Bus Journeys

29/08/2009

Nothing much of interest happened. We spent the whole day waiting for the bus and making sure we had enough food, snacks, water etc. for the journey. We deliberated over whether we had left anything and over what time the bus would actually appear! (sweet African times!)

The bus journey was uncomfortable, sweaty and cold at the same time with Africans opening their windows all the time. The aisle was clearly not designed for the well-fed African hip and evertime we stopped for petrol or a toilet break, the movement passed my seat was highly irritating.
The journey began with "God TV" and a DVD of excessive music at a horrendous volume. The singing was appalling and even with my ipod at full volume I could still hear it. Thank God Claire asked for it to be turned down about two hours into the journey, though as we discussed we so should have done it earlier.
Although I couldn't sleep, the journey went surprisingly quick and on arrival in Mpulungu, two hours ahead of schedule, I was fully expecting to be still sitting on the bus for at least 5 more hours...
The town was warm already at 7am, a massive difference from Ndola, which had a slight chill at that time in the morning. We deliberated over getting taxis then decided that the lodge was definitely walking distance. Fortunately some locals showed us where to go...

We got to Nkupi lodge expecting the worst as Kakoli had told us that it was basic. However on arrival I completely fell in love with the place. The huts were reminiscent of those weekends away in Ghana. Little huts in pleasant, tranquil grounds. Its so peaceful.
We set out around 10am in a hunt for lunch and water and discovered how basic the village is. The hunt for water in the not quite midday sun was incredibly stressful as we could not find any anywhere.
There is definitely not much to do around here, so much for packing clubbing stuff!!!