We set off with a car full of snacks and an iPod loaded with road trip songs and for the first few hours we happily drove along, chatting and singing along to the music. We stopped just over half way there for a drink and a snack at the Fig Tree Cafe, a well used pit stop for people doing the long drive to Lusaka. They had some very nice dessert options there but as we hadn't had dinner by this stage we powered on through, finally arriving at Lusaka Backpackers at 8pm.
I was staying with Emily and the kids in what was supposed to be a family room but sadly they had double booked us so we ended up with a double bed and a mattress on the floor. Not an ideal way to sleep as it meant that Emily, Lucy and Albert were all sharing one bed and I was on the floor but we made it work.
I was staying with Emily and the kids in what was supposed to be a family room but sadly they had double booked us so we ended up with a double bed and a mattress on the floor. Not an ideal way to sleep as it meant that Emily, Lucy and Albert were all sharing one bed and I was on the floor but we made it work.
We sat out by the pool and had our dinner of chickpea curry which was massive! And then, exhausted after the journey, we all headed to bed for a much needed sleep.
The next morning we had breakfast by the pool again and decided to head to the mall for some shopping. Both Albert and Lucy got very excited in Toys R Us and we made our way round the shop, almost in shock at how expensive the toys were. The Duplo looked like it would have been a really nice present for Jacob and so I had a look at the price of it and it was K600 which is about £40 so we decided that there would probably be much nicer things somewhere else!
What I wasn't quite expecting to feel was the overwhelming feeling that the mall was just so big and there were too many people. I didn't expect to feel that way having only been away from London for 2 months and that doesn't bode well for when I try and go to Westfield when I get home. But it was really nice to wander round the shops and have a look at what was there as there was much more choice than in the malls in Ndola and Kitwe.
We met Ellie and Rosie for lunch in Mugg and Bean and I had the nicest roasted veg wrap. It took ages for us to decide because there was just so much choice! They definitely just do more of everything in Lusaka than what I've grown used to in Ndola. After lunch I went with Ellie and Rosie to the cinema to watch London has fallen. It was a very edge of your seat film and there were moments that I couldn't watch it was a bit gruesome! The only thing that annoyed everyone in the cinema was that a group of about 15-20 kids of no older than 10 were allowed in and basically chatted and made silly noises through the majority of the film. It got the stage where Rosie went out and asked a member of staff to talk to them as it was just rude. Also, in Zambia they seem to have less regard for the ratings of the films as that would probably be a 15 in the UK.
With the kids we went for a much more light hearted film of Daddy's home. Most of it was hilarious although there were parts of it I couldn't watch because I cannot cope with people embarrassing themselves, even in movies. Albert was sat next me and asked if I was alright when I was sat there covering my face trying not to watch.
We had Sunday morning in Lusaka and we went to the Sunday markets where I bought yet another pair of trousers, this time with elephants on and also a gem tree to have in my room back at home. Lunch was at Sugar Bush Cafe, which is on the other side of Lusaka, and was delicious.
The journey home was a long slog and we got stuck behind a lot of trucks that both Rosie and Emily tried to get around with little success. Although I did see this on the back of a truck that cheered me up immensely.
It was a really lovely weekend and although it may seem a bit odd going that far and only really watching films and shop, it was a needed break and a chance to get to see another part of Zambia.
xxx
