We are currently in South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Three days ago we met our new guides -- they are Kenyan and one is a Masai tribesman (he carries a stick and wears a Masai blanket, we're almost totally convinced that he's a superhero). We also had to say goodbye to half of our group and welcome two new group members from another trip.
Thankfully, we've been able to write a few posts and upload a bunch of pictures today, so be sure to check out the gallery. Unfortunately video uploads don't seem to be working, but I'll keep playing with it.
Zambia is our first foray into what our guides refer to the "heart of Africa." Agricultural villages have replaced towns, and thatch is the most widely used building material; though, there are anachronistic touches like cell phone sim card stores and internet cafes. Our next stop is Lake Malawi...though we will be sad to leave our current campsite, Flatdogs -- we're escorted by guards at night because elephants and hippos regularly walk through the camp. Last night we woke up to the Jabba-the-Hutt-like sound of a hippo calling to it's herd just outside our tent. Awesome.
Whew, I'm glad the bungie part was as delightful as expected, but very happy you both simply enjoyed it with no other outcomes! Everything looks great, especially the afternoon "tea" cruise. Charley called and had me watch a great PBS special on Victoria Falls and the cycles of the Zambesi. You're hitting it just after rainy season, so the water is very high. I want to see snorkeling elephants! Then head over to Thailand to see the ones that swim out to the island. W'd'ya say Ted and Debbie, wanna do it? Kev says it's a go!
ReplyDeleteMattie is doing very well as a NJ country dog (no, really, not an oxymoron). She has taken very well to gardening and hasn't really eaten or squashed very much at all. She continues to try to take over from poor Makalu (we have taken to giving Makula the Mattie days countdown and hope she gets it). We know why you named her Mattie - the gobs of fur that form everywhere. She no longer bites me while grooming and doesn't much struggle to escape. No cutting accidents have occurred. Hell, I may be able to clip her any day now. Maybe we should get Yoshi down her to remind her that others are important too. Oh, her swimming continues to improve! No more slapping the water in a panic, she now skillfully paddles in a circle seeking the treat. The swimming gardener snake was of great interest! And she will drink from the hose, sometimes. I think she just is suspicious of Kevin's motives...even though she has seen Makalu enjoy a cooling hosedown. That's it from us...we're off in a bit for a Memorial weekend cookout. Kevin's making the little hotdogs, Gus loves 'em. Typical....stay safe and we love you!
We are thoroughly enjoying your journal entries, having been there just a year ago. Glad you got to the Zimbabwe side of Vic Falls to take the "wet walk." We did the elephant safari, too, and walked with the lions and flew over the falls. We know how absolutely stunned you were with them.
ReplyDeleteKeep writing and we'll keep reliving!
Love, Aunt Betsy
Hi Katie and Pete! We're following your adventures and are so happy that your trip has been so exciting. Wishing you lots more fun! rea and tom
ReplyDeleteHey Katie and Peter,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time it is following your adventures. Matty and Makalu don't fit on the bed together but they do it anyway. We really miss you
OH YEAH...THE YANKEES ARE IN FIRST PLACE :-)
Peter,
ReplyDeleteForgot to tell you that I really missed you when it came to planting four bushes. I forgot how much you did until I had to do it myself.