14 people, 5 nationalities and one birthday to celebrate (oh, and also the launch of some football competition or something). So of course we decided to have a party. Partying on a school night is a tricky business, as our normal bed time is about 9 pm. But we decided to throw caution to the wind, and go for it anyway.

I introduced the Zambians to chilli and butterfly cakes, Karolyn brought jelly and ice cream and everyone discussed how birthdays are celebrated in their countries. We thought the birthday bumps were bad, but apparently in Belarus they pull your ears once for every year you have, until they burn. And in America they sometimes ‘kidnap’ you first thing in the morning, and take you out for the day while you are in your pyjamas with crazy bed hair. In Zambia there is usually a dance competition for both the boys and the girls. There was a phase where apparently everyone here knew how to break dance. All the Zambians were enthusiastically reminiscing about this, until we asked them for a demo. They were very quiet after that!!!

We managed to celebrate until 21:30 (although water was the only drink on offer – it is a school night after all), and the hardcore are staying up to watch the first world cup match.

Happy Birthday Keli.

Blessings enjoying his chilli

The deserts went down well

Back row: Little Nachila, Martin, Graham, Johnson, Yepa, Lana, Blessings Seated: Safila, Karolyn, Ninza, Keli, Kylie, Big Nachila

The food