Victoria Falls and more!

Well, the past two days have been loaded with activities – certainly felt like a tourist some but have enjoyed it very much overall.

Sunday saw us first at the David Livingstone Memorial Presbyterian Church. We arrived late and left early due to schedule but were still there for two and a half hours. Do not think American Presbyterian! The Zambia worship style is applied most places which means great music and dynamic and extended preaching. The message was very good and thoughtful, if loud!

My little elephant

We had lunch at a nice little place on the way to the falls. It also had a great little shop so I started my day of very successful shopping there. One of the pics is of this little metal elephant I bought for the garden – love it.

Then we were off to the falls. It was a gorgeous day and the falls were as spectacular as before. I chose not to get soaked this year so didn’t go in quite as far. However, I got to sit on a rock and stick my feet in the river so that was terrific! I could have sat there for hours.

Then I headed back for some more power shopping at the vendors, who specialize in hassling you and at The Shop That Thunders. The falls are called The Smoke That Thunders, hence . . . Attie, you would be proud. My bargaining skills have greatly improved. I often got things for half the originally quoted price so they only made a good profit instead of a great one. Of course to listen to the vendors, I was stealing food out of their children’s mouths!

After the falls we were to head to our dinner cruise. Along the way we saw the traffic stopped and there was a small herd of elephants down in a ravine. What a wonderful sight! We stayed for a few minutes to watch and then headed off to the David Livingstone Hotel where we were to catch our boat. Well – we had goofed on the time and had missed it! Luckily we were able to switch to the next night so here we were at this unbelievably beautiful hotel on a gorgeous afternoon so we took a table down by the river and got coffee. We must have spent two hours there in utter contentment. It was so beautiful and restful. However I think David Livingstone might have something to say about such a luxurious hotel being named after him!

We then headed back to town and had a leisurely dinner at a nice restaurant. Getting served here is definitely done on African time. Waiting for close to an hour for one’s food is not unusual.

Following dinner, we met in one of our chalets and had a valuable debriefing time.

Impalas

Today saw most of us off on a drive through safari – very short. Yes, At, it was the same one! However, unlike three years ago we set off at a decent hour and did not freeze to death! And also unlike last time we saw animals! At first it was the impalas and a few monkeys, the entire extent of our viewing before. But then we came upon zebras and then a giraffe, which was what I was really hoping to see. It made my day! Time for the happy dance. And on top of all of that there were wildebeast, warthogs, who are so ugly that they are cute, and finally a short walk back to see some white rhinos! My cup overflowed. What a treat.

Lunch was at the lodge and a quick time for some shopping followed. Then we all gathered promptly so as not to miss our cruise again! The bus we took out was shared with a church group from Devon England here on a mission trip. Delightful people. Then we boarded this lovely three level boat and set out on the Zambezi. Drinks and some lovely appetizers were included so we lounged at this tables in comfy chairs watching for wildlife and later watching the sunset over the river. There was a very diverse group on board so it was fun to chat them up. One Zambian man had been ambassador to Japan where he had met his traveling companions, an American married to an Austrian! I love these kinds of connections.

As I stood at the rail, with my glass of wine and a yummy appetizer watching a hippo, I again was struck by what an absolutely incredible and blessed life I lead. Why God chose this for me I will never know but I am forever grateful and pray I never take this rich life for granted.

Upon our return it was packing time again. The group leaves at midday tomorrow and then LuAnn and I take our group bus back to Lusaka. It will be a long day but we will have the bus to ourselves and can spread out and talk to our heart’s content.

I head home on Friday, arriving Saturday. It will be good to be home but I will so miss Zambia.

Blessings and love

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