October 5th is my Afriversary – I landed in Harare, Zimbabwe October 5th 2018 just past midday. It has been an incredible 365 days for me.
There have been challenges for sure, but no regrets. Of course my social media is a highlight reel, not to be phony but because I enjoy sharing the positive.
My challenges have included times of self imposed isolation and loneliness, feeling out of place and issues in the romance department. But that all happens in Canada too! Haha!
It is common here for bodaboda drivers to ride by and steal the bag from your shoulder or the phone from your hand. The first was attempted on me in front of my mum, aunt and sister. I was pulled off my feet and bruised a bit but he didn’t get my bag! Unfortunately my mum wasn’t so lucky when a thug reached in the car and nabbed her phone out of her hand. With the window 3/4 rolled up!
I have also struggled with adapting to a much lower income. And I am going through a divorce which is never fun.
Now back to the highlight reel!
I have accumulates 26 stamps in my passport – I counted this morning 🙂 Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. I’ve spent hours in Ethiopia and Rwanda as well but just in the airports which doesn’t really count. All of this travel and my luggage was only lost once!
Random photos from Zim, Zambia and Botswana
I am a fan of sadza/posho/nsima/ugali, braai, certain recipes for matoke, ugandan pineapple and the tiny natural bananas. I have also acquired a taste for the greens we get as a side with many African meals, a bitter spinach dish.
I am blessed with some new great friends and professional connections.
I was able to introduce my Mum and sister to Africa and they want to return. And my Aunt’s love of the continent has been refreshed.
I have jumped into the gorge at Victoria Falls and ridden a horse along the mighty Nile. I had the best girls’ weekend at the breathtaking and mysterious Chinhoyi Caves (see December 10 2018 post).
I am somewhat of a veteran and Kampala life now. I use SafeBoda for longer trips (Uber for motorbike taxis) and street bodas closer to home. And Uber is perfect for night rides and those with friends.
I will be home for 20 days in December. Why do I return to Canada in the winter when that is one of the things I am trying to avoid! But I will be back before the new year.
No details, but I do have a job offer for 2020 – an employee position in a new country. Still the part of Africa though. I don’t want to jinx it by announcing prematurely as it is contingent on a program award.
I am considering a Q&A post, so if you have any questions or things you are interested in, please let me know!
A Travelling Accountant 