After buying an icecream bar at a nearby stand we proceeded to the bus station to buy our bus tickets to Katete. The bus station was busy with travelers as well as those who wished they could travel. Many men were trying to make a living by offering rides or selling tickets for specific coach companies. Some even jumped on the back of our van while we were moving! Very persistant sales technique! Once stopped, many of the students stayed in the van cautiously while I couldn't wait to jump out to experience this new scene. True, many assertively seek your business, but I have found a smile and "no thank you" in the local language usually works just fine. Though appearing scary to the inexperienced traveler, they are harmless and quite friendly once you start talking to them!
Looking out upon the "tarmac" of the station young men busily approached travelers trying to sell tickets. Many just standing or sitting around doing nothing - - a glimpse into Zambia's high unemployment rates.
Next we visited the Chikumbuso school; the children were on school break, though the widows from the community were busy making beautiful bags and jewelry out of recycled plastic bags. After purchasing a bag I met the artist, Maureen, who was also our guide. She said the women get 70% of bag sales and 30% goes into the school. We arrived unannounced so our group of 18 was a welcomed surprise and much needed income boost to the women, who thanked us with a joyful song, in a harmony which I can only explain as...African. Pure love and thanks emanated from their group of women to ours as we stood and faced eachother. Everyone (including some of us) leaked tears of joy as we came together in song, knowing that we were providing these women with food for them and their families for weeks. (Annual GDP is $370 in Zambia.)
Outside a little boy was singing to himself while waiting for his mother to finish her work. Upon seeing me exit the building and sit down on a nearby step, he came over to sing directly to me. The words to his song were, "Jesus coming to take his children. Jesus c'mon. I want to be lucky...oh...c'mon c'mon..I want to be lucky." Then he made up a song, "Hello, How are u? Where are you from? I am Abraham and I am Zambian" -he sang this to the same tune as his previous 'jesus' song. It was super cute. He then pulled out a handful of marbles and taught one of the girls how to play. Total future actor performer! If he was American he'd already be on Broadway!
This was a great day, I hope to go back to the school and buy more bags as souvenirs at the end of our trip.
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