Bunny Backpackers
During my time in Zambia, I am staying at a place called “Kalulu Backpackers,” “Kalulu” translating to “Bunny” in the local language. This name was chosen because the property used to have many bunnies, but as of today they have one who hops around outside at night. The bunny has become somewhat of a mascot for my group, and we call him Kalulu, which is a bit like naming a dog “Dog,” but Kalulu doesn’t seem to mind. The 12 students in our group are spread out among 5 rooms at the backpackers. Each room contains beds, a single bare lightbulb to provide light, and a mosquito net for each person to drape over the bed when we sleep. There are outlets in only one of the rooms which happens to be mine, so we take turns charging devices, not that we have much use for them here anyways, as there is no wifi at the backpackers. To get wifi, we must walk into town and go to the mall which is definitely a different experience, but we are remaining flexible. The backpackers has two small kitchens in which only one fridge and two burners on one stove are functioning. We share this space with the other groups at the backpackers, which has given me a chance to speak to some of them while waiting (quite a while) for our respective pots of water to boil. There are 4 showers, all located outside, whose water are heated by solar power. There is about a 50/50 chance the water will be warm at any given point. The backpackers also has a beautiful pool area where we love to sit in the sun and catch up on reading as well as a fire pit, and a large structure with long tables and chairs where we gather for breakfast and have class. Kalulu Backpackers also functions as a local hangout spot and pool bar. Every night and most afternoons, there are Zambian locals gathered playing ballads on guitars and harmonizing to the songs. I have fallen asleep to beautiful music more than once, and it brings an incredible life to the area. I have met some very interesting people in my few days here, as a hostel is an intersection of travelers of all ages who are all there for different reasons. Many have fascinating stories of where they’ve been and where they are headed next. Since we will be here for an entire month and the normal stay-time for a group here is two or three days, we see a revolving door of groups, allowing us to meet new people every day.
This dialogue is unique due to the size of the group. There are 12 students, two TA’s, and one professor currently, although another professor will be joining us mid-month. Because the group is so small, I have been given an opportunity to get to know each and every person I am here with. I have three roommates, all older students, who I would never have met or gotten the chance to know personally if I had not been on this Dialogue. We range from second years to fourth years and have various majors, minors, and interests. Some have been on Dialogue before. Others, like me, haven’t. We have an extremely diverse and interesting group, and after only a week I feel that I know every person at least a little bit. I feel extremely lucky that this is my Dialogue experience, because if a group was larger, I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet everyone around me. It is a wonderful experience to share perspectives and experiences with each and every person, and our size makes for some intimate discussion sessions in which every voice is able to be heard. It is such an added benefit for us to be able to reflect on our experiences every day as a group, and it helps us all to remain present and thinking about why we are here and what we are learning along the way. I truly would not rather have my group any other way.
