First Impressions

Lusaka might have a reputation as being just another large capital city, lacking in activities, routinely dusty, hot, and quite frankly, anything but a beauty. However, while I do agree, despite these characteristics, I whole heartedly believe that in terms of first impressions, Zambia wins the gold.

Lots of cultures and places are known for their friendliness, but Zambian friendliness has some sort of subtle pizazz. I’m not sure exactly how to articulate it just yet, but I do know it allows you to feel instantly comfortable and at ease as a newcomer. A smile and a hello is common as you walk past people on the street, and strangers routinely and graciously assist in navigating the crowded/zippy minibuses around the city. In fact usually you don’t even have time to ask for help, someone near will just step up to help you figure the correct amount of bills to give or point you in the right direction.

It also helps that while the city is bustling, it’s far from being hectic. Once outside the main streets, residential areas are surprisingly serene, the streets are wide and lined with those lovely purple blossomed trees. While this is true of most of the neighborhoods I’ve seen so far, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Matero compound will be different. Unemployment there is sky high, whereas income to the floor low. I’m sure I will have a new set of impressions to report come Monday when I actually start my intern activities, but for the moment I will say that as both a first timer to Lusaka and Africa, everyone I’ve met so far has made it easy to feel quite at home.

-Shannon