Week Eighteen in Zambia 🔆🇿🇲

28/07 – Stomach Ache and a Monday to Forget

The week started in the worst way: waking up with stomach ache, nausea, vomiting... basically, a “perfect” Monday to start the day. I spent the whole day in bed, literally, in the company of my “friend bathroom,” the thermometer, fever, a terrible headache, and chills. Only water and lemon, then water and salt to try to recover a little. Karo was also feeling bad — probably because of something eaten the night before at the Italian restaurant, where I actually wasn’t very convinced about the food. A destructive day, one of those you just hope will pass quickly.

I’ll spare you photos for these first days... mostly because they’d just be of me in bed. Haha.

29/07 – A day in bed and small steps forward

Today, however, definitely better: finally no headache, no nausea… just my stomach still a bit unsettled. Yesterday I hadn’t touched any food or water — and even the little I drank wouldn’t stay in my body — so I didn’t even have the energy to stand up. Total rest to recover energy in preparation for the trip on Sunday.

30/07 – Visa renewal and total recovery

In the morning, the project leader called us: our visa renewal was ready, so we went to the immigration center to pick it up (an “unforgettable” experience thanks to the friendliness of the people).

I started eating a bit again: boiled potatoes and canned tuna in water. My stomach is still delicate and the days at home feel endless, but at least I’m surviving! Meanwhile, we keep organizing the details of the trip.

31/07 – Training, contract signing, and slow-paced life

Morning spent training and afternoon watching the women’s match between Zesco and Indeni, cheering for our amazing Tasha! (Natasha is Coach Jamoca’s niece).

After the morning training session, before heading to the game, I stopped by to say hi to Frida, Jo’s little niece, and other girls who live nearby! They always look for me... asking if I can take them to Italy.

Back home, I signed the contract to start working in October: woohoo! Super happy!

01/08 –  Braids and life flowing by

Today was “braids day.” Three girls around me, their hands moving lightning fast, while I spent about five hours simply watching life outside. People passed by, many without anything particular to do. Kids running and laughing, others riding bikes way too big for their size, and I thought about how we complain if our bike is too small or too big. Young men and boys also passed by, carrying coal on their bikes—here, that’s how they transport coal.

Some people were coming back from work, others stopped to say hi and chat a bit. Kids going to or coming back from school. Children asked me if my hair was real, waving and smiling. Meanwhile, cars and motorcycles passed by, raising clouds of dust—normal here since all roads are dirt.

Yet, in what might have seemed like boredom, I felt relaxed. I watched life here—slow but full of dreams. During lunch break, Karo stopped by and brought me two samosas: my stomach is slowly getting better (I had already eaten them yesterday… maybe it’s still settling, but that’s fine). I’m still a bit tired, but definitely feeling better.

02/08 – Double match and final preparations

Like every Saturday, today was a day full of matches. I woke up early to wash a couple of things because we’re leaving tomorrow. After packing our bags, we went to the field, but the first match was played at the opposing team’s ground, located inside a military area: we tried to get in, but they blocked us at the entrance, so no match for us. While heading to our usual bus meeting point for away games, Karo found 400 kwacha on the ground—a good amount here—that we’ll add to the fundraising together with what we’ve already received from you.

In the afternoon, there was another match, so a double challenge today! The boys ate super fast and then off to the new match— a friendly against some Italian guys. To say goodbye before leaving, after the game, with our ‘Zambian team’ (check out the photo of the week), we bought some snacks and at one of the boys’ houses, we had a good laugh!

WORD OF THE WEEK:

• BAKAMBA BEST

This is how people here greet a friend, like asking “How are you?” or “How’s it going?” It’s only used among close friends, so better not say it to your grandma or older people!

The reply to “bakamba best” is “laka laka,” which means “good good.”

• TUKAMONANA

It means 'see you'. Usually, people say "tukamonana mailo" to mean 'see you tomorrow'!If you want to say 'see you later', then you say "tualamonana".

PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

Tomorrow is Sunday and I’ll be traveling, so I’ll share the holiday stories in a separate article, day by day.

Safe travels to those who are leaving like us, good work to those already back, and TUKAMONANA next week!

Marti/Tina