Everything Is Cool
BY ROBBY BROWN LUSAKA ZAMBIA-When I first arrived in Zambia I thought every little thing was cool. EVERYTHING! I loved it when people would look at us in our matching shirts and talk and point at us. When people waved, I eagerly waved back. When I whipped my camera out to take a picture everybody and their mother wanted their picture taken. That was cool. I’d say, “I’d love to take your picture!”
Now even though we have less then a week left, I’m finally starting to get settled in and used to things. Every little thing that was cool is now not as fun. If I’m walking through the plaza and everybody is staring I catch myself mumbling, “stop looking at me…” or when they ask, “Mister, take a picture of me.” I want to shout back,“No…”
Even though I get a little irritated at these things it’s the little things that give this country it’s charm. It’s the 5 o’clock wake up sounds. The huge front gate being dragged open to let in the lodge crew. The laughing cooks in my kitchen preparing food for our entire crew (who happen to be sleeping still!). The fact that you can’t open any door completely because it hits the uneven floor and they all need WD40. We think WD40 should be sprayed over the entire city by dust croppers. Everything squeaks! Then there is the shower situation. When the shower has water you have to incorporate the hokey pokey to achieve rinsing off because it’s cold and the pressure is sporadic. Should we talk about time? We call it "Zambian Time." We add 2 hour cushion to any planned event to adjust to Zambian time.” We love how everybody speaks English but nobody understands each other. However, they are always willing to greet you with a smile and a wave.
If we don’t stop to notice and appreciate the little things that make up the big picture then really what are we looking at? Every minute detail is what makes Zambia so wonderful. So I guess it’s not so much that I’m annoyed by this place. In fact I love it so much and thank my lucky stars I’m here. It’s just that my comfort zone has been challenged and sometimes I miss the small details that make up the big picture. I’m in Africa for heavens sake. We are shooting films and having a blast. I’m maturing so much in many ways because of this country and the experience it’s providing. That is and always will be very cool!