"The Smoke that Thunders"

Finally made it to Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia. Since I got there a day late, I didn't get to meet up with Nicci and Cody, and also Aneka wasn't planning to take a flight until the next day. That meant I had to do Vic Falls by myself an in a whirlwind. Pretty much, I only had a 1/2 day to do everything. I got there in the afternoon, booked a Microlight flight, and headed straight to the falls. I was told to forget the rain jacket, but just to wear anything quick drying and a pair of flip flops. I soon understood why. it was like I had just stepped into a shower. The spray from the falls drenched my entire body and then some. I couldn't see much of the falls because of the spray, but it was cool to just take it all in. Victoria Falls is 1.7 kilometers wide, or about 1 1/4 miles (don't quote me here...I didn't do the math). It is pretty much twice the size of Niagara Falls. It is also one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

At the falls, there was some sort of craft market. You know me, I love to shop these things...but I only had a couple of minutes. I realized here that I wished I had brought a bunch of older t-shirts and other trinkets to barter with. The guy immediately asked if I had any hair bands I wanted to trade. Of course, I had one in my pocket, so I traded that plus some cash for a mask and a bowl. A guy at the hostel the night before had told me how he had taken all of his stuff to Victoria Falls and traded it for a couple of bags full of wooden crafts to take home. Man, why do I have all this REI stuff in my pack??? Why couldn't I just have a bunch of random old stuff to get rid of?

After walked around the falls for about 1 1/2 hours, I headed up to the shy for a Microlight flight. This was totally awesome!! Great views!! Too bad it only lasted 15 minutes.

I wish I could have done the Gorge Swing and also rafting down the Zambezi. Might just have to make another trip out here sometime. ;-)