Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe, no way! That was my original thought. It was the time that the cholera outbreak and Mugabe's horrific lack of response started hitting the press. I didn't think it would be a good idea to go. However, a big part of traveling is meeting people along the way who can give you insight into the place you are considering visiting. We met a lovely couple in Botswana who made me feel less concerned about going (thank you, Paul and Isabelle!) and I'm so glad we did.

That said, we decided not to venture too far and stayed in the border town of Victoria Falls (so we could also see the Falls!). Before going we went shopping and bought enough food and water for us and extra food to give away.

We carried our heavy load across the border and looked for a ride to get us the last 30 kilometers to the town. The taxi drivers were asking crazy amounts, so we waited for them to reconsider their bids (Florian is a PRO at negotiating). But good travel karma struck again and a couple of police officers in the wildlife protection service offered us a ride. So we hopped on the back of their pickup and were on our way.

We rode along with them as they brought a team of officers into the bush to take a 30-day posting in a game park along the Zambezi river. Their job was to protect against illegal hunting and poaching - especially hunters who crossed the river at night. It ended up being a mini-safari as we drove through the bush. It was an incredible experience -- the officers were absolutely lovely, genteel and kind people who gave us a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When we arrived at the hostel, the town of Vic Falls had a blackout, which isn't uncommon these days. So we ate some half-cooked spaghetti (hopefully you will never have to try it, but if you leave spaghetti in semi hot water long enough it is edible!) and settled in for the night.

The next morning we headed for the Falls, which is about one kilometer from the hostel. As soon as we walked out of the hostel we were surrounded by young men wanting to trade African carvings for food, clothing, or money. We had heard that Zimbabweans are too proud to accept handouts, so we traded the food we had for some trinkets and practically worthless Zim$ 5,000,000 notes. However, our supplies couldn't come close to meeting the needs and it made us very sad that we didn't have any more with us.

Another surprise as we walked through the town of Vic Falls was how lovely and modern it was. It could have been a pretty little town in the US or Australia -- paved, tree-lined streets and lovely colonial-style buildings. It didn't look like a typical small town in Africa and speaks to the wealth that once existed in this now destitute country.

Of course we can't leave out the magnificent Victoria Falls! The beauty of the pics says more that words can do justice. Also we have a VIDEO!!! Please check it out. It almost makes you feel like you've been there yourself!

P.S. Please keep the people of Zimbabwe in your thoughts and prayers. According to the latest reports, almost 2,000 have died and over 35,000 are infected. Mugabe is still doing nothing to help.

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