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June 2, 2005

Go Team Zambia. . .

Ok Stacey, pastimes. Um, well, like the rest of the world, Zambians love their football (soccer). There aren't many things on the local TV channels, but you can count on at least one soccer game a day on the Zambian NBC. Another sport that seems popular amongst all is volleyball. I got to whitness a completely African-specific game that has been around since colonial times. It is called polo-cross. Instead of polo (for which each player needs an outlandish number of horses... not easy to transport for a match on these wonderful roads), they've created a mix of polo and lacrosse. People ride around and pass the ball and such with lacrosse nets. It is a totally white colonial thing, however, and it was a total step back in time when I went the the tournament. It was fun though and very interesting. I would like to try it... too bad Bart isn't up to a transatlantic flight!
As far as what might be indigenous to Zambia... I really haven't seen too much. There is a lot of homebrew made in the villages and that seems to be a pastime that won't lose followship anytime soon. Rural Zambians work very hard long days in the fields. They are governed by the rules of daylight and usually go to bed at dark. Rewind to before the US had electricity and people probably didn't worry too much about "free time," seeing as they didn't have much of it! Of course in Lusaka they have all the modern things such as movie theaters and clubs. Here in Choma we have some clubs, but people are content with their DSTV and VCRs at home. Party on!

ARV

Posted by ringo at June 2, 2005 1:24 PM

Comments

Hey Ringo, have you ever seen a game called Mancala? I don't know where in Africa it came from, but it involves small stones and moving them between a number of shallow holes in the ground (or in a carved wooden board). I haven't played in years but used to be pretty good :) Lets see... specific questions you want? Have you been able to see any movies in the city? If so, are they delayed from American movies? Are they in English or voiced over? Mostly Hollywood or "foreign" movies? I just spent last weekend at the Big Wu family reunion... saw Mandi but no Shannah :( Man do I miss her! Hey SHAN if you are reading this, you missed the BEST REUNION EVER ;) Anyway... right now I'm in the middle of moving to my next job location, in New Hampshire!!! Workin for the White Mountain National Forest, got a *permanent* job complete with benefits and a sexxxxy green uniform ;) Well keep the great stories coming and hopefully I can come see you soon! lovies jane

Posted by: Jane at June 2, 2005 2:51 PM

I'm with Jill. Let's hear more about your job. Will it involve trips to bush areas to implement curriculum? Do you have to speak Tonga to your co-workers? Is Health a required class? I see you as part of the future well-being of Africans. Are they willing learners? Stay safe - saw Marcia today - we love you a bamboo basket load.

Posted by: Joyce at June 2, 2005 5:01 PM

Hey hey Ms. ARV... miss you, Miss You. Here's a few queries about Zambian culture: What is the prevailing view of Americans and the United States, specificially regarding politics and popular culture?

Posted by: shannah at June 6, 2005 1:09 AM

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