Nikki in...a really bad mood.

First off, let me just state the reason why this aweful mood. Everything was great, fantastic even. I was planning on doing some blogging with some pictures attached. Then, I tried to turn on my camera and the lens was jammed. In America, this wouldn't have been a problem. I could have just gone to the camera shop, and that would be that. Well in Zambia they have other things to worry about, so no camera shop. So I have to inform all you loyal readers, there will be no pics for a while. What I am going to do is take pictures with a disposable, and have the photo people (they do have photo shops) print me off a CD. Then I will do posts with pictures. I am still really mad though.

Okay, now that I have vented....I am here! It took me a freaken long time to get here but I am here. I arrived yesterday at about one. Let me tell you, what I pictured Africa to be like in my head, and how it really is, are COMPLETEY different. I got of the plane in Zimbabwe, and you know what it reminded me of? Kansas in the winter, except hot. There are no leaves on any trees, and everything is dried up. I guess that's why they call it, "the dry season". I was so nervous getting off the plane I was shaking. I was nervous about many things. One thing in particular, my luggage. But everything made it safe and sound. Some nice people from African Impact picked me up with a sign and everything. By the way, the sign read NICOLE DEDARINILLI. I swear to god. I had to make a few stops at some borders and pick up some visas, and I was on my way. On the way there I saw baboons actually (you know the ones with bare red asses) walking on the side walk! I was freaking out. The people of Zambia just ignored this odd sight as if these monkeys were pedestrians.

Finally, I arrived at the house and met all my roomies. Everyone is super friendly, and they are all British, except for one, who is from Santa Monica. It was pretty strange, but it was comforting to have someone here that knows my home. Anyway, last night all of us went to a bar called Rhapsody's. Now, to understand how weird this place is I have to explain a few things about Livingston. First of all, the tourist book calls this the second biggest city in Zambia, which I think is misleading to Americans. Basically it is a street of shops (with no air conditioning), surrounded by dirt roads and villages. Now this place Rhapsody's, is about five minutes away from this street. It is like someone took a strip mall out of Overland Park and dropped it in the middle of these dirt roads and villages. I mean this strip mall even has a Subway. Apparently, they go to this place for Happy Hour three or four times a week. It makes sense though. I can imagine after working in these villages, it's nice to go someplace, un-Livingstone like.

I start my volunteering tomorrow. In the afternoon I am teaching soccer to some of the village kids...that will be interesting. And then , this Saturday we are going on a booze cruise down the Zambizi River. I will keep you all updated, ans as soon as my disposable camera runs out I will post pictures.