Introducing the Kafue Queen

Sunday September 12, 2010

A good day. We (Kahler, Katy, and I) were invited to accompany Theresa, Jeff, and Jeannie on a trip to Kafue (We passed through Kafue, heading South to Siavonga). We had arranged that fateful Saturday night with Ernest to pick us up Sunday morning at 10:00 and take us to the meeting point at the Downtown Center Spar. We met Jeff's uncle and aunt and hit the road.

We arrived about forty-five minutes later and unloaded to board the 'Kafue Queen'! It was not the most impressive boat I have ever seen but, it was more than enough to reinforce the excitement I had mounted in anticipation for the cruise. Jeff and Jeannie came prepared! They had drinks, snacks, tea, coffee, etc. it was already obvious that this was going to be a great little river ride.

Our party arrived about a half an hour before the boat was scheduled to shove off (this is of course about an hour before the time that is actually left land, TIA). As we were really the only ones on the boat, aside from one other couple we claimed the top deck as ours. The wind was absolutely ferocious, causing little white caps to form on the wider parts of the river. We battened down the hatches, payed our dues and prepared for launch.

The Kafue Queen took the head wind going upstream much more effectively than I had imagined it would. The majority of the trip was scanning the shores hoping to catch a glance of a hippo. We talked and and just enjoyed the relaxing ride through the beautiful landscape. Jeff was telling stories about his childhood fishing the along this river. He had his binoculars out and was pointing out all kinds of things, we saw a Fisher Eagle and lots of Hippo paths through the thick vegetation that lined the river's edge.

I was talking with Theresa on the plank that extended from the port side of the boat (the only place to catch some sun as the top was covered and the breeze put some nip in the air). She mentioned something that I had not yet put together so well. The Africans do not think ahead or make plans in the event that something fails. When something important fails/breaks/changes God help you because, you are out of luck until someone is available to fix it. On the other hand it does sort of encourage the rebirth of the Renaissance Man though it also may be responsible for the abundance of half-sufficient fixes.

We also got to talking about how sad it is to see Africa want to be Western so badly. I want Africa to remain Africa! I do appreciate very much my wifi internet and mostly constant electricity but, I can't stand the thought of Africa losing it's 'ness' wanting to be the U.S. or Europe. It is so hard to hear of the corruption in the government, it is tearing this country apart. The Chinese are exploiting the resources and keep the Africans poor (i.e. the Copper Belt mines).

Even though there were zero hippo sightings this time it was a fantastic trip!

This morning I took a little walk to the Emmasdale Market for a doughnut but, go figure, not a one to be had. Made it to the Melisa market and picked up a few things for the week and kicked the soccer ball around with Kahler and the guard for a bit. Trying to keep up communication with everyone and learn more about the science that is going on in the labs. We are t-minus two weeks before this is completly on mine and Kahler's shoulders. I can't wait, bring it ON!

I was talking to Heather last night and got to thinking about being in a new place (again) and my email conversations with Uncle Bill about being effective where you are with what you have. Finding new ways for things to be done. Not just for the sake of achieving a goal from a different angle but, so that when you are gone you leave with your stamp on it. One that will hopefully survive the test of time. Or that your idea will give the next one up a fighting chance at piecing together the progressive step/s.

About to plunge into the week with eyes set on finishing the shipment. Then there is the brain storm that must happen to see that these 2am QC checks are a thing of the past.

Thank you all for the emails and the letters and the Skype conversations. They really do more than I can say to keep my spirits up and restore my sanity, so thanks.

All is ok

A little taste of the river, again, sorry for the  shakiness... It's great though how, good music makes even crappy video look ok. Enjoy and have a fabulous day!