Sixth week in Zambia 🔆🇿🇲
- Martina Cervetti
- Jul 4, 2025
- 9 min read
DAY 33
May 5 – Pick-up rides, errands, and shared taxis
The day started with a meeting to clarify the visa situation… all normal, no arrests! We even got our official permit paper and will soon get the stamp on our passports. Then we set off to run some errands in town… in a pick-up truck!
We realized that riding in the back of the truck bed is possible (yes, just like in the movies) and way better than being five squeezed in the back seats… that’s where they actually stop you.
We ate right inside the supermarket: rice with vegetables and strips of meat for me, and a piece of focaccia for Karo, sitting on some steps like true nomads. Then the ATM mission began: we searched for a place to withdraw money with our card, but no luck… until on the way back, from the taxi, we finally spotted a bank that would work! But we were already in the taxi… so no withdrawal for today.
The ride back was an experience: a shared taxi, 15 kwacha each (basically nothing). Considering it’s a 40-minute walk, taking a taxi is totally worth it to avoid fainting in the heat—especially carrying heavy groceries and under the blazing sun!
In the afternoon, we stopped by Chipulukusu, but there wasn’t much going on, so I decided to walk home. A peaceful walk to close out an intense… and totally “Zambian” day!
DAY 34
May 6 – Netball, laughter, and... little mice
The day started with my usual morning workout, followed by a good clothes washing session under the African sun! Then we went to DAPP for the visa, but no luck—mine hasn’t been approved yet. Hopefully soon...
After a quick trip to town for a couple of errands, we returned home, but in the afternoon a new adventure began: we went to Kawama to meet the youth community leader. The meeting took place in a small clinic, where we also met some nurses and another project volunteer who told us about the opening of two new clubs: football and women’s netball.
We went to the training field, but no players today… so we’ll be back on Thursday! Meanwhile, I got a quick rundown of the netball rules—it seems like a mix between basketball and handball. I promise I’ll give it a try on Thursday!
Back home for some relaxation… and in the evening, the big Inter vs Barcelona return leg match! But first: the taxi saga. We were with three friends, and it took us ten minutes just to explain to the taxi driver where we were. In the end, we got in, but the route he took to get us to our destination was a mystery—even though we knew the way better, even in the dark!
A small note from this morning: we stopped by the NHQ office for visas, and there were 31 degrees Celsius inside... I mean inside the office! Not because it was hot outside, but because the heater was on! Maybe they think it’s getting cold, but we were silently sweating haha. People are already wearing puff jackets here despite it being 30 degrees, help!
And to finish on a high note: while watching the match, a little mouse popped out from the roof. I swear! I saw some shadows and couldn’t figure it out until it saw us... and then quietly went back inside, sneaky little thing haha
DAY 35
May 7 – Energy, mega speaker, and flickering lights
Today we spent the whole day with the girls from the Wednesday club! We organized some games to get to know each other better, spend time together, and find out what they love to do. Of course, there was netball, which they taught me and… I already love it! Then we tried some local games where we had to say things in Bemba… I got completely lost, but had so much fun anyway! They have incredible energy and strength—it’s impossible not to catch it.
After lunch (we had nshima, obviously!), I pulled out my mini speakers to play some music and dance. After a few minutes… a girl showed up with a mega galactic speaker. Goodbye to my pocket-sized speakers haha, I was laughing by myself.
In the afternoon, I played some soccer with a super passionate girl and then helped prepare nshima for dinner. They use electric stoves, but after a certain hour the power goes out, so they cook everything in advance. We also roasted some corn to snack on: crispy, hot, and delicious!
After a bit of chatting, we said goodbye to the girls. From now on, we’ll come back every week: I’m so happy to spend time with them!
Before heading home, a quick stop at the supermarket… or at least we tried. Just as we entered looking for vegetables, the power went out. Twice. Everything stopped: no lights, no payments. We left a bit stressed, especially since we were looking for gear for the team, together with Coach Jamoca who was calling us from Lusaka (Zambia’s capital) for advice. But soon we’ll share everything; tomorrow he returns with the materials! Huge thanks to those who have already donated: we are running a fundraiser, and even a small contribution can make a difference. If you want info, just message me!
Of course, no power at home either. But on the plus side, water is still running, and at this time of year, that’s already a lot!
Then… miracle! At 8 p.m. the power came back and I swear I acted like an African child when the lights return: I shouted, laughed, ran around the house. I charged everything that could be charged and took the chance to get some quick work done: fundraising calculations, new ideas with Karo, organizing… and lots of news coming soon!
It’s the first night I stayed up late working; usually with the dark I prefer going to bed early and waking up early. But tomorrow: wake-up at 7:30 a.m. for training… at least, that’s the plan!
That’s all for today. Night!
DAY 36
May 8 – Training, cardboard, taxis, and… habemus papam!
This morning we stayed home: between a program, some cleaning, and laundry, we kept busy. All that, of course, after the usual morning workout (which is now a fixed routine).
In the afternoon, we went to Kawama to meet the netball girls’ club. We watched one of their training sessions, and it was super interesting. When we arrived, surprise: the coach was already there! Amazingly, instead of following “African time,” he stuck to Swiss time: a miracle haha, I love him!
Training started on time – a rare event – and whoever was late? Ten extra laps! During practice, mistakes meant more laps. But despite all that, the girls were super united and having tons of fun. Beautiful to see!
I tried playing too: netball is similar to handball, but instead of scoring goals in a net, you have to shoot into a hoop. No goalkeepers, only attackers, defenders, and midfielders. Some rules still escape me, but I’ll have time to learn. They train several times a week, and I’d like to join them at least once in a while. I’ll keep you updated!
During practice, we noticed a girl running around with a piece of cardboard on her back. After a while, we realized she was using it to cover ripped leggings… and she ran around the field with that cardboard stuck to her! A scene both sweet and strong.
At the end, we called a taxi to go home. From Kawama, we now have our “regular taxi driver”: he’s also a coach for a team there. For 70 kwacha (just over 2 euros), he takes us home to Northrise, one of the farthest districts. He texted “one minute and I’m there”… but of course, he arrived after quite a while. While waiting, we chatted with other volunteers, including the netball coach.
Once home, surprise: the power was still on! I even took a shower with the lights on, an exceptional event! But we celebrated too soon… because at 7 p.m., puff, the power went out again.
At least, dinner was delicious – or at least it seemed so haha. Almost-fried soy, mixed canned vegetables with tomato (kind of giardiniera), and two potatoes: a gourmet dinner by our recent standards! Our taste buds are a bit off now… at night, when we get home late and it’s dark, cooking isn’t a priority, and we often settle for bland food.
Oh, and I almost forgot! At lunch, by chance, we followed the election of the new Pope! I didn’t even know the election was today, but there we were, watching the live broadcast: habemus papam!
After some chatting, off to sleep.
See you tomorrow!
DAY 37
May 9 – Meeting, nshima, and spaghetti with meatballs
The day started with a meeting of our trio to discuss the activities we want to organize and manage in the coming weeks. Lots of ideas, some dreams, and a good dose of organization (which never hurts).
For lunch, nshima cooked by Chichi with soy: a bit salty, but still very tasty! We always appreciate her efforts in the kitchen... Slowly, she’s teaching us how to prepare typical Zambian dishes!
In the afternoon, we went to Chipulukusu with the MAPSA clubs. There, we created some new content, watched their training sessions, and checked out the first materials Jamoca brought from Lusaka. Soon you’ll see them in our stories too!
The ride back home was special: on a motorbike, hair in the wind, heading to an Italian restaurant for a romantic dinner with Karo. I ordered spaghetti with tomato meatballs – they were super good! To finish on a sweet note, we shared a tiramisu and a crema catalana… not exceptional, but still okay for our taste buds... well, anyone who knows me knows I love desserts, and even though I often can’t eat them due to lactose intolerance, sometimes I indulge after taking my usual pills to help digest it better.
Total dinner cost: 27 euros for two... still very cheap.
My taste buds... happy!
DAY 38
May 10 – Kites, referees in slippers, and a traditional wedding
Today was a really special day, fully immersed in Zambian culture!
In the morning, we went to watch a friendly match of the MAPSA under-15 team in Chipulukusu. On the way, we came across a group of kids playing with kites made from plastic strings and pieces of trash bags! So creative. Of course, as soon as they saw us, they welcomed us with their usual enthusiasm and big smiles.
At the match, we had a lot of laughs: the referee was on the field wearing a backpack and slippers... looked like he might run away at any moment! A super alternative referee.
We then rushed home to get ready for a truly special moment: a few days ago, we were invited to a traditional Zambian wedding! It’s not like our church weddings, but a celebration at the groom’s house where the bride’s family brings the food, while the groom’s family welcomes them in several stages... and most importantly, throws money. Yes, literally!
Amid drums, dances, and songs, all the food is presented on stage and the groom’s guests, dressed in matching chitenghe patterns, throw money to honor the bride’s family. Of course, we—invited by the groom—had to participate too!
The bride’s family also had their coordinated chitenghe... but the bride herself is never present at this tradition except for a few minutes to take pictures with the groom. We bought our chitenghe for 50 kwacha and dressed like the others. During the celebration, we were even invited to dance… total panic, embarrassing moments guaranteed, but in the end lots of laughs and some fun!
After the dances, we moved to the courtyard to eat. It was more like dinner: we ate around 5:30/6 p.m. There was so much food! At first, I was a bit anxious because I was told I had to accept anything, so I feared insects or very strange dishes... but luckily, I was able to choose. There was an amazing variety and I took whatever inspired me. I would have loved to try even more, but my plate was already a mountain!
At home, we finished what was left, then had an evening battle with some mosquitoes and... ended the day with a refreshing face mask... two ghosts in the house haha.
Also today, we heard from the new DIs who just arrived in Ndola! Tomorrow we should meet them: they’re here for another project and will be working in the city’s clothing warehouse.
Last update: Karola got her residence permit, while I’m still using a paper that allows me to work… but I’m still waiting to pick up my official permit. I’ll keep you posted!
Note: The mosquito battle continued through the night... at some point, I couldn’t fall asleep anymore, so I watched a movie until 4 a.m. and then went back to sleep!We need to get mosquito nets to sleep under... hopefully, NHQ will provide them. We’ll see!
DAY 39
May 11 – Pasta, new friendships, and laughs in French
This morning we went grocery shopping in town, super lucky as always: we got a ride from a kind gentleman, an agronomist who lives right near us. What a stroke of luck!
For lunch, we cooked to welcome the new Development Instructors who arrived from another program in England. However, they come from Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil! We prepared a nice pasta with eggplant and tomato, and then some soy with vegetables as a second course. A perfect mix of Italian cooking and African creativity!
We spent the whole afternoon together, chatting, getting to know each other better, and sharing our lives and experiences.
After dinner — where we ate lemon chicken with the leftover eggplant — I had a chat with a French friend... remember him? The famous soccer player I told you about a few weeks ago! Picking up French again after a while isn’t easy, but hey, we try (a mix of English and French... and he doesn’t know English)! I laughed a lot; a perfect way to end the day.
Now I’m off to bed… early training tomorrow!
