Zamcowboys

Had an unexpected encounter with my visiting neighbor the other day who
styles himself as the 'only Zambian cowboy'. We were able to swap
horseback riding stories (me: trail riding experiences at camp, him:
working in a stable in Lusaka), compared cowboy boots, and discussed the
merits of straw versus felt cowboy hats (me: pro-straw hats in hot
climates; him: pro-felt hat durability). I have to say, I figured when
I came to Mukinge that I would encounter some different cultures, but I
fully did not expect to encounter Texan culture half a world away. He's
gone back to Lusaka now to finish his course in lab technology, at which
point I am completely sure he will be the only Zambian Cowboy Lab Tech
in the country.