Locked Down in Lusaka – Day 35 and Counting
It could so easily have been ‘Locked Down in London’.
We first started noticing reports about COVID19 in January 2020 , just prior to visiting the UK to celebrate David’s parents’ diamond (60th) wedding anniversary. In February the reports intensified, but not to the extent that unduly worried us, and we returned to Zambia in early March. The reports then started ramping up almost immediately and the virus arrived in Europe. We continued our tour of northern Zambia with the intention of crossing into Tanzania in early April.
It then became clear how serious this virus was, and we faced a decision:
- continue to Tanzania and find somewhere to self-isolate, but where we knew no one;
- store Big Bertha and fly home to the UK; or
- self-isolate in Zambia.
After much deliberation, we have decided to stay put in Zambia. This decision was in no small way influenced by Dylan, a Zambian landowner (and now a good friend) whom we met last year, and who has very kindly let us camp out on his property in the outskirts of Lusaka (this is our third visit and we stored Big Bertha here whilst visiting the UK in February). We have a water feed, electricity supply, WiFi and we are surrounded by fruit trees. We have been made to feel like part of the family here and have ample opportunity to tackle the truck’s ‘to do’ list, having access to the farm’s workshop.
The alternative is a small one-bedroom flat in Wembley, UK – and being in total lockdown at the epicentre of the UK outbreak.
Having a big truck has its disadvantages (see last post). But having so much internal space makes the ‘lockdown’ tolerable – Big Bertha is like a small apartment – ‘compact and bijou’.
Zambia has not yet introduced significant restrictions (late April). Although the Govt. is requesting that people stay at home and pubs/restaurants are closed, there is relatively free movement and the food shops remain open and well stocked. People are now required to wear a mask in public. The airport is still open, although only Ethiopian Airways is providing a service.
Our 90 day tourist visa expired in early April. Fortunately, Dylan again came to the rescue and sponsored our Visitor Permit. This was a simple online process and gives us another 90 days, renewable. Big Bertha’s Carnet de Passages ends in August – we are investigating the possible implications.
How do we see the future? Who knows. We are keeping our options open. Dylan would look after our truck if we were to return to the UK. But right now, we are enjoying being camped out in Zambia.
Good luck there in Zambia. I think it was a good decision
Thank you Carole, we think so too.
Looks like a good decision to have made. Enjoy your time there.
Thank you Anne
Agree you made a good decision. Lucky to have space to roam around, fresh fruit and veg and above all plenty of company! Have a good lock down and stay safe and well y’all. xx
Thank you Ania. We are really not having a bad time of it.
Hi both and best wishes from a locked down Lympstone. Very glad you are enjoying life in Lusaka. Whenever you’re back again I hope we can re-visit the cafe in the Exmouth park where we met last time.
Stay safe.
Phil
Looking forward to it Phil!
I also think it was a good decision to stay in Zambia. Take care
Thank you Marie.
Hi Francine & Dave !
Great decision and more enjoyable (not keen on the shooting….reminds me on my time by the army – you never know in the wild area if you need it once). Looks like you used the time to clean BB after the last adventures.
Stay safe and healthy!
All the best – Robert (still in SFO and ‘shelter-in-place since 17 March…… until 31 May now)
Hi Robert, no, I’m not keen on guns either. I’ve been making good use of my time here – repairing or modifying BB.
Looks like you are certainly making the best of a difficult time!
Stay safe and healthy whatever you decide to do.
Thanks Douglas. Regards to Carole. Dave