Monday, 22 February 2010

Became a millionnaire and ate a caterpillar...!

‘Tis true! In only one day I have both become a Millionnaire and a Caterpillar eater!!! But before my daughters get too excited, I am a millionaire in Zambian Kwacha. VSO gave my monthly allowance which is an incredible 2.2 million Kwacha. This is the monthly amount that all VSO volunteers in Zambia receive and from speaking to existing volunteers, its fine to live on short term but those who are here for up to two years find it quite difficult to live on it because invariably, they need more than just food.


So, the training began in earnest; we will spend every day this week learning how to cope in our new environment. We were treated to a visit to the VSO programme office which broke up the day but the rest of the time it was education, education …education!!! My head is spinning from it.
So what about the caterpillar I hear you ask…. The visit to the VSO office included lunch which had lots of Zambian dishes for us to try. All were lovely EXCEPT the caterpillars; they were exactly as you’d imagine deep fried caterpillars to look, legs and everything! My thinking was if I’m to fully embrace the culture, I should try everything offered. BIG MISTAKE! They tasted like ….well, deep fried caterpillars!! It was a real ‘I’m a Celebrity’ moment – but unlike Katie Price, I’m afraid I had to spit mine out …dis-gus-ting!!!
Hey-ho! Tomorrow is another day and at least I am getting more accustomed to the creepies that I don’t have to eat!!!
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9 comments:

  1. catrin22 February 2010 at 20:05

    Oh my goodness! I don't think I would have even attempted never mind how much I wanted to embrace the culture (hence not trying camel sausages, kangaroo etc when I went to Australia, although being a veggie also had something to do with that, I guess). Well done (I think!) for trying.

    It all sounds great so far, but very different I should imagine. How many gins did you have on the flight?

    Have been thinking about you over the weekend. We've just come back from a weekend at Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest. Drove through heavy snow in the Midlands to get there last Thursday which was a bit hairy at times. Had a lovely time (went with Chris's parents, Neil, Max and Rowan)and woke up on Sunday to three inches of snow - it was lovely! Carys and Rowan did fencing and archery (can't go to Sherwood Forest and not do archery!!)and we spent lots of time in the pool too.

    Home now, washing machine on and back to work tomorrow. How long until the Easter hols.....? Look forward to reading your next blog.

    love Catrin, Chris and Carys xx

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  2. Natty+Steps22 February 2010 at 20:11

    Hehe...I cannot believe you ate a caterpillar!!! You must be getting braver with the creepy crawlies..!
    Thank you for the lovely card me and Steps got in the post today - made me cry!!

    All going fine back in school. Steps is in training so I am having a relaxing evening with Roo!!

    Missing you all the much xxxxx

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  3. Gaynor22 February 2010 at 20:33

    Hi Tina

    Well at least if you eat insects .... just think of the weight loss darling!!

    Thank you too for your lovely card that arrived today x

    Nothing to tell here that would interest you so I will not bore you.

    Hugs and happies G, C and F xxx

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  4. Unknown22 February 2010 at 22:58

    Wow how brave of you, sounds like it's a real experience already. Keep blogging, brilliant updates. Take care Sharon xxx

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  5. Geraint22 February 2010 at 23:04

    Hiya!!!

    OMG!!
    I can't believe this - you didn't eat it!!!

    That's not good enough!!! Must do better next time! We are waiting to hear that you've eaten a spider next!!!

    Good luck to all those creepy crawlies!!!!

    Geraint
    xx

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  6. Unknown23 February 2010 at 13:59

    Ha ha, can't believe you ate a caterpillar? That is gross!

    Thanks for my lovely card too! It was such a nice surprise! In work now so need to be brief!

    Love you xx

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  7. Geraint23 February 2010 at 14:29

    Hi!!

    We're all waiting with baited breath to hear the latest instalment about your latest eating habits!!!!

    What next?!!!

    Geraint
    XXXX

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  8. Johnnie Evans23 February 2010 at 15:54

    Hi Again Teenie,
    You confuse me I thought the last lasagna you made was caterpillar flavoured there was no beef and tasted exactly how you described it, Life is very quiet here since you left and we are becoming accustomed to it, So much so Geraint, Gaynor, and myself are corresponding with VSO to see if we can extend your term in Zambia for ten years, Nat is willing to sell her house so that we have enough funds to achieve our aims, hope the rain is still warm as it will save you showering, and that your snorey dreams are spider free,(loved the card)
    Johnnie, xxxxxx

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  9. Geraint24 February 2010 at 12:32

    Hi!

    It's morning and what have you had for breakfast? Anything exotic?!!!

    The rate you're going on we'll have to be importing special dishes from Africa after you've come back!!

    Our lives here must be so boring compared to yours now!! Snow and cold and rain and snow and more snow!!!


    Geraint
    XX

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