Orange is the new purple

I thought I cannot be in Africa, and not mention something about nature, as certainly when it comes to flora and fauna, this part of Africa certainly has its fair share. At one time many of the villages had elephants, lions and many other larger animals roaming alongside people. However many were killed or driven out man’s occupation of the land and just hunted. There was also the large movement of elephants and other larger animals by the authorities during the late 1980s and early 1990’s from the populated rural areas to the game reserves, in order to protect man and the animals from each other, as well as to enable increased tourism by creating themany game reserves (Zambia has around 20 in all). However, there are still many animals living alongside the people in this area such as snakes, crocodiles, many spiders and free range pigs! Yes pigs will wander through some villages here, as well as goats.

In the urban areas too though there are also many creatures to be seen. As the season changes and the humidity continues to rise, the colour of Chingola is changing. The skies are still blue, albeit some clouds now too, but the predominance of purple in the tree lined avenues has now changed to orange, as another tree blossoms in the place of the Jacaranda tree. This too will probably only be in flower for a short while before the season changes again.


Photo: Orange trees take over from purple trees!

There is also an avacado tree outside our flat, and it is the time of year for the fruit to rippen and drop off. These things are heavy, and can hit the ground with some force, so it's best not to stand under these trees at the moment.

Photo: Avacado tree in our shared garden

The number of insects and other creatures has increased too, including unfortunately the mosquito, which until now, we have seen very few of. We are also seeing many different creatures including a myriad of geckos and lizards, in all shapes, sizes and colours. Then there is the insect life – generally they are much bigger than anything we have in the UK, and you’re just not quite sure which ones are harmless and which ones will bite you. They are also fast. If you think you can catch them you’ll be mistaken too, as like many of the African sprinters, these things can also run!

Anyway, here's a selection of photos....

Photo: Blue headed lizzard (probably has a latin name too?!)

Photo: Ghecko

Photo: Praying mantis

Photo: Large spider!

Like the change of fauna and flora, we also seem to change by the season too. We might not change in appearance much, but the way we think about things certainly can do. As we experience more of life, and meet different people, our thoughts and views often change too. Every time I visit Africa, I seem to be challenged in my thinking and outlook on life. I guess it’s when we start to venture out of our own comfort zone of the things we are used to, that is when the Potter is best able to start doing the work of moulding us into what we were created to be, and in reaching our full potential.

Next time on the blog.... We go to buy cabbage seed and fertiliser, we visit Kapeshi school to plant the maize, and presidential election fever hits Chingola. - In the last couple of days the 2 major candidates Rupiah Banda and Michael Sata have had their election rallys here in Chingola.