Suddenly it's December! How did that happen? I went on holiday to England in November.......that's the last thing I remember and ....oh wait....its coming back to me now! Ah yes...I had a lovely trip, saw my wonderful family and my good friend up north, caught up with the special people at my home church, my other family and my neighbours at home. Even the weather was not too bad I recall. There must have been some shopping involved but maybe I've blanked that out (or maybe just lost the bank statement so DH doesn't see it!) and I dare say something alcoholic and sparkling was in there as well.
However, here I am back in Lusaka and already I have three and a half weeks of memories to share.
For those who haven't heard, Zambia celebrated 50 years of independence in October and it was a very colourful time, lots of people wearing the national colours and flags and bunting everywhere.
Then only a few days later the President passed away plunging the country into a period of mourning. Long queues were to be seem daily outside the building where the late president's body was laid in state. I was in UK when the funeral took place but I gather it was a dignified and peaceful event attended by various regional heads of state.
Mourning was over by the time I returned so events such as the St. Andrew's Night ball went ahead at one of the big hotels and a great time was had by all. I even got to dance with my DH!
My darling husband had moved house while I was away so I came back to a new home not knowing which cupboard my t-shirts or the cooking oil lived in! Visitors arrived the very next day so we explored the new house together really. It felt good to be back.
Now I know the house a bit better, have found a suitable hiding place for DH's presents and even had friends over for coffee and dinner so I feel very comfortable here. The grounds are green and flowery and well looked after and there are lots of birds to entertain me.
Various Christmas activities have been happening these last couple of weeks. I attended a ladies Christmas lunch last week which included a fashion show. Volunteers were asked for to model jewellery and clothes so guess whose hand shot up first! I got to wear some stunning earrings and rings and then a dress designed by a local designer and I got to do the whole strutting around the hall thing!! Loved it! (pictures may follow, haven't seen them yet).
But, inevitably, the annual Christmas migration began and last week I said lots of 'merry christmas' es and 'see you next year' s, kissed lots of cheeks, got a few hugs and drank lots of coffee. Not too many of the group left the celebrate Christmas in Lusaka, as some those who haven't returned to their home countries will be travelling to a game park or Victoria falls with or without visiting family or friends. So I expect DH and I will spend a peaceful time here in our lovely home with its pretty gardens......well it should be peaceful....as long as he doesn't find where I've hidden the presents!
