The view toward Lusaka's Cairo Road—home to government offices, media and broadcasting studios, al fresco hair salons and the 1960s modernist concrete block office buildings that are omnipresent across Africa and the Middle East.
Arrived safely in Lusaka, Zambia on Sunday evening after a ridiculously long flights from Chicago to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Addis Ababa and Addis to Lusaka via Harare, Zimbabwe. It was well worth it. Zambia is a gorgeous country and the people are super friendly. And in case you're still unsure of the location: A map is HERE. Zambia is in southern Africa and bordered by Namibia, Angola. Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Very exciting to be here for my fellowship from the International Reporting Project at the School of Advanced International Studies of the Johns Hopkins University. I'll be in Zambia for about two weeks to report on HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria. Very humbled to have been selected and grateful to be here.
Zambia is a former British colony and driving is on the left. Haha! Took me about two days to acclimate myself toward looking left. I've learned to always look both ways when crossing roads.
Sorry for the sporadic posts since leaving the States last week. I've had no problem adjusting to the seven hour time difference because of my day-long layover in Frankfurt. But the anti-malarial pills are quite toxic and have caused major nausea and headaches. That was my fault for forgetting to take them with food. Sigh.
Look for my updates from Zambia on R20 and Twitter. The hashtag is #ZambiaHealth.
Get well quickly, Rod-- not just so that you can get work done, but also so you can enjoy the trip.
Oh, and I bet you've found most Africans to be warm hearted and fair-minded people NOT the vicious Gay-bashers we're always told about.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 16 July 2013 at 16:23
What Derrick said! Take care of yourself and enjoy the trip!
Get well, Rod. I have only traveled as far as Jamaica and that flight was stressful. I cannot imagine what it is like to fly across three continents. I am reading up on the malaria pills and had no idea they were so nasty to your system. Be well.
So nice to hear that the Zambians have welcomed you with open arms. Many Africans have beautiful spirits and are very peaceful. And many congratulations on being awarded that fellowship and another to Barcelona. Let 'em have it!
Posted by: Greg G | 16 July 2013 at 16:57
Yaaay! Glad you arrived safely! Take care of yourself!
Posted by: Brasher | 16 July 2013 at 17:06
Have a great trip Rod.
Posted by: Jamel Smith | 16 July 2013 at 17:36
Enjoy Rod and be careful! I thought about you when I saw this: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/prominent-gay-rights-activist-killed-cameroon-19677284#.UeXRK23OAk0
Posted by: Tony | 16 July 2013 at 18:05
Have a safe trip! I love that you got to go to Africa. Plus, I love the geography lesson. It was my favorite subject in high school.
That flight seemed like a beast.
Posted by: Zambos27 | 16 July 2013 at 22:04
Get well and enjoy your trip Rod! Love that you are returning to the Motherland! Werkkk!
BTW Tony: AFAIK, Rod has worked for ABC News and NBC, and been on assignment to Iraq, Ethiopia, Sudan and many other conflict zones. He can handle himself. :)
Posted by: Templeton | 17 July 2013 at 01:43
What Zambos 27 said!
Take care Rod! Rest up, have fun and congrats on the fellowship to Zambia! You are traveling the globe and I love it! From the Caribbean to Europe to Africa. Yesss!
Posted by: Slim | 17 July 2013 at 14:58
Welcome! And don't worry we'll keep you safe!
Posted by: Lundu Mazoka | 18 July 2013 at 00:05
Hey, Rod, I do hate to bother you while you're doing more important things over in Africa; but do you think you could cover more of the Kerry Rhodes' story when you get back?
I'm absolutely fascinated. I guess it's because I can't believe his choice of lovers.
Now, I'm a pure queen myself(a little toned down in old age), but I find it incredible that this NFL star would even be seen in public with that little ....so n' so. The bytch seems very mean and vindictive.
Oh, well, maybe I'm one of those typical queens who is always giving "trade" the benefit of the doubt. That's why we end up waking up the next morning crying to the police, "he stole my stuff!" That's if we ever wake up.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 18 July 2013 at 16:38
Peace Rod!
Props on your Fellowship! Well done even before you 'begin'!
Former President Kenneth Kaunda put "Love" as his top priority in his policies, as I remember.
Sounds like you are already experiencing that legacy of Love, especially bringing and being the best you ARE in and where you are being called in Zambia and travels!
Live, Love, Learn, Liberate: You are a Light of our LGBT One World!
Rod you are in the cradle of all civilization and Humanity's birth, so rock-a-bye baby, (for now) & make it one for the book(s)when you get back!
One Love,
Pastor Michael-Vincent Crea
One World Life Systems
Posted by: Pasrtor Michael-Vincent Crea | 22 July 2013 at 13:54