Part of our add-on excursion while at Victoria Falls was a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river just above the falls. We were on the Lady Livingstone, a huge 3 deck boat with only 6 other people.
We got on the boat about 1 mile upstream and took it another few miles to the intersection of 4 countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Here we enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks as we watched the sun set.
Majestic.
We spent about 30-40 minutes speaking with the host Frederick, and learned a lot about Zambia's history and cultural norms. He said his sister and her husband passed and that he has a few kids and has now taken over care for her children as well. He spoke of it as nothing more than his duty. It was quite admirable the sacrifices he has made to take care of those kids. He shared with us that he is Taongan in heritage; a tribe that originally migrated from Angola. This is one of the 3 main tribes now in Zambia.
Majestic.
We spent about 30-40 minutes speaking with the host Frederick, and learned a lot about Zambia's history and cultural norms. He said his sister and her husband passed and that he has a few kids and has now taken over care for her children as well. He spoke of it as nothing more than his duty. It was quite admirable the sacrifices he has made to take care of those kids. He shared with us that he is Taongan in heritage; a tribe that originally migrated from Angola. This is one of the 3 main tribes now in Zambia.
The next day we got up early and took an open-top safari style Land Rover to the Zambia/Botswana border. After "customs" we boarded a flat bottom boat with the other 4 people that were going on the photo safari with us and crossed the Zambezi.
After "customs" on the Botswana side, we were cleared to enter the country. I put customs in quotations because its anything but secure at border crossings in Africa. We filled out paperwork on both sides declaring our intent and belongings, but they dont have computer filing systems, so I'm guessing its shoved in a box somewhere never to be seen again. We also had to be "disinfected" upon entering Botswana because livestock is their main export, and they were worried about foot and mouth disease. The "disinfection" consisted of us stepping on a towel that was soaked in something like turpentine. Nice work guys.
We arrived at a resort on the Chobe river in Botswana where we would be departing for our river safari. Our guide's name was Moses, so insert river parting joke here. His accent was quite odd, and he said he lived with a family from Chicago in Botswana for a few years. No further explanation, so no further details.
It was cold on the river. Actually, it was cold everywhere. The Africans didn't really know what to think because it was unseasonably cold for them. I liked it.
We spent the first half of the day checking out hippos, birds, monitor lizards, and nile crocodiles from the water. We had some rare opportunities such as motoring next to two elephants swimming across to the river to a sandbar to catch up to some older elephants. Really a neat opportunity!
We sat down for lunch at the resort with the other 4 of our party and suffice it to say, we were in classy company! I am usually pretty good at picking out international origin, but I was stumped by this family, until I saw they're passports. They were from Brazil, and Portugese is bizarre. Thats all I'll say about that. As we got to know them better we learned that the family was pretty important in they're own walks of life. For anonymity's sake, I'll say that the Father was a Brazilian attache' to a DC political organization, the daughter is a model, and the boyfriend is a former tennis star (who may or may not have won the French open 3 times and beaten both Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras). We were a little shell shocked, not to mention the fact that we saw the tennis star on tv that night playing a charity event with Mary Pearce!
The second half of the day was the land safari with our guide B. That was a lot easier than the name he repeated 3 times to no avail. The land safari was great. We saw a lot of the same animals we had seen from the water, but we were up close and personal with them here. Our guide was a bit brave for my taste, but what the heck we're in Africa right?
We saw tons of elephants, warthogs, giraffes, cape buffalo, and kudu. No cats, but I think I'm ok with that!
The trip back to the border allowed time for reflection as we drove through Botswana. Botswana is doing MUCH better than Zambia, which is doing MUCH better than Zimbabwe. They said its a result of good government with better checks and balances, a strong currency, and a strict immigration policy. If a person crosses over but doesn't have work they are provided 2 days' food and shelter and sent back home. Should the US take a clue from Botswana?
We saw Zambia in a different light when we crossed back over. We saw what a tough spot the people are in, and we knew the best we could do is show them the hope of the Lord. In the end is there anything better?!
The next post will highlight our trip back to Lusaka and the beginning of our work with Camp Life. Stay tuned!
