Celebrating the Chipolopolos

One week after my arrival, I'm lucky to experience the creation of a brand new national holiday.  It's the 13th of February and Zambia has just won the AFCON! The Chipolopolos, or the Copper bullets, were not amongst the favorites but  has duly proven critics wrong.

Dear Miss A invited me to her place to watch the game with her and her sisters. We made an honest effort in watching the first half at the local pub. People were standing on anything providing them with a fair view of the screen. All of a sudden the sky opened up and in seconds we were standing in rivers of muddy water. When the electricity also went out, we sought refuge at Miss As house where our nerves were thoroughly tested during the second period, extra minutes and penalty rounds!

The victory has thrown the whole country into an everlasting celebration. Silence is non-existing. People are everywhere. The singing, dancing, shouting, honking and nationwide happiness has made me redefine my understanding of "celebration". 17th of May (Norway's constitution day) has a long way to go to be compared to this.

The city busses arranged for free transport to the airport for greeting the Chipolapolos and everybody wanted to go.. It would have been great to be there. However, I`m glad I was not in that bus..

At Manda Hill a huge crowd gathered for a glimpse of the team as they arrived from the airport and the streets were packed! Having worked with HSE in the oil industry, I struggled when watching the dancing on the roof of cars and busses at start (yes, the bus on the picture with people dancing IS driving). But all the happy people around me soon made me forget the safety implications. I`m not sure if that is a good sign?

 CONGRATULATIONS CHIPOLOPOLOS!!!