RLH to Fringilla Farm, Nr Lusaka

Day 14 - 4^th  February 2007

Arose at the customary 6.30am for breakfast at 7.00, then departure for 8.00am. John had managed to negotiate an excellent room rate on the basis of the expeditions' fame (yeah? exactly!). As part of the deal we agreed to have pikkies taken for their in house magazine and sign their "special friends" book. Once complete, we started the haul to Fringilla Farm.

The route took us through Lusaka, a City whose architecture and ambience is probably matched only by Slough. Just a few kilometres on from Lusaka is the little oasis of Fringilla Farm. Owned by a charming couple, they had entrusted the management of the farm and the Lodge to an equally charming Son-in-Law called Allan, a witty scot. I have no idea whether he had intentionally cultivated the mannerisms and general behaviour, but he was the Scottish Basil Fawlty! His recollection of being bitten by " rather unfriendly" Crocodile was on a par with the Waldorf salad sketch. Charming people, and we were very well looked after. We obtained further insights into the consequences of AIDS. The owner informed us that he employed around 80 local Africans, and among his numerous businesses on the farm, he had a small woodworking shop. He constructed a coffin a day for his employees and their families, as this was the rate at which the infection was claiming victims among the families of his employees -  sobering thought.

An excellent evening buffet, followed by drinks and Allan's repartee!

535Km

Leaving RLH	Fuel stop			The chalets at Fringilla