Day 1 Tuesday 19th June
We were met by our own, African Princess, Sylvia, and little did we know that in Zambian tradition all VIP’s are met by a fellow VIP. Sylvia and the Immediate Past National President of Zambia were waiting on the tarmac for the plane to arrive, not in the arrivals lounge but actually stood near the runway!.
Kathleen and I were the first to arrive and we were whisked straight into the VIP lounge, no passport control! The immigration officer came into the lounge and took our passports and our Visa’s, and we awaited our luggage.
TV crew came and an interview took place at the airport about Ladies Circle and why we were visiting Zambia. Else and Kristel arrived shortly after.
We drove to Sylvia’s home, our place of residence for the duration of our stay
Our first port of call was to visit an exhibition of the water areas and falls of
Zambia – not just the Victoria Falls’. The theme for the Exhibition was called ‘Amenshi’ meaning water!
Day 2 Wednesday 20th June
We woke up early 6.30 am - for the early morning live TV chat show with me and Sylvia live on air, whilst Kristel, Kathleen and Else were our live audience. We were told the interview was great and many calls were received from the public who watched the show. We obviously raised awareness of Ladies Circle.
The board meeting commenced around 09.30am
Day 3 Thursday 21st June
The board meeting resumed. As it was winter in Zambia (16-25 degrees), today was particularly good, so we lunched outside, the place that Kristel called ‘her office’. The meeting continued in the afternoon.
That evening we were invited by Past President Rhoda for a traditional Zambian dinner at her home as a welcome to Zambia. It was a lovely evening and encompassed traditional Zambian dancing, which I have just about got the knack of!. The toast of the evening was: ‘TERVISEKS!’ if you can say it. Easy way: terriblesex!!!! (An Estonian tradition)
Day 4 Friday, 22nd June
The Board meeting resumed.
In the evening we had a Pyjama Party, and was joined by Ladies Circle Zambia. After all the hard work of the day we needed some laughter and we got it!!!
Sylvia told all board members that while we were in her home we were exempt from house chores because we were guests of the Princess, guess what? We disobeyed and were caught washing the dishes.
Day 5 Saturday, 23rd June
We woke up early morning in order to visit the International Service Project hosted by LC Zambia 2001-03 - Prevention and Care of Malnourished children at Ward A07 at the University Teaching Hospital. The Ladies Circler in Zambia were very proud to be able to show the LCI Board this project which is still ongoing.
I was very humbled to be able to touch, feel and share the many benefits that the fundraising for this International Service Project had achieved. To see presentations at AGM’s on the great work is one thing, but when you see, feel and touch it first hand, the feeling is overwhelming. The under nourished children in this hospital were in good hands-receiving medication support within an overwhelming environment. Thanks to the improvements LCI have done through Ladies Circle Zambia who continue to ensure further support is offered, we all left the hospital thinking how fortunate we should feel if for nothing else but for the Friendship and Service we all share. The TV crew were in attendance once again!
In the afternoon we continued the board meeting.
Day 6 Sunday, 24th June
This was our day off, and we took advantage to take a 500 km drive to see the Mighty Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River. We started off at 07.30am hoping to arrive in Livingstone about mid day. Unfortunately we had to change tyres twice.
Thank God we had Sylvia’s husband Steve with us or else hell would have broken loose. As a result we missed out on going to see the Chief!!
We were treated to a warm Zambian traditional welcome in the chiefs land though.
I was so pleased that we were able to see the falls (one of the 7 wonders of the World) ‘the falls were at full capacity forming a kilometer wide white curtain of falling water’. We braved the mist of rain falling on us as we crossed the knife bridge for a good view of the Mighty Victoria Falls, the smoke that thunders with rainbows forming at any angle. We were soaked to the bone even though we had raincoats on. To explain what the feeling was, is very difficult except - It’s a WOW!!! EXPERIENCE, fantastic, you have to see for yourself!!!
We then made our way back to dry off and took a boat cruise to see the sun setting on the Zambezi River whilst having the opportunity to watch some animals that live by the water, hippo’s and of course crocodiles, have some fun, a little wine, and awaiting the setting of the sun.
The experience of seeing a beautiful sunset on the Zambezi as the sun quickly went down, the family of Hippos keeping watch on the waterside, kept us entertained whilst the lazy crocodile saw we were watching, and also made his way to the water and swam alongside to keep us company
Day 7 Monday 25th June
We grudgingly woke up to resume the board meeting.
Today we worked on the LCI year diary in readiness for presenting at the AGM in Tallinn. We also arranged a surprise birthday party for Kristel, and all of us managed to find an outfit from Sylvia so that we could all look like a traditional Zambian lady, for the evening.
Day 8 Tuesday 26th June
As we were tired from the previous evening, but had to work, smile and pay attention we continued with our board meeting, under my control as President.
In the evening we visited Sylvia’s family members in their home.
Day 9 Wednesday 27th June
The official bits were over, and Kristel had left at an early hour, but the fun continued
I had to see the elephants, so we had to go and find them and the other things that also came our way.
We managed to see the elephants, Lions, Hyenas, Warthogs, Cheeta’s etc, etc. at the game reserve. We ended the evening as any girl would with a few dances at the local disco house to complete the Zambian ‘girl’ life.
Day 10 Thursday 28th June
For the best part of the morning, we managed to sit outdoors in the sun shine and soak up the warming rays and in the afternoon we visited some of Sylvia’s other family members in their home.
In the evening, as President you have to organize an interruption for the Councilors Dinner, and Else, Sylvia and I took to the recording studio in Sylvia’s home. Well, that is another story, and who said it is easy to sing!!!!! What fun we had, and I will not be auditioning for the X Factor.
Day 11 Friday 29th June
We had an invitation from the Chairman of the Zambia National Tourism Board, the owner of a Radio Station for a chat. Our stories were so interesting that he called the Manager of the Radio station to give us a live Radio interview. It was lovely to end the trip telling the Zambian public what Ladies Circle was all about and what our benefit in LC is: Friendship and Service! Also promoting Ladies Circle to the young girls listening, and urging them to join. Some great publicity was done.
That evening we were invited, by Ladies Circle Zambia IPP Priscilla for dinner and to say our goodbyes to a local restaurant. We enjoyed ‘normal’ restaurant food and wine.
To end, it was a great experience to live first hand the way of life of another fellow circler, to share the friendship and understanding and to experience first hand the culture and way of life of our sisters in Circle from across the world.
Experiencing that: Life can be good if we make it so
More so because...
Tracey Wilkinson
LCI IPP and Extension Officer 07/08 |
