The long road to Livingstone and a first glimpse of the Falls!

As well as the office in Lusaka, EduSport has offices in the Copperbelt, in the north of Zambia, and in Livingstone, in the south. The Livingstone office has just one full time member of staff – Carol – who coordinates all the activities in the area. Earlier today, Sydney and myself travelled the 470km from Lusaka to Livingstone to meet Carol and help her set up a cashbook.

Tom, my newfound taxi driver, picked me up at 5.30am. People here tend to find a taxi driver they like and trust – and then stick with them. Tom is originally from the Western Province and has never been to school so cannot read or write. He told me that he is saving up to go to night school so that he can learn – so I add a couple of thousand kwacha to each journey’s fare.

I got on the bus at the Intercity Bus Station about 5.45am. I couldn’t see Sydney but given that I was a little bit early (by African standards at any rate!), I was not unduly concerned. As the bus drove off there was still no sign of him. I wondered if he was actually on the bus and I just hadn’t noticed! I looked around but couldn’t see him and I had no credit on my phone so couldn’t call.  I guessed that he had simply missed the bus – I have come to almost expect such things in this country now! About 6.30am he called to confirm that this is indeed what had happened and that he would see me in Livingstone.

The bus stopped a number of times during the six-hour journey – at which point everyone frantically scrambled off, used the facilities, purchased food or water, and rushed back on. It wasn’t clear to me whether or not the driver was checking whether everyone who got off, got back on. Not wanting to get stranded somewhere in the middle of Zambia, I didn’t hang about at any of the stops!

Carol met me from the bus and, after having some lunch, we got straight to work. Yesterday, frustration! Today, success! Carol was very receptive to everything I taught her and we now have an up to date, working cashbook for the Southern Province!

I am staying in Livingstone this weekend and am looking forward to seeing the Victoria Falls (which I caught my first glimpse of earlier this afternoon) tomorrow!

Carol, Sydney and myself at work in the Livingstone office.