Getting around

There has been a lot to do at the project this week with Dr. Allen around. She is trying to make sure that the site is running as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, one week windows don't always allow you the time necessary to understand the system and why it has come to a given point or end.

The Embassy of Ireland in Lusaka was great! Met Mrs. Nickoli Brenen and spoke a bit about the project. I, unfortunately, did not get a chance to meet Mr. Cotter, the Irish ambassador but, maybe next time. I listened more than anything as the piece of the project that was being discussed is not one that I am terribly familiar with. Just sat back and enjoyed a cup of coffee and try and keep the practicing of my fake Irish accent internalized as best I could.

Took a ride to the other side of town and visited the Scandinavian Embassy next. These embassies are so nice! It was a really great experience getting to see the grounds and talk to others far away from their home to be here in Zambia. It was strange. The representative that received us through the gate recognized me immediately and said that we had met at a World Bank debate. It could be that I am just that memorable (i.e. Brad Pitt) or I really look like somebody who really gets around in Lusaka. Maybe the same guy from the chemist? So long as he keeps a clean reputation this is pretty awesome.

I don't know what it is but, it really seemed at both embassies that, the representatives were talking to me more than Dr. Allen and Yi-Ling. I have no idea what it was. Maybe they were just more comfortable talking to me or they thought that I was more important than I am? Who knows, it was just worth noting.

After the embassy visits all of the interns traveled with Dr. Allen out to Lilayi Lodge just south of town for lunch. A few of us hopped on a Land Cruiser for a ride to see some animals. Got to check off a few critters that I have not seen yet. A wildabeast, dyker antelope, and a casabe antelope were among the others that I have seen before, zebra, impala, warthogs... Kahler, Katy and I ran away from the group for a little while to play on a swing that we had seen on the way back from the truck. It was a fun afternoon despite getting stuck in some pretty horrific traffic on the way back.

It was a good thing that we got some fun squeezed into the weekend because the lecture we got last night (Dr. Allen's de-briefing) was a stab in the eye to all of us that feel like we are running ragged. It was a 'do you job' because this place is falling apart talk. I just wanted to stand up and say well, we you didn't have to come over here to learn that tidbit, any of us could have told you and saved you the trip. She did bring up a few good points and we will give her suggestions a shot to be sure however, we all feel a bit like we are drowning and her speech did little to encourage any of us to sign on for another year.

Today was training day so Kahler and I put together a program and left it to the techs to make it happen. We checked in on them a few times and found them doing a fabulous job as usual. I wish that she could have seen these guys in action. It makes you want to scream when someone pokes their head in and demands that everything change because of what they have been seeing in the past eleven minutes. I am not bitter, just a little frustrated with work. I am home now however and all is well.

 I think that I have a few bits of footage from the game drive, I will try to get those cleaned up and posted soon. Well, I am off to see if I can make this violin sound less like a dying banshee and work on an abstract or two. Hope that you read this and find yourself in the middle of a favorable work week. You folks in Texas stay warm!

All is well