roys-african-adventure-blog

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Oh.. And Fred and Ingrid both did the bungee jump from the bridge on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe!! 110m from the bridge down to the Zambezi River..!

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Had Fredrik visiting from Lusaka from Thursday-Sunday. Together with Ingrid, we spent the weekend rafting and visiting the Vic falls from the Zimbabwe side☀️

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On October 17th, Response Network is going to participate in the yearly regatta on the Zambezi River. As most of the girls have never paddled before, we quickly realised it was room for improvement! Also, because the girls can’t swim, Ingrid and I have 3 weeks to teach them how to keep afloat. Wish us luck!!

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My first PE-lesson at Nakatindi primary school!

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First month in Zambia

It doesn’t feel like it, but it has now been a month since my fellow volunteers and I left Norway. I have to say I’m very pleased with both the programme and my new hometown; Livingstone. I’m especially pleased with my host family! Having 5 host-siblings mean that there is always something going on when spending time at home. Even though I’ve found Zambians to be very friendly and hospitable there are some cultural differences I’ve had to get used to. The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the pace of everyday life. The concept of time is not perceived in the same way as what I’m used to, and punctuality is seemingly not of great importance. When asking Zambians why this is, they give vague answers about cultural customs. They all agree, however, that not being punctual is an area in which Zambians need to improve. Although it feels frustrating at times, I'm slowly getting used to people not keeping the 'Norwegian' pace. Before I arrived in Zambia, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm glad to say I'm settling in nicely. I'm hopeful that the next 9 months will be equally exciting and challenging as the first!

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On Sunday I was taken to a spot by the Zambezi river called The Dry Manzi. During the rainy season this place will be filled with water, but until that time you’re almost able to cross the entire river. Watch out for the crocks and hippos! 🚷🐊

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Late update! These pictures are taken from Response Network's specific orientation at a primary school in one of the rural areas of Livingstone. Here we got to meet the local volunteers for RN and get a deeper insight of how the organisation operates within the rural communities of the Southern province of Zambia. Living in a tent and getting served all our meals from an outdoor kitchen made this experience feel very genuine indeed👌🏻

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Out exploring the Falls and visiting the Royal Livingstone Hotel on our day off☀️🐍

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Enjoying the attention!

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Last day of the General Orientation, and we finally went for our first field visit. My fellow volunteers and I were welcomed at Sport in Action’s activity center where our task was to be in charge of a football session. Completing a session for over 50 children (with only one football) was a challenge, but I felt we did OK. Thanks to Sport in Action for having us, and thanks to all the children who participated and made the training session a pleasant experience!

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Finally arrived in Livingstone! Outside lectures definitely agrees with me. We are now a part of the general orientation, where volunteers - from Norway, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda - are getting to know each other and the program, which we will be a part of for the next ten months. After the first couple of days at Kaazmein Lodge I feel like the Norwegian- and African volunteers are getting along well. 

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🔜 🇿🇲

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This is the 4th time Jesper and I go head-to-head on the pitch, either as coaches or players. I’ve never got to experience what it’s like to beat this guy, and tonight would not be a night of firsts. I find comfort in the fact that getting stuck with both a young version of Yaya Toure and Essien gave him a huge leg up!

Surely, some day you’ll run out of luck.

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My two roommates at Sørmarka, Roar to my left and Eddie to my right!

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As a part of my stay in Zambia I’ll be starting up this Tumblr account. It will be an opportunity to keep updated on my life as a sports volunteer for the next 10 months.

At the moment I’m attending Fredskorpset’s Youth Camp at Sørmarka, where my fellow idrettsfredskorpsere and I will stay until our departure for Zambia, mid-day on Friday. The week will constitute of a variety of different lectures and exercises, and we will get to know youth volunteers from all over the world.

Next stop –> Livingstone, Zambia

Stay tuned