January 23, Day 10 - Chipata to Lusaka - left at 5:30am as it is a long drive to Lusaka. We stopped after crossing the Zambezi River at a local market. The sandwiches made in the morning for the trip were made from this gross pink colored packaged meat so I bought a dried salted river fish - not sure what it was but there was lots of nice white meat and quite tasty. I couldn't eat it all so gave the rest to a passerby who appreciated it. My tour mates were thinking they would get sick from the fish because once it is dried; they just stack them up in the market. I felt the pink non food 'meat' was far less appealing. I am becoming braver trying things, still cautious though, no more sick for me!

Lusaka is the capital and largest city in Zambia and we also were able to stop at a large shopping mall where we felt extremely underdressed and dirty. It was a modern complex with some interesting stores no name brands but "African brand" stores. One place even had MAC makeup - wow! After walking around for a while (there was no internet againL) , we went to a nice bar/lounge upstairs and had a drink. The campground we stayed at was surrounded by a farm so as we drove in, I saw Zebras. Pascal thought I was tipsy until he saw them himself and duly apologized. I was able to have accommodation again - a cute, small thatched roof hut, right beside the facilities - perfect. After supper, we all sat in the bar and the boys watched their football - bloody crazy about it over here!. Bed early, because guess what - another long drive tomorrow however, are destination - one of the 7natural wonders of the world - Victoria Falls - yeah!

As a note, it seems like things become more modern and cleaner as we travel south. Not sure why, however, it is noticeable. This includes the state of the roads. I believe 'corruption' and the heat have something to do with it!