Friday was my first tourist day – a bit strange but the day was great. The day started with a lie in so that was delightful. A leisurely breakfast and then started organizing and packing. The group had planned to go out onto the lake in Keith’s boat but the winds had come up and the water was very choppy. Waiting it out seemed like the best idea so a few of us went into the village of Sinazongwe to visit the clinic and a couple of shops. The clinic has a mother and child building for pregnancy and delivery as well as free inoculations and check ups for little ones up to 5. The place was full of mothers and babies waiting patiently for their appointments. Another building we saw was new and funded by Hoops for Hope. This clinic is used primarily for HIV-AIDS testing and counseling.
Next we quickly checked out a couple of little shops and I got to see Alice, Kingsley’s wife and her beauty shop or saloon as it is spelled! We returned to the lodge for a great cold lunch and then I even had time for a rest.
As the wind had died down, we headed out on the boat. It was terrific. We headed over to an island to see another lodge that Keith and LeeAnn are developing and maybe to see some wildlife. However, as dusk was approaching, we didn’t see much – some kudo but they pretty much blended in with the rocks. It didn’t matter much though as the ride was glorious and on the return we watched the sun go down over the water. A terrific first day of being a tourist. We had our final dinner with grateful acknowledgment of Keith and LeeAnn.
Saturday I bid my final farewells to my lovely little hut, the incredibly beautiful lake and my friends there as we all headed out to Livingstone. We stopped first at this huge harvest and thanksgiving celebration and got to see the little huts set up and some dancers. It is a very big deal here so I was glad we got to stop. It was a travel day with a nice break for lunch. I have gotten where I can even sleep on these roads so that helped pass the time. We arrived in Livingstone at 4:30 so had plenty of time to relax. I took a bath! The lodge here is lovely and feels like luxury. I soaked off a few days’ worth of dirt from my feet and just savored having all the hot water I wanted! The tub was huge so I could totally stretch out – a little bit of heaven.
We convened for drinks and then a nice dinner – although we have been pretty spoiled by Keith.
Tomorrow is my last Sunday in Zambia. There will be church, Victoria Falls, and a dinner cruise on the Zambezi – just your typical Sunday.
Life is rich and God is so good.
Love to all
so glad that your doing good. i know culture shock is going to be hard i know that. But make sure you dont go on the booze cruse i know that was very intresting!!!! love you mom and take care
Attie XOXOXOX
Jill my friend! If you get a chance and are able to take pictures of Victoria Falls, and could post a couple I would love to see it! Hope your “typical” Sunday was most divine!
Love, michelle