Victoria falls - 6 October 2012 - Rudolf

We booked ourselves an elephant back safari for the Saturday. In order to go we were up early again and ready. Another couple from our group were going. It just had to be worth it at $130 per person. They said it lasts 3hours and includes a breakfast. Keenly looking forward!

The adventure zone came to fetch us and 2 more couple were already on the bus. One couple from Australia, the other from France (although they currently stay on the Reunion Islands. Our trip with the bus (about 30 minutes) was an adventure on its own! The road was depleted to such an extend that it was more gravel than tar. Then, when I thougt we made it, we had to venture out on the actual gravel road. The windows opened themselves and the bus shaked so much that you cannot hear each other talking. What an experience.

The elephant rides were fantastic! Our elephant, Lindi, does not allow you to climb on her from a step. She goes to the ground and we have to climb on. I think the picture says it better.

It lasted for probably an hour, then we had our breakfast. After an experience like that you need the breakfast! It was lovely, but so was the company, getting to know other cultures and people. We bought the dvd of the elephant ride and had the luxury of another adventure back to the lodge. Jip, you guessed it: Transported via bus!

Once there Rolandi and I went to the falls again. We are here for the first time and did not want to miss out on the oppertunit of viewing one of the 7 wonders ofmthe world. Also, I order one of my collectores items, a Zebra, the best wild animal in the wolrd. I actually bougt 3 that day, since we had to walk there and I could not resist.

We had toasted sandwitches in the park, met up with John and Rose again, and strolled trough the best part of the park. A magnificent place. On our way out John and Rose were still there. All 4 ofmus wanted to see the 'big tree', a 1500 year old boabab. I organised us a lift with the vendor that we bought the zebra from (at 80000 kwatcha, probably not the cheapest, but better than walking in the heat of the african sun) and we spent about 20 minutes there. He dropped us of in town, we walked back to the lodge. 

After a splash in the pool it was time to get ready for out steamtrain adventure. We had a trip in a 1905 steam train as part of our package. Being a bit late, we had to scramble to find a seat. Rolandi and I had to share with another couple, but we didnt really speak. That was, untill management called us to the back of the train. We were seated in first class while we had to be in the party section. Again, just the guys staying at the adventure lodge. Actually it was a blessing in disguise. We were all standing, chatting and having fun, while the others had to sit and be formal.

The train stops on the bridge and gives you chance for photos etc. They serve eceryone with champagne and I could go into the locomotive. Now I am no technical expert, but I can tell you that it is hard work getting a steam train going. Those guys were sweating, and pitch black from the coal. During the ride back with the train I took this photo of John and Rose. Lovely!

Rolandi and I decid to eat at the lodge today as we've been out yeasterday. It was fair food, actually quite nice. Steak! Its our last evening, and tomorrow is only a few hours before our time here is up...

Reunion days

Today is the start of Dads 38 year matric reunion. Its the first one they have since school, so to them it was VERY special. Imalso looked forward to seeing some faces that we know the names of. Thus, after breakfast we were off to the lodge to see the first arrivals of the big games. Exciting times!

When we got there we met Oom Japie. He is Dads best friend from school. Also, he scored the higest marks and now lives in the USA. He works for NASA and is n lecturer at a university there as well. A true ledgend! 

We also met Charne, a nice girl that you'll hear about later. Before that, though, we are off to town with dad. He is showing us around town to some ofmthe historical sights. We saw their parliament, an old church which the Germans used during the war, and I got to take a photo with some of the famous traditional ladies. They cover themselves with mud and animal fat, and thats about all. No clothes... Weird (to me, at least)

I had an orange juice with Ruan (from day 2) close to his work, then we all went to eat at (wait for it) WIMPY! Its moms favourite and we know it. After to much town for my liking it was back to the lodge for the reunion. Fun and games to start...

That evening was a soup evening with a very chill meet and greet. Everyone had to introduce himself and tell his old classmates what happened since they finished school 38 years ago. Dad made us stand at the front with him. Quite funny to hear from some of the old guard. Some sad stories, some funny, but mostly normal.

We went with Charne to have coffee somewhere since we were only 4 young ones there. Can you believe that on a Thursday evening, at 9pm, there are no coffee shops open in Windhoek, the capital?! So, we went back to Joe's Beerhouse and had some coffee there. The atmosphere there is just great, so we stayed about an hour and a half.

We decided to cur our trip short by 1 day since I was not 100% after the surgery. The next day we left at about midday, drove to Kang again, and slept over there. Saturday we were up early and got home at about 3pm.

A short trip, but worth all the money in the world. I already look forward to my next trip there. Oneday I want to go there and camp.

Dreams...

Driving to Windhoek

Today (11 July 2012) is a moving day. After we had breakfast and met up with some of dad's old school friends at the lodge, we had one final goodbye in Outjo: Oom Piet again. He went to Otjiwarongo in order to service their minibus, then we had coffee together at a small coffee shop in town. We also had something sweet, just for fun, and boy, wasn't it fun!

So, final goodbyes said, and off we went. Firstly to Otjiwarongo where we greeted Oom Piets sister at their woodworking business. Was also nice to see what the make it and how they make it. Afterwards I forced everyone to follow me to Mariana's (my boss) mothers home. She sent me the address. Unfortunately she was not at home, but I did send Mariana a photo of the house. Was a cool for me, but she never received it, so I only told her when I arrived back at work.

From their it was the long road back to Windhoek. Melindri felt sick, while dad had a problem with his driving permit. That caused a bit of stress as there are vehicle inspections before entering Windhoek. We got through them, but went straight in search of the offices of the roads authority. 

Now for accommodation. Dad arranged with Broer that we, the younger ones, are going to sleep at his mother-in-laws house. She was very funny. Originally from Germany, but shes been in Namibia from the age of 18. She could actually yodle, very cool! Then: Food!

That's one thing about our family: We love eating! After all, what is life without food? We went to a local ocean basket as we had so much red meat on the farm, we needed a change. 

Lastly, after this loooooooong day, we prayed for family that I have never heard of and then dropped everyone at their destinations. Grandpa at his, Dad at the reunion lodge and ourselves with Heidi. 

In all a good, exhausting, but fun day

Vic Falls - 5 October 2012 - Rudolf

As Rolandi said, the first day was amazing. Flying out from OR Thambo to Livingstone was something extra since we knew we were going to stay in Zimbabwe's small Victoria Falls Town. When we got there everything ran very smoothly. No worries through the Zambian arrivals, their border posts or the Zimbabwean border. It took quite long at stages, but the people were friendly and assisted us a lot.

Mr Madenda (his surname actually means zebra) dropped us at the adventure Lodge. Very basic accommodation, but sufficient for the two nights we will be here. After we checked in and looked at the accommodation's different activities we went through town to the falls. On our way there we met lots of friendly hawkers approach you. Also, there are markets etc along the way. But the best was still to come: the falls itself!

It is dry season in central africa and the falls was not completely covered. Only the left side of the falls had water while the rest was one solid rock face, a 90m to 107m cliff. We started walking along the 1700 metre falls. Its a true spectacle that has to be seen, including rainbows every day of the year. To enter is $20 per person for residents of SADC countries. Might be expensive, but well worth it! We walked around in the park until 6pm. We had to leave although we did not want to!

On our way out we saw some warthog next to the road. I think over time they became tame as so many people pass by. In actual fact they are quite dangerous. We also met with the baggage lady as described by Rolandi.

Our supper was fabulous at Lola's Tapas. The waiter was also great and entertained us thoroughly. Some artists had a mobile gallery in one corner with pencil sketches and painting of nature and animals. 

By the time we left for the lodge it was dark with no streetlights, but since are home already I can assure you that it is quite safe!

Victoria Falls 2012 - Rolandi

My dear husband thought of the brilliant idea of taking me to Vic Falls for my next birthday. We left the two doggie children on 5 October at 06h15, making our way to OR Thambo. Its always sad for me to leave them behind, but alas!

We booked in for flight T6951 to Zambia and from there we were a lot of groupon customers that were driving to lodges in Zimbabwe. The flight was over in a short time, but Rudolf and I were sitting on the wrong side, so we could not see the falls from the sky. We agreed to try and sit on the right when we return on Sunday.

The Zambians were very friendly and not once did I feel overwhelmed by poverty of the people around. Leaving Zambia by bus was quite a process as we were to get stamps at a one person border post. Rudolf bought a one trillion Zim dollar note. It was issued in April 2009 and expired July 2009. Poor people.

There were another post on the Zimbabwean side where they were changing shifts the moment our bus arrived... Much like RSA? 

We dropped half the bus of people at The Kingdom Lodge and Casino. What a great place. With great disappointment I arrived at our budget room at Adventure Lodge. The room is almost just big enough to fit the double bed. Our bags were shunned into the small cupboard that could not close once our bags were inside.

Rudolf and I walked to the falls that exceeded my wildest expectations. Although it is dry season, the water and rainbows were spectacular. You had to walk to the perfect angle to be able to see it,but it was there all along. It reminded me of Gods grace in and over our lives... We sometimes get so busy with our problems at hand that forget the bigger picture and we also forget to view life from different angles. Gods perfect angles.

While walking back to the lodge me and Rudolf saw a warthog walking freely in the bushes. How nice to see game run wild. A old lady passed us on the road with a heap of possessions on her head and two bags-one over each shoulder. Rudolf asked her if her neck were not hurting... She stopped and immediately tried to put her load on Rudolf's head. He could barely stand with the extra weight on his head. While it happened, it was all jokes and laughter. Afterwards I told Rudolf how it made me think of each persons load they carry with them. That lady probably did not even realise the amount of extra baggage she carried,and we do the same. We keep going through life as if all is well and we adjust not to even look as if it is bothering us. We keep our baggage in exchange for an abundant and free life.

In town we ate at Lola's Tapas and Bar. We had home made burgers and fries that tasted very good after the days walking. We then returned home,but disagreed about the way home. Rudolf was correct (that does not happen often) and we reached our destination. Even though the room is very small I looked forward to a good nights rest.