Plane trip was 35 min. First stop was the falls, a national park. Started at Livingston's statue and proceeded to 15 additional viewpoints. It is breathtaking. Like the Grand Canyon with waterfalls. The water cascades so much that it looks like steam rising. The indigenous named this place Mosi oa Tunya - "The smoke that thunders." That is a perfect explanation. In November 1855 at the age of 41, Livingston credited himself as the first white man to set eyes on the falls. Many question this claim.
It was nice to see lots of school groups. It was hot- maybe in the 80s; the students were walking around in their school uniforms with blazers and sweaters. To the left is the canyon, to the right is a rain forest- thick vegetation. In parts suddenly grass meadows appear- as if it was the California Coast at Point Reyes. Surprisingly at the last 2 viewpoints there is no fence. One is tempted to step just a bit too far to get a better view of the canyon. Monkeys scamper around.
Cecil Rhodes was the force behind the Falls bridge - a Zambezi crossing was a necessary part of his vision of a Cape-Cairo railway line. It was completed in 1905 and opened by George Darwin, son of Charles. Today the main attraction is bungee jumping. I got queasy just watching them. A harness is strapped onto these daredevils and they fall head first. The elasticity of the rope bobs them for a few minutes, then someone catches them.
I walked across and entered Zambia! A train goes across and cars and trucks cross one at a time.
Tons of hawkers selling all sorts of stuff- including old Zim dollars.
Activities are very expensive. Some English girls said the 1-hour elephant ride was definitely worth it, then a couple from PA. said they heard it was a total waste. I found the guy at the Information Booth that sold the Israelis their canoe tour. I'm paying more because I'm solo, but did get it reduced. They'll pick me up at 7 am for a 5 hour canoe ride- the guide does the paddling!
The Victoria Falls hotel is like a museum for this town. There are tons of pictures and photos of when the Queen came- Elizabeth was a young woman. They toured all the spots where I have been - Bulawayo, Matobos, the Falls, etc! The lounges are spectacular. The clientele white, the workers black. The lawn faces the falls, you can see the steam rising. Magnificent, enormous trees grace the grounds. Lots of animal trophy heads on the walls. Beautiful swimming pool with a lounge in the style of a Turkish bath. I think I'll come back here tomorrow.
I'm beyond happy knowing that Hannah delivered a healthy boy. Thanks to Robin and Julia for the pictures. Please everybody- send me more pictures and keep me updated on everything related to James!!
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