Mish mash

Because it’s been a while and there are many random things to report I’m going back to point form (sor-ry!):

First things first: For those of you who heard through the grapevine and emailed/called to make sure everything is ok: My mother did indeed have malaria, but she is now doing very well, and we think everything will be just fine. She basically just felt miserable one day (aches, fatigue, loss of appetite), got a test which came back negative (which is quite common when you’re on prophylaxis), got diagnosed by a Zambian M.D. Sunday the 9th and has been on intense drugs the past week. We’re glad we caught it though, because malaria is one of the sneakiest diseases out there and reveals itself in various forms (depending on the person) and usually just seems like the flu or something equally nondescript. Although the medication/malaria made her very very tired the first few days (she’s still pretty fatigued), after a few days of medication all of her other symptoms improved. We’re both glad she’s better and just about ready to enjoy our Christmas holiday to Livingstone and Botswana.

- Robinson is coming to visit!! I’m so excited! He figured out how he could get time off work and is planning to come February 10-22! We’re going to meet in Nairobi, take a shuttle to Mt. Kilimanjaro, climb it (takes about 6 days), then fly down to Lusaka and spend a week together in the city and perhaps take the bus to Livingstone (Victoria Falls, safari etc). I am SO looking forward to seeing him and getting to go on an adventure together. I’ll let you know if I survive the mountain trek and if Robinson survives his long list of pre-departure needles. yeow!

- I went to a kitchen party last weekend! It’s basically a much larger, more boisterous, more ceremonial bridal shower. The event takes place in a huge hall and is packed with Zambian women wearing very beautiful traditional outfits. The event begins with the entry of the groom – he is required to unveil his bride and confirm that she is the right girl. After this, the MC provides the couple with a number of comical lessons (some even pertaining to conduct in bed!) and invites the guests to eat (mmm mmm great Zambian food!). Once our bellies are full each guest comes up on stage and is required to dance (very embarrassing) and explain the purpose of our kitchen related gift. It was a great time : )

- What else?... it’s very very rainy here and in turn everything is muddy. I am constantly covered in mud and often soaked with rain. I’m not complaining (better than all that Toronto snow, brrrr!), but it’s so crazy to live in a place that’s so very rainy. To feel a bit more like I’m at home I sometimes wear a scarf (it’s quite cold some days) and often use my ‘ice walking’ skills to survive the slippery, muddy hills and paths.

Photos @: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2172422&l=27b16&id=13613119