWmRNLCzuNlPZBZHqf3x0U/s320/PA290115.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favorite tree near our house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-15572880560544709392010-10-26T05:05:00.000-07:002010-10-26T05:05:02.646-07:00Reflections...<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rather than moving ahead in a strictly linear fashion, this may be a good point to step back and provide some additional details on experiences thus far. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg770uH3eVWAoo2gzvlWOsLnRPhSr83J0hBEno6ZmAVj0RThm8B9hyOab7Hqv_oXoXm-Di-J4g0dsFGGuf3DfAQFiqRyC5bSjPpCkphyphenhyphenWNxKPebCictYiHAySlUtnv4JIaqC0iiTkTf9JA/s1600/PA240106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg770uH3eVWAoo2gzvlWOsLnRPhSr83J0hBEno6ZmAVj0RThm8B9hyOab7Hqv_oXoXm-Di-J4g0dsFGGuf3DfAQFiqRyC5bSjPpCkphyphenhyphenWNxKPebCictYiHAySlUtnv4JIaqC0iiTkTf9JA/s320/PA240106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scene from Petauke near sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The Journey to Petauke…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Through good fortune, another VSO volunteer, Ity from the Netherlands, is also on a short-term assignment in Petauke with the District Council. Thus, we’ve had an opportunity to provide mutual support, and are slated to be housemates. She is unfailingly cheerful, engaging and positive, which furnishes a nice counterpoint to my more reserved demeanor. As previously noted, our scheduled departure from Lusaka after completing the in-country induction and training was somewhat delayed, and Ity, driver (and District Council Mechanic) Mr. Tembo, and I finally left the city behind about 2:30 p.m. in a truck crammed with our gear, along with a new refrigerator for the house and other items. We soon entered a more pastoral landscape. One surprise was that in the countryside almost everywhere was either recently burned or burning, apparently to clear surface vegetation prior to inception of the rainy season and regrowth of the ground cover. An unfortunate result of this was somewhat impaired visibility of the increasingly impressive scenery as we entered more varied topography and finally dipped into the Luangwa River Valley. Crossing the river, we finally made our way into the Eastern Province. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p2FnLw7846Fwb1yhX67ZyLaRXegQ7rwUUnAX-YJfs6XxdLsVl9uLlVBZKTGkHLNst8MQz8a_EnRlMLAIXucyM6uvFNRipQfmbn0b-rwGH_zaqLvHl2JCh7AzTUPDIq6Y8PHwN5IoH4k/s1600/PA160061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9p2FnLw7846Fwb1yhX67ZyLaRXegQ7rwUUnAX-YJfs6XxdLsVl9uLlVBZKTGkHLNst8MQz8a_EnRlMLAIXucyM6uvFNRipQfmbn0b-rwGH_zaqLvHl2JCh7AzTUPDIq6Y8PHwN5IoH4k/s320/PA160061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ity with our gear on the road to Petauke</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we continued east, the sun dipped below the horizon, and we arrived in Petauke safe and sound Saturday night. Because of the evening hour and not having a key to our house (or knowing exactly where it was), we checked into the Nyika Motel, which is located along the road into town from the Great East Road. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrLDpHCwGVTJOS-f0_N7pTpmYmHw0wzy4YJWL3HVrOPqTt9ipj0gGRtYuPYWZssLBQjTr6pSjun_2KVwNTO1pBQC6ekpqcvdLs3vT7VTD6ODDR7c3tcihDIMnNmWTAolN6UXYXdEvxfk/s1600/PA170063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrLDpHCwGVTJOS-f0_N7pTpmYmHw0wzy4YJWL3HVrOPqTt9ipj0gGRtYuPYWZssLBQjTr6pSjun_2KVwNTO1pBQC6ekpqcvdLs3vT7VTD6ODDR7c3tcihDIMnNmWTAolN6UXYXdEvxfk/s320/PA170063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nyika Motel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday morning, Mr. Tembo arrived early to enable our gear and furnishings to be unloaded (with generous help from several local folks and a number of curious neighbor children looking on), so we could move into…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The House…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our house is located among several others next to the Nyika Motel, about 3.5 kilometers from town. Just as we were starting to unpack our things, Jovax Ngoma, the acting Deputy Council Secretary, arrived to greet us, introduce himself and let us know that work still needed to be done on the house before we should occupy it. Thus, our stuff (less the refrigerator) was hauled back to the motel, which remains our temporary home until the finishing touches are completed on the house. The Petauke District Council owns the Nyika Motel, as well as the nearby houses where our accommodations are located. (Ours is the house with the fresh exterior paint!) Later Sunday, we walked from the motel into town and to the Petauke District Council offices. Our initial impression is that Petauke seems to be a pleasant place. Transportation will pose some challenge, as the house is a good 45-minute walk from the offices, rather the 15-20 minutes indicated in the placement outline, and one becomes fairly drenched in sweat on such a journey this time of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least initially, we will be provided with a ride to and from work, and Monday morning, we were ready to begin… </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqrD8B2UghdXjhSTRW6Dk0-0h7DckAdyQq1pQOcqgaKrjKYYyVe28zIg1y95lvlw2oFzVgDmII2nvmnael66PsGolxTXwHp9vMkgptLSD2nlvJqrBproJW7RTTu_Gx3iYO9EnBhQXBCs/s1600/PA170062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqrD8B2UghdXjhSTRW6Dk0-0h7DckAdyQq1pQOcqgaKrjKYYyVe28zIg1y95lvlw2oFzVgDmII2nvmnael66PsGolxTXwHp9vMkgptLSD2nlvJqrBproJW7RTTu_Gx3iYO9EnBhQXBCs/s320/PA170062.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curious young neighbors</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The Job…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monday morning, we arrived at the District Council offices, and were warmly greeted by everyone we met from the building entrance to around the offices, with Jovax Ngoma providing introductions and guiding us around the facility. Our staff counterparts from the prior Friday workshop in Lusaka were continuing to wrap up some other business there. My desk is located in the Works Department, although I’ll be working primarily with staff from the District Planning Unit, as well as the Works Department. Tuesday, we sat in on a workshop concerning the budget and involving about 20 to 25 members of the public representing various groups, as well several staff members. While scheduled to conclude by 12:30 p.m., it continued well into the afternoon.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>The Field Trip…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With Works Director Betram Daka, supported by capable driver Wilson and helpful Security representative Simon, we set off on my third day on the job for more remote parts of the Petauke District. Turning south from the Great East Road just west of the Petauke turn-off, we made our way generally south on an unpaved road that ranged in quality from fair to downright bone-crunching. Over this very large area, one cannot help being struck by the truly rural nature of the district. Along the order of 90% of the district’s population resides in village settlements of varying sizes, with small scale agriculture (including crops and livestock) the predominant activity. At one point we were within about 10 kilometers of the Mozambique border as the crow flies, but not near a border crossing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped at two schools, where Mr. Daka carefully inspected projects under way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About half of Zambia’s population is 15 or under. Please note Mr. Daka’s dedication in scaling a roof where work is in progress to complete his observations. He was much braver than me!</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIINhADI4idLtP4i_Dbaq2hcgj2vnKDBT_iGriF-M1l_aeCFxIrn7oBnTHEQF3veLC3cGwIBeUZiqh2RfdqxREaMZZ1f5teh32qIdULMHkvPZ9cQ5EMqUjzRO-0d9zBTzTYPVb-qsLvw/s1600/PA200072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMIINhADI4idLtP4i_Dbaq2hcgj2vnKDBT_iGriF-M1l_aeCFxIrn7oBnTHEQF3veLC3cGwIBeUZiqh2RfdqxREaMZZ1f5teh32qIdULMHkvPZ9cQ5EMqUjzRO-0d9zBTzTYPVb-qsLvw/s320/PA200072.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Daka at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We then trooped on to an innovative pedestrian bridge under construction that will allow a community to remain connected as waters rise during the rainy season. Five such suspension bridges are being built in Zambia.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Independence Day…</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">October 24 is the Republic of Zambia’s Independence Day, and a time of festiveness and celebration. Events occurred here Saturday evening and extended throughout the day Sunday, with a Monday holiday because the 24<sup>th</sup> falls on the weekend. My sense is that despite all of the challenges faced, Zambians highly value and take great pride in their independence, freedoms, and largely harmonious society.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DuNhevTDxFSJOco8AItadWMylexnfidrvWGfE6mkS4HR87PoIXgZWfgUETfAPaIIeMTWB3oCHgaUU3jSpBJOj5J45dQqU7eVV3nmiFeZSgj8xrP8MtSRAsQb6_X8L9MMOpJxatMOKbk/s1600/PA230096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DuNhevTDxFSJOco8AItadWMylexnfidrvWGfE6mkS4HR87PoIXgZWfgUETfAPaIIeMTWB3oCHgaUU3jSpBJOj5J45dQqU7eVV3nmiFeZSgj8xrP8MtSRAsQb6_X8L9MMOpJxatMOKbk/s320/PA230096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independence Day celebrations</td></tr>
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</div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-23804008956529454602010-10-21T02:12:00.000-07:002010-10-25T23:45:52.189-07:00On to Petauke<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the last post seemed rather cryptic, that’s because it was. Internet service in Zambia has thus far proven inconsistent and painfully slow, with literally hours devoted to opening and responding to relatively simple e-mails. But, from another perspective, how miraculous is it that one can communicate by various electronic means from nearly half way around the world? </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCCXCNzjhfxGvZRA5qycIPutrmzp6RaXnL6dCzvCwrpqZT3qhekvuZzgGN3oobhb_jKvqxA0z7zAP4SZdf-aYGgyl2CltF3QNA4SQYpUGB73LQvuXKPgh3QbJeWDGC9vtKOjct_xnaMw/s1600/PA140037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCCXCNzjhfxGvZRA5qycIPutrmzp6RaXnL6dCzvCwrpqZT3qhekvuZzgGN3oobhb_jKvqxA0z7zAP4SZdf-aYGgyl2CltF3QNA4SQYpUGB73LQvuXKPgh3QbJeWDGC9vtKOjct_xnaMw/s320/PA140037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grounds at the Commonwealth Youth Programme <br />
on the University of Zambia Campus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To recap, the initial week of in-country training and orientation in Lusaka wrapped up on October 15. Among some of the highlights, beyond meeting and getting to know the highly diverse and capable cadre of fellow VSO volunteers and VSO Zambia staff, were an introductory tour of Lusaka, a welcome “braai” (along the lines of a BBQ in the U.S) handled by the VSO Volunteer Committee, presentations by a variety of experts covering a range of topics, an evening reception generously provided by the British High Commissioner in Zambia, and a Cultural Night featuring traditional dances from throughout the country (and including some spirited audience participation).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We also met representatives of our host organizations, and on Saturday departed from our accommodations at the Commonwealth Youth Program on the University of Zambia campus for destinations throughout the Southern, Eastern and Lusaka Provinces. After a five-hour plus journey (not to mention around five hours of largely waiting to get started), we finally arrived in Petauke Saturday evening. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh9RnkQrCJGAGMQ3JzVm_GYWGE8SJpvTlZnxsHrFoJhwRHSHbl-oTd5_8fcAtakyWkzvM5_sQFAOoErOlPuKkwSSGVzZvLfiwXOqYMPJtelFNyULeQfcrCJbBLcuD7KG08BIG-hTq6Ss/s1600/PA170065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh9RnkQrCJGAGMQ3JzVm_GYWGE8SJpvTlZnxsHrFoJhwRHSHbl-oTd5_8fcAtakyWkzvM5_sQFAOoErOlPuKkwSSGVzZvLfiwXOqYMPJtelFNyULeQfcrCJbBLcuD7KG08BIG-hTq6Ss/s320/PA170065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petauke District Council Offices</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, finally was able to access the internet in Petauke, thanks to the help of colleague David Dawson. Much to report, so please stay tuned!</span>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-31810848741170971362010-10-14T09:20:00.000-07:002010-10-14T09:20:52.540-07:00Zambia or BustFollowing an overnight flight departing Thursday evening from San Francisco to London, around five hours in Terminal 5 at Heathrow (just not enough time to actually get out and do something constructive while waiting), and another overnight flight to Lusaka (if it's Saturday, it must be Zambia), I finally arrived to begin my volunteer posting. In talking with a few other VSO recruits on the London to Lusaka leg of the journey, little did we know what a large arriving group was involved. The bus that came out early Saturday morning to retrieve us was so overwhelmed with baggage that a second vehicle was secured. All told, some 17 folks arrived, to be followed by several others on diferent connecting flights.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-8la9kiJ264momaO_ZoJb8IxoDzRp59bD0fFQPOhaM9EvHm5ZMAqOExSB-4esJ_H8d8BbFLTkBhc1Ja6TXfC2qe6qiZGEADJSJfqfi__4LUkHDyyqDWLqz23n6F0mFYDztNQFegcJ1Q/s1600/PA080016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG-8la9kiJ264momaO_ZoJb8IxoDzRp59bD0fFQPOhaM9EvHm5ZMAqOExSB-4esJ_H8d8BbFLTkBhc1Ja6TXfC2qe6qiZGEADJSJfqfi__4LUkHDyyqDWLqz23n6F0mFYDztNQFegcJ1Q/s320/PA080016.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debarking at Lusaka</td></tr>
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The first week in country is devoted to orientation, training and preparation for our specific placements. We're all staying at the Commonwealth Youth Program facility at the University of Zambia campus. Next Saturday, we leave for our ultimate destinations (some staying in Lusaka, and others headed for diverse locales around the country).msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-7607444088754636232010-10-06T09:45:00.000-07:002010-10-06T09:45:38.246-07:00On the Road AgainAfter a roughly 600-mile drive on Monday to get my car up to the San Francisco Bay Area, where it will reside during my stint overseas, I'm gearing up for tomorrow's flight to Lusaka, via London. Many, many thanks to friends, family and others who have made this adventure possible and provided such a nice send-off. A special thanks to the supporters to date who have made donations to CUSO-VSO (for those who may want to give, please note the link to my fundraising site under "Now See This" on this page), to Sherry and the other committee volunteers at CityFront Terrace (the condominium complex that's home) for a surprise dinner, to loyal friends Jack and Linda for a wonderful dinner and evening out, to Jan and Harry for a superb dinner in their lovely home, to Connie and Mike for a great home-cooked breakfast at their very cool place with other tennis buddies following play (is there a culinary trend here?), to Enid, who bravely is assisting management of my finances (and also provided a fine lunch), to Astrid and Goran for generously looking after completion of infamous bathroom repairs in my unit (everyone at CityFront will know what this is about) and keeping an eye on my condo, not to mention Goran's patient efforts to try and bring me into the 21st century technologically, to Mitch and Jen for putting me up (and putting up with me) these last few days and for taking care of my car, and to my Mom and other family members for their love, caring and support. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00rmOxGFuyoAnNuy8YDJUZU97IQNsx0Wt_QAZV1SS-fQP_SF08cusOaaLBLt_KBr-hqbjwVWU60WlMc7tlYdJQcyL7UCRVyKluDUzmF7hTi_j46gEuKz_cJPMzbeIPtRdeReYMWVFQtU/s1600/PA050011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00rmOxGFuyoAnNuy8YDJUZU97IQNsx0Wt_QAZV1SS-fQP_SF08cusOaaLBLt_KBr-hqbjwVWU60WlMc7tlYdJQcyL7UCRVyKluDUzmF7hTi_j46gEuKz_cJPMzbeIPtRdeReYMWVFQtU/s320/PA050011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Diablo from Mitch & Jen's in Pacheco, California</td></tr>
</tbody></table>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-6631993181806050682010-09-22T09:18:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:18:21.064-07:00TransitionsSeptember 22 (or September 23, depending on one's location) marks the autumnal equinox. This is one of two times during the course of the year when the center of the sun is directly over the equator, and the amount of daylight and darkness is theoretically equal around the globe on that date. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, fall officially begins, as does the transition to darkness exceeding daylight. Conversely, for those in the Southern Hemisphere, spring starts, along with the transition to daylight exceeding darkness. <br />
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With departure from California for Zambia to work as a volunteer through CUSO-VSO now just around the corner, a major personal transition is in the offing as well. Besides flipping hemispheres, just a few of the variables that will change dramatically include living arrangements, work environment, daily activity patterns and social interactions. Part of what prompted these musings is the realization that if all goes according to plan, I'll miss winter entirely while on the placement in Zambia. Granted, winter in San Diego is hardly noticeable, but altogether, these transitions are rather daunting and exciting at the same time. In any event, please enjoy the commencement of autumn, or the dawn of spring, as the case may be, and the days and evenings ahead!msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-84936853575936041722010-09-16T15:50:00.000-07:002010-09-19T15:07:13.304-07:00Back to the Future <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRj9xw9EQdPV6yf1yp-7DDmy185_-VbMgdx2htn8BEwyC4Nyu7U_oKbot1xR0xvYl0Dm8QOazk272IhhYYkoUklXGp2OP3uq7_-P9wn9sgghMJNKxkGl4SqWs8gJjEf_4xc7s55wc_GI/s1600/Victoria_Falls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRj9xw9EQdPV6yf1yp-7DDmy185_-VbMgdx2htn8BEwyC4Nyu7U_oKbot1xR0xvYl0Dm8QOazk272IhhYYkoUklXGp2OP3uq7_-P9wn9sgghMJNKxkGl4SqWs8gJjEf_4xc7s55wc_GI/s200/Victoria_Falls.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria Falls, 2000</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In early January 2000, I had the good fortune to cap off a memorable visit to southern Africa with a stop at the spectacular <place w:st="on">Victoria Falls</place> for a couple of days. Though staying on the <country-region w:st="on">Zimbabwe</country-region> side of the <placename w:st="on">Zambezi</placename> <placetype w:st="on">River</placetype>, walking over the bridge into <place w:st="on"><country-region w:st="on">Zambia</country-region></place> was a relatively easy matter. Thus moved by curiosity and a whim, I was able to spend a few hours in the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Republic</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">Zambia</placename></place>, gain a different perspective of the river and falls, and enjoy a very brief taste of another country. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Little did I suspect that more than a decade later, life’s course would include a return to Zambia, this time as a volunteer through CUSO-VSO. <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">CUSO-VSO is <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">a non-profit organization that </span>sends skilled professionals to share their knowledge and experience with people trying to improve their lives and </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">build better futures for their communities in more than 40 countries around the globe</span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Zambia, 2000</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beginning in October 2010, I will be working as a Town Planner with the Petauke District Council, the local governing body for a portion of <country-region w:st="on">Zambia</country-region>’s <place w:st="on"><placename w:st="on">Eastern</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Province</placetype></place>. Petauke is a town of about 20,000 located some 400 kilometers east of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Lusaka</city>, <country-region w:st="on">Zambia</country-region></place>’s capital and largest city. The Petauke District <span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">provides public services to an area with a population reported to exceed 200,000. </span><span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.5pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I will share my training and experience as a Planner with the District Council to assist preparation of a locally generated Integrated Development Plan. The process aims to integrate economic, public service and land use planning efforts, with active participation by those affected. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBbEIuuDZfUFj9_kTDk2FPM15Um5dU4gEigiOn7xwKb9FNVno0Jc8RmJuQFwUoMQ2oeLXcJuSFfYHCKyMFHeyeRbkdhT9tb3kRAoPd69hhROU0ajlM0nRpkDJZ8SJ3twnoLgtn48xCTg/s1600/Zambian_Welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwBbEIuuDZfUFj9_kTDk2FPM15Um5dU4gEigiOn7xwKb9FNVno0Jc8RmJuQFwUoMQ2oeLXcJuSFfYHCKyMFHeyeRbkdhT9tb3kRAoPd69hhROU0ajlM0nRpkDJZ8SJ3twnoLgtn48xCTg/s200/Zambian_Welcome.jpg" width="131" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Zambia, 2000</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This site is intended to provide a personal record of the experience ahead, and a means of sharing thoughts and ideas. So again, thanks for visiting. Please feel free to pose questions or make comments.</span></div>msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3075470745549644717.post-5866376796677887022010-09-03T15:55:00.000-07:002010-09-03T15:55:07.820-07:00Even the Longest Journey Starts with a First Step...After prodigious procrastination and a fumbling first foray, I'm attempting to join the blogging world. Patience please, with someone accustomed to written communication through pen and paper, and for whom a "dashboard " is what's below a vehicle's windshield, a "friend" is an animate being, and "twitter" is irritating chirping (come to think of it, maybe I'm still current on that one). So, here is the initial post and test run to embark on this mode of communication. It can only get better, right?msdesmtnseahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13155997586651057996noreply@blogger.com0