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Into Africa #1
Into Africa: 3 Kids, 13 Crates and a Husband
When Ann and Ziggy Patras uproot from England in 1980 and head off with their three young children to live and work in deepest Africa, they have no idea what they are letting themselves in for. While prepared for sunshine and storms 13º south of the equator, the Patras family are ill-equipped for much else.
Interspersed with snippets from Ann’s letters home, this crazy story describes encounters ranging from lizards to lions, servants to shopping shortages, and cockroaches to curfews.
Interspersed with snippets from Ann’s letters home, this crazy story describes encounters ranging from lizards to lions, servants to shopping shortages, and cockroaches to curfews.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2014
71 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Ann Patras
6 books11 followersAnn Patras was born in Burton upon Trent, England quite a while ago.
In 1971 she emigrated to Canada for a year before returning to the UK where, in 1974, she married her boyfriend of five years. In 1980 she and her husband Ziggy rounded up their three small children and headed for Zambia, initially on a 2 year contract. They eventually left Zambia in 1989, moving down to South Africa where they lived for 22 years.
Career-wise, on leaving school Ann commenced work as a legal secretary, changing tack to Administration in the brewing industry after she got married. Being officially not permitted to work in Zambia, her time was occupied by voluntary posts with various social or sports organisations. In South Africa her work ranged from the shipping industry, secretary to an insurance loss adjuster through to spending her last nine working years as the Administration Manager of the Watercolour Society of SA and its gallery. In her spare time she spent several years as a Police Reservist, chiefly in the Mounted Unit in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Always a keen letter writer, Ann entertained numerous family members and friends with tales of their various adventures, calamities and just plain silly activities over the years. She was constantly nagged by them to “write a book about it!”. So far she has written three.
Having retired to Spain, she now spends most of her time recalling the plethora of weird and wonderful experiences in her life, so that she can write about more of them.
In 1971 she emigrated to Canada for a year before returning to the UK where, in 1974, she married her boyfriend of five years. In 1980 she and her husband Ziggy rounded up their three small children and headed for Zambia, initially on a 2 year contract. They eventually left Zambia in 1989, moving down to South Africa where they lived for 22 years.
Career-wise, on leaving school Ann commenced work as a legal secretary, changing tack to Administration in the brewing industry after she got married. Being officially not permitted to work in Zambia, her time was occupied by voluntary posts with various social or sports organisations. In South Africa her work ranged from the shipping industry, secretary to an insurance loss adjuster through to spending her last nine working years as the Administration Manager of the Watercolour Society of SA and its gallery. In her spare time she spent several years as a Police Reservist, chiefly in the Mounted Unit in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Always a keen letter writer, Ann entertained numerous family members and friends with tales of their various adventures, calamities and just plain silly activities over the years. She was constantly nagged by them to “write a book about it!”. So far she has written three.
Having retired to Spain, she now spends most of her time recalling the plethora of weird and wonderful experiences in her life, so that she can write about more of them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 16, 2015
Fabulous and fun, I loved, loved, LOVED it!
This is the lovely story of Ann, her husband Ziggy and their three children, Brad, and twins Leon and Victoria and their move from Burton upon Trent to warmer climes. Ann and Ziggy had been married for five years, the year was 1980. Ziggy was made redundant but this was to be the start of a big adventure in their lives: Ziggy got a job as site manager at a cobalt processing plant: In Africa! It was a big change but they did it! They said their goodbyes, packed all their belongings and journeyed off to Kitwe, Zambia, Africa. The contract was for two years-they ended up staying just over thirty! Ann's love of letter writing came in very handy, not only did she keep in contact with family and friends-she has used these letters as a basis to write a memoir about their experiences. This book tells of happenings during their first year in Zambia. There will be more books-there is a preview of the next included in the back of this one. Each chapter starts with one of her letters; she actually saved these at the time by making a carbon copy! This book is so easy to read, a nice conversational style, it's just like you're having a cosy coffee with Ann, having a chinwag and she's telling you all about their adventures. I love her turn of phrase-just love how she speaks through the writing and can image that's just how she sounds. Her bubbly, fun personality really bursts through the pages. Ann is so funny, you can't help but chuckle-ha ha, some of those sayings of hers! I love how this is told, it sounds so natural. I was cringing reading about the weevils and Putzi flies-I could not live with them! She puts everything over so well and makes it so entertaining. There are even a few little drawings relevant to events in the book. There is an absolutely delightful and often amusing poem she sent in a family Christmas card all those years ago, it's wonderful that it's reproduced here. Ann and Ziggy now live in Spain. I'm hoping it's not going to be long before her second book in the series is available!
This is the lovely story of Ann, her husband Ziggy and their three children, Brad, and twins Leon and Victoria and their move from Burton upon Trent to warmer climes. Ann and Ziggy had been married for five years, the year was 1980. Ziggy was made redundant but this was to be the start of a big adventure in their lives: Ziggy got a job as site manager at a cobalt processing plant: In Africa! It was a big change but they did it! They said their goodbyes, packed all their belongings and journeyed off to Kitwe, Zambia, Africa. The contract was for two years-they ended up staying just over thirty! Ann's love of letter writing came in very handy, not only did she keep in contact with family and friends-she has used these letters as a basis to write a memoir about their experiences. This book tells of happenings during their first year in Zambia. There will be more books-there is a preview of the next included in the back of this one. Each chapter starts with one of her letters; she actually saved these at the time by making a carbon copy! This book is so easy to read, a nice conversational style, it's just like you're having a cosy coffee with Ann, having a chinwag and she's telling you all about their adventures. I love her turn of phrase-just love how she speaks through the writing and can image that's just how she sounds. Her bubbly, fun personality really bursts through the pages. Ann is so funny, you can't help but chuckle-ha ha, some of those sayings of hers! I love how this is told, it sounds so natural. I was cringing reading about the weevils and Putzi flies-I could not live with them! She puts everything over so well and makes it so entertaining. There are even a few little drawings relevant to events in the book. There is an absolutely delightful and often amusing poem she sent in a family Christmas card all those years ago, it's wonderful that it's reproduced here. Ann and Ziggy now live in Spain. I'm hoping it's not going to be long before her second book in the series is available!
January 1, 2016
Excellent reading.
Would recommend it to people who have lived in Zambia Although I am sure anyone with a sense of adventure would appreciate the story
Would recommend it to people who have lived in Zambia Although I am sure anyone with a sense of adventure would appreciate the story
August 8, 2014
Reading Ann Patras’s account of her first tour in Zambia took me right back to my childhood there when it was known as Northern Rhodesia. Not much appears to have changed in the intervening thirty years, and the place and its ways still have that washed out charm, oozing with things that don’t quite work, people who don’t quite live up to their promises, and the inevitable shortages and deficienclis that come from living in small town Africa in the 1980s.
Some of the situations she recounts had me in stitches with laughter, both in their own right, and because they were so familiar; she could have been writing about my family in 1951. In others, she shares her frustrations and doubts, yet demonstrates a tough, practical resilience that adds interest to her tale. At the same time, Patras is able to laugh at her own naivety when she first arrived, her ongoing expectations for things to go right occasionally, and her unflappable coping ability.
We get a vivid picture of both social and practical life in the Copperbelt, and meet some truly delightful characters, both among the Africans and amid the expats. Some of them are so vividly portrayed they will make you squirm in your seat, but you won’t be able to stop reading.Her descriptions are so evocative you can smell the dusty soil, the tang of mine dust in the air, the rank decay in things rotting in the subtropical heat, and the constant hum and buzz of vicious insects as a background to the squeals of delight from her children.
I loved this book. It is memoir writing at its best, and hope Ann Patras will continue her story with another book. Do read this.
Some of the situations she recounts had me in stitches with laughter, both in their own right, and because they were so familiar; she could have been writing about my family in 1951. In others, she shares her frustrations and doubts, yet demonstrates a tough, practical resilience that adds interest to her tale. At the same time, Patras is able to laugh at her own naivety when she first arrived, her ongoing expectations for things to go right occasionally, and her unflappable coping ability.
We get a vivid picture of both social and practical life in the Copperbelt, and meet some truly delightful characters, both among the Africans and amid the expats. Some of them are so vividly portrayed they will make you squirm in your seat, but you won’t be able to stop reading.Her descriptions are so evocative you can smell the dusty soil, the tang of mine dust in the air, the rank decay in things rotting in the subtropical heat, and the constant hum and buzz of vicious insects as a background to the squeals of delight from her children.
I loved this book. It is memoir writing at its best, and hope Ann Patras will continue her story with another book. Do read this.
March 18, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with the Author Ann Patras. In 1980 her husband Ziggy was offered a Site Managerial role to assist the build of a Cobalt Plant in Zambia - Wow I thought what an opportunity, what an adventure - but then you realise they have 3 small children and a life/home in the UK to pack-up and move with them.... pack-up and move they did... Not only does the Author make you feel part of this 'trip' you do actually get a fantastic feel for that part of the world - so much to learn, a totally different way of life - but they do it - they work it out, get out and about, meet people - and the kids get on fantastically. I loved Ann's humour in her writing which had me laughing out loud I have to say. I'm a reader not a writer and so I don't have enough good words to adequately describe such a brilliant Memoir - I do highly recommend it and hope you love it as much as I have. It has left me wanting more - I could read this Author's Memoirs continuously. Thank you.
October 26, 2014
What a fun book! I don't think I have ever been able to say that before but it was. It was an easy read, a book I read in two days mainly because I had trouble putting it down. Ann Patras involved me in every aspect of her move with 3 kids, 13 crates and her husband Ziggy to Zambia. We went through the plane trips with the kids, her trials and tribulations obtaining food, finding local help for household chores, making friends, finding entertainment, the culture and needs of the Zambian people. Everything the family experienced, their activities were all written in a " laugh out loud" style. There are some episodes I still laugh at particularly the home invasion and Ann's attire. Having travelled to Africa I can believe everything that happened. High five to Ann Patras and I'm moving on to her next book "Still in Africa". Of course, I would recommend this to anyone.
July 13, 2015
I liked this book well enough, and I'll prob read the next in the 'series,' but I would have liked to see more depth, more character growth and change.
Perhaps, as the author and family stayed 31 years instead of the planned 2 years, growth will come with time!
One thing worth checking out is going to Google and looking up images of the dreaded putzi fly.
It makes you appreciate why the author ironed socks and underwear for all 5 in her family. Horrid!
Perhaps, as the author and family stayed 31 years instead of the planned 2 years, growth will come with time!
One thing worth checking out is going to Google and looking up images of the dreaded putzi fly.
It makes you appreciate why the author ironed socks and underwear for all 5 in her family. Horrid!
September 30, 2014
Zambia one on one
I choose this rating because I enjoyed this book immensely. I love reading about day, to day life of folks who relocate to foreign countries. She writes about the difficulty and how she deals with them yet you can see they are enjoying this adventure. Can't wait for the next book.
I choose this rating because I enjoyed this book immensely. I love reading about day, to day life of folks who relocate to foreign countries. She writes about the difficulty and how she deals with them yet you can see they are enjoying this adventure. Can't wait for the next book.
January 11, 2015
Good read
Enjoyed vivid descriptions of life In Africa. Had to laugh repeatedly at many scenes , whether country club or chasing intruders down a lane. Recommend to many of my reader friends.
Enjoyed vivid descriptions of life In Africa. Had to laugh repeatedly at many scenes , whether country club or chasing intruders down a lane. Recommend to many of my reader friends.
July 11, 2015
As a person who has also packed up everything and moved to a different part of the world (multiple times), I found it intriguing to see how this family experienced their first year in Zambia. I look forward to reading the second book to see how their 2nd year goes.
September 10, 2020
Entertaining
What a wonderful, interesting, entertaining and funny insight into ex pat life in Zambia in 1980. Ann, her husband Ziggy and their three children, Brad, and twins Leon and Victoria and their move from Burton upon Trent to warmer climes. Ziggy had been made redundant and whilst looking for a job asked ´What about Zambia´? After discussions and discovering the perks of the job along with a decent salary Ziggy applied for the position of Site Manager at a Cobalt processing plant. Securing the job they had to break the news to their relatives and friends, it was only for two years after all and too good an opportunity to miss. Weeks of arranging to rent out their house, put into storage unrequired possessions and crate up essentials, this amounted to 13 crates for shipping. Finally it was moving day and with tearful goodbyes to family, promises to keep in touch they were off on their mammoth journey to Africa.
(Having 3 boys myself with just 18 months between my eldest and twin boys I can imagine the task of this new adventure.)
The book is based around Ann´s letters home and these were highly entertaining highlighting life with three small children, one very busy husband, dogs and amusing life events. Ziggy trying to catch the spider on their bedroom ceiling, prancing around in just his underpants sounded so hilarious. Thanks for the chuckle Ziggy, sorry I could not help myself.
Not long after their arrival it was their 6th Wedding Anniversary and to their shock horror discovered that there were no bars or restaurants to just plonk yourself in, order food and drink and have a lovely evening. They eventually wandered into a local club, shock horror you had to be a member to enter, after being signed in by a member they had a thoroughly enjoyable evening celebrating their Anniversary.
Joining this club they realised they would have to participate in events or the membership would be revoked. Deciding to limit their participation to behind the scenes rather than on the stage they were soon heavily involved. Being a seamstress Ann was soon roped in to help with costume making for their Theatre Club productions and unwittingly became the Wardrobe mistress. All of this and add to the mix some rather unpredictable and unreliable house staff, enough so send anyone off to lock themselves away with a bottle of Whisky.
Initially they house sat for a couple who were away but then the joys of moving into their house, The Big House, acquiring dogs and some rather unpredictable house staff. Nothing is plain sailing and the family are often involved in mini-adventures and minor disasters. The scarcity of some everyday essentials had Ann rushing to the shop and queuing for things such as wash powder, butter, salt, sugar...all things that we take for granted. Ann´s description of on African lady rushing to the store whilst still breast feeding her baby had me rolling with laughter.
This book is written in a quirky way and was down to earth and very chatty. Easy to read and I cannot wait to get into the next instalment. Thank you for the journey Ann and the laughs x
What a wonderful, interesting, entertaining and funny insight into ex pat life in Zambia in 1980. Ann, her husband Ziggy and their three children, Brad, and twins Leon and Victoria and their move from Burton upon Trent to warmer climes. Ziggy had been made redundant and whilst looking for a job asked ´What about Zambia´? After discussions and discovering the perks of the job along with a decent salary Ziggy applied for the position of Site Manager at a Cobalt processing plant. Securing the job they had to break the news to their relatives and friends, it was only for two years after all and too good an opportunity to miss. Weeks of arranging to rent out their house, put into storage unrequired possessions and crate up essentials, this amounted to 13 crates for shipping. Finally it was moving day and with tearful goodbyes to family, promises to keep in touch they were off on their mammoth journey to Africa.
(Having 3 boys myself with just 18 months between my eldest and twin boys I can imagine the task of this new adventure.)
The book is based around Ann´s letters home and these were highly entertaining highlighting life with three small children, one very busy husband, dogs and amusing life events. Ziggy trying to catch the spider on their bedroom ceiling, prancing around in just his underpants sounded so hilarious. Thanks for the chuckle Ziggy, sorry I could not help myself.
Not long after their arrival it was their 6th Wedding Anniversary and to their shock horror discovered that there were no bars or restaurants to just plonk yourself in, order food and drink and have a lovely evening. They eventually wandered into a local club, shock horror you had to be a member to enter, after being signed in by a member they had a thoroughly enjoyable evening celebrating their Anniversary.
Joining this club they realised they would have to participate in events or the membership would be revoked. Deciding to limit their participation to behind the scenes rather than on the stage they were soon heavily involved. Being a seamstress Ann was soon roped in to help with costume making for their Theatre Club productions and unwittingly became the Wardrobe mistress. All of this and add to the mix some rather unpredictable and unreliable house staff, enough so send anyone off to lock themselves away with a bottle of Whisky.
Initially they house sat for a couple who were away but then the joys of moving into their house, The Big House, acquiring dogs and some rather unpredictable house staff. Nothing is plain sailing and the family are often involved in mini-adventures and minor disasters. The scarcity of some everyday essentials had Ann rushing to the shop and queuing for things such as wash powder, butter, salt, sugar...all things that we take for granted. Ann´s description of on African lady rushing to the store whilst still breast feeding her baby had me rolling with laughter.
This book is written in a quirky way and was down to earth and very chatty. Easy to read and I cannot wait to get into the next instalment. Thank you for the journey Ann and the laughs x
August 22, 2017
This book was entered and was a winner in The 2016 Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our reader thought:
Title: Into Africa with 3 Kids, 13 Crates and a Husband
Author: Ann Patras
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 25
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 25 readers:
25 would read another book by this author.
25 thought the cover was good or excellent.
25 felt it was easy to follow.
25 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
17 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her writing style’.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her subject knowledge’.
25 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A very fun book. I laughed a lot.’ Female reader, aged 71
‘Every page had an interesting snippet of information on it.’ Male reader, aged 52
‘It seems life in Africa is never without a dull moment. Richly described, always amusing and thoroughly entertaining.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘If you want to know what it’s like being an expat in Africa, this will interest you. It is not an in depth look at the sprawling nature of African culture and politics. It is written at the micro level, not the macro. Personally, I very much enjoyed it.’ Female reader, aged 29
‘I don’t know much about Zambia and, to be honest, after reading this book, I still don’t. But it was very amusing in many ways. I enjoyed every page.’ Female reader, aged 50
‘Highly amusing and always entertaining. A silver medal winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Into Africa with 3 Kids, 13 Crates and a Husband
Author: Ann Patras
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 25
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 25 readers:
25 would read another book by this author.
25 thought the cover was good or excellent.
25 felt it was easy to follow.
25 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
17 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her writing style’.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her subject knowledge’.
25 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘A very fun book. I laughed a lot.’ Female reader, aged 71
‘Every page had an interesting snippet of information on it.’ Male reader, aged 52
‘It seems life in Africa is never without a dull moment. Richly described, always amusing and thoroughly entertaining.’ Male reader, aged 55
‘If you want to know what it’s like being an expat in Africa, this will interest you. It is not an in depth look at the sprawling nature of African culture and politics. It is written at the micro level, not the macro. Personally, I very much enjoyed it.’ Female reader, aged 29
‘I don’t know much about Zambia and, to be honest, after reading this book, I still don’t. But it was very amusing in many ways. I enjoyed every page.’ Female reader, aged 50
‘Highly amusing and always entertaining. A silver medal winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
March 3, 2018
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book in a WLM competition. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. In 1980 when Ann’s husband Ziggy is made redundant he manages to secure a job as a site manager in a cobalt processing plant in Zambia. They pack up and set off with three very young children into the unknown! I have to admire their spirit in undertaking such a big step, especially with such a young family.
Ann’s sense of humour and fun shine through her writing and she makes light of some very challenging events. Initially Ziggy’s contract was for two years but as they ended up staying for over thirty years they came to love it and regard Africa as home. I admired her ‘make do’ attitude and the way she settled into her new life.
As Ann kept carbon copies of her letters home to family and friends she has used these to start each new chapter in the book. It’s very honest and very funny to read her recollections of what happened all those years ago. I felt as if I was sitting with her and having a laugh over a cup of tea – or maybe a glass of wine! She draws the reader into the story as it’s so conversational. I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment.
Ann’s sense of humour and fun shine through her writing and she makes light of some very challenging events. Initially Ziggy’s contract was for two years but as they ended up staying for over thirty years they came to love it and regard Africa as home. I admired her ‘make do’ attitude and the way she settled into her new life.
As Ann kept carbon copies of her letters home to family and friends she has used these to start each new chapter in the book. It’s very honest and very funny to read her recollections of what happened all those years ago. I felt as if I was sitting with her and having a laugh over a cup of tea – or maybe a glass of wine! She draws the reader into the story as it’s so conversational. I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment.
August 3, 2021
Packing Up a Family in England and Moving to the Wilds of Africa!
This book is a delightful account of the adventures of a family of five who moved to African Zambia. I noticed the book when I was looking for Kindle Unlimited books to read and I am so glad I noticed it. The title reeled me in. Imagine packing three children up and flying away. That takes courage. I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 in this series. The author relates many funny experiences. I will not spoil them for you.
This book is a delightful account of the adventures of a family of five who moved to African Zambia. I noticed the book when I was looking for Kindle Unlimited books to read and I am so glad I noticed it. The title reeled me in. Imagine packing three children up and flying away. That takes courage. I look forward to reading books 2 and 3 in this series. The author relates many funny experiences. I will not spoil them for you.
July 19, 2019
Great book
Very interesting facts on how people from a different country live. The crime of getting their home broken in into was awful. I doubt if I could every live there. But then every country has its problems. All in all this book was very interesting. It's a must read and I can't wait to start her next book to see how it continues.
Very interesting facts on how people from a different country live. The crime of getting their home broken in into was awful. I doubt if I could every live there. But then every country has its problems. All in all this book was very interesting. It's a must read and I can't wait to start her next book to see how it continues.
November 28, 2019
Wonderful
A cute story of a family who move to Zambia from the UK. The adjustment from local pubs, well stocked stores, and family to zero pubs, out of stock stores, and no family was a huge adjustment for this couple and their three small children. But, Ann has a way with words as we relive her adventures. It's fun and informative.
A cute story of a family who move to Zambia from the UK. The adjustment from local pubs, well stocked stores, and family to zero pubs, out of stock stores, and no family was a huge adjustment for this couple and their three small children. But, Ann has a way with words as we relive her adventures. It's fun and informative.
August 23, 2025
Yea, a good read
Despite a lot of things to give one pause, one has to remember that this was a very long time ago. It's no good reading this book with 21st-century eyes. It is amusingly written and zips along.
Despite my reservations, I shall read another, so yes, this is a good read.
Despite a lot of things to give one pause, one has to remember that this was a very long time ago. It's no good reading this book with 21st-century eyes. It is amusingly written and zips along.
Despite my reservations, I shall read another, so yes, this is a good read.
March 7, 2020
Funny
This book was an enjoyable read. A young family moved to Africa for the husband's work. I laughed frequently at the things that happened especially those involving the mother as she seemed to get herself frequently into unusual happenings.
This book was an enjoyable read. A young family moved to Africa for the husband's work. I laughed frequently at the things that happened especially those involving the mother as she seemed to get herself frequently into unusual happenings.
April 22, 2019
A laugh out loud read, loved every minute of it
November 29, 2020
Talk about culture shock. Talk about leaving a cool, wet climate in the UK to follow your husband into hot, remote Africa. With 3 young children to boot. But Ann Patras takes it all in stride.
She doesn’t bore us with detailed descriptions of the landscape, the buildings, and the people. Instead, she chooses to focus on everyday life filled with everyday activities, joys, and challenges. And she does it using humour and cute little line drawings.
I particularly enjoyed how she begins many chapters with letters to home. It makes us feel as if we are part of her network, receiving those very letters.
She doesn’t bore us with detailed descriptions of the landscape, the buildings, and the people. Instead, she chooses to focus on everyday life filled with everyday activities, joys, and challenges. And she does it using humour and cute little line drawings.
I particularly enjoyed how she begins many chapters with letters to home. It makes us feel as if we are part of her network, receiving those very letters.
April 30, 2023
Loved this book! The author, Ann Patras, has a wonderfully descriptive style of writing that makes you “see” what she’s telling, and her experiences are funny and amazing. Can’t wait to read her second book!
September 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this memoir. I've never read any by Ann Patras before,also I usually steer clear of books on Africa. Not my continent of desire.
I was so surprised at just how much I enjoyed Anns move from Burton on Trent in England to Kitwe in Zambia. With her husband,3 children and 13 shipping boxes of house hold stuff. The contents of which,after their long awaited for arrival,made me laugh so much,sorry,but I just would never have thought of transporting 90% of it for a 2 year work placement.
The system the Company her husband worked for implemented for their initial stay,then the big house,servants, security even. They thought of everything.
The holiday to the big game viewing was very descriptive. I found it very interesting,even though it wouldn't be for me. So I was pleased to share that.
The day to day life seems hard for an expat,not at all what we are used to in the western world. Queues resulting in comparatively useless items only in the shelves. No washing machine. Flies laying eggs in your washing whilst it dries in the African hot air. The many challenges I've not read of before in Sunny Spain and France memoirs.
I shall be reading more of Ann Patras books. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and their determination to make things work in a diverse environment.
I was so surprised at just how much I enjoyed Anns move from Burton on Trent in England to Kitwe in Zambia. With her husband,3 children and 13 shipping boxes of house hold stuff. The contents of which,after their long awaited for arrival,made me laugh so much,sorry,but I just would never have thought of transporting 90% of it for a 2 year work placement.
The system the Company her husband worked for implemented for their initial stay,then the big house,servants, security even. They thought of everything.
The holiday to the big game viewing was very descriptive. I found it very interesting,even though it wouldn't be for me. So I was pleased to share that.
The day to day life seems hard for an expat,not at all what we are used to in the western world. Queues resulting in comparatively useless items only in the shelves. No washing machine. Flies laying eggs in your washing whilst it dries in the African hot air. The many challenges I've not read of before in Sunny Spain and France memoirs.
I shall be reading more of Ann Patras books. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and their determination to make things work in a diverse environment.
April 22, 2015
You know, with a title like this you'd think you would be hearing of a family's adventure in the wilds of Africa. Instead this is a story about a family's move to a town in Africa in the early 1980's where her husband is a big whig manager in a cobalt mine. The entire book takes place in the town - very English colonial with an undertone of racial prejudice and snobbery towards servants. Servants, you say? Oh yes - they had to have domestic servants and even made them arrange for a replacement if they had to take off due to illness or death. The only time they left town was to fly to England for medical care and once (when her mom was visiting) they spent a few days in a big game resort.
I was more than a little put off by the entire story.
I was more than a little put off by the entire story.
September 26, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this little glimpse of expat life in Zambia in the early '80s. I cannot imagine travelling with three tiny children for a mini break, but transplanting everyone and starting a new life in a very different country leaves me a little breathless. I loved the author's humour in coping with situations unique to living in Africa. Overseeing three small children, one very busy husband, dogs and some rather unpredictable house staff, as well as sewing up a storm for the local theatre productions makes for a very amusing memoir. I devoured it in only two sittings and it left me needing to read the next installment.
June 26, 2016
This book could have been really interesting from the subject material, but the author really cannot write for toffee, which is a shame. Yet another "I went to an unusual place, had some interesting times, and think I can write a book about it". Painful.
August 16, 2016
So much to learn about life in Africa
Great writing and very interesting topic. The author relives her moving to Africa with her family in detailed comedic form. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'll be reading the next book also!
Great writing and very interesting topic. The author relives her moving to Africa with her family in detailed comedic form. Thoroughly enjoyed this book, I'll be reading the next book also!
December 11, 2016
First year in Africa
Very well written account of a family who was from the U.K. living in Africa. I had read the second book first and wanted to read about their first year. Ann is a very funny person and very energetic plus she writes well!
Very well written account of a family who was from the U.K. living in Africa. I had read the second book first and wanted to read about their first year. Ann is a very funny person and very energetic plus she writes well!
December 1, 2014
Enjoyable -- and I like virtually anything about Africa!
January 21, 2016
A day in the life of living in the third world -laugh out loud funny at times - hoping the second book comes to Amazon soon
Want to read
February 25, 2016kindle 326 (memoir/africa)
July 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book , Ann speaks from the heart and takes you on a roller coaster ride of the ups and downs of family life whilst living in Africa .
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