Zip Line Over the Gorge

Tuesday opened with math tests for both Mabret and Roman.  They have been working hard to fit school work in with all the other activities and we are proud to report that they did well on their tests.

Below, Dad going over some school work with Roman. 

The morning concluded with fierce pool matches.  Our afternoon schedule was highlighted by traveling to the gorges surrounding Vic Falls for some flying approximately 120 meters above the Batoka Gorge.    While we have zip-lined previously in Costa Rica, our arrival unveiled a different experience and we all took a collective deep breath.  The zip line above the gorge requires you to make a running start off the edge of the cliff.  As Mom and Dad began discussing whether the "rock, paper, scissors" would be sudden death (pun intended) or best 2 of 3, Roman stepped up and announced that he was going first and would be flying "Superman" style rather than seated.  We are proud as well as eternally grateful for his bravery.

Such a welcoming sign of things to come.

The equipment is fitted.  He has his game face on.

The instructions before running off the cliff.

The payoff for bravery.

Mabret was ready, willing and able to follow his brother.

Now it was time for Mom and Dad to answer the bell.

Mission Accomplished.

Peace Out!

The Zambezi

Monday in Zambia was as perfect as Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Just as we are settling into life in Zambia it will soon be time to leave.  Isn't that what traveling is all about?  

Monday began as usual - a bit of skool work.  We then headed to our new favorite coffee shop less than 5 minutes from Jollyboys for a variety of treats. It is gonna be hard for Dad to go cold turkey on the latte once we hit the safari.  He was just adjusting to his morning tar at the various hostels.

We then headed for the Livingstone Museum which sits immediately outside the entrance to Jollyboys. The museum houses many interesting artifacts including some which are estimated to be 250,000 years old.   The museum requests that guests refrain from taking photographs inside the exhibits but below is a picture of the boys as we headed inside.

Next was a walk through the  local markets.  A highlight was Mabret receiving a wonderful haircut from the local barber, Johnny.  As the heat increases so does Mabret's desire to keep the hair tight. The cut cost us 10 Kwacha or $2USD. Yes, that is two dollars. The currency here is also called Kwacha as in Malawi but the exchange rate is approximately 5 Kwacha to one US Dollar.

Lookin sharp.

The finished product.

We then walked to a local soccer field where Roman and Mabret blended right in with the locals and played some soccer.  Well, we must refer to it as football if we want to join the game. 

On Monday evening, we had the true privilege of taking a boat ride down the Zambezi River.  The Zambezi flows through eastern Angola, along the eastern border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe to Mozambique where it crosses that country and empties into the Indian Ocean.

There are two main sources of hydroelectric power on the river, the Kariba Dam which provides power to Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the Cahora Bassa Dam in Mozambique, which provides power to Mozambique and South Africa.

The view.

Roman and Mabret leaning on the rail.  Gosh, I love that pic.

Kathy looking beautiful.

Some new friends we met along the way.

A selfie.

Peace Out!

Visitng the Lubasi Home

Sunday in Livingstone found the RTW Adventure Family physically tired for the first time since departing Newark on November 2nd.  Or at least the first time that we were willing to admit it.  It is hard to believe that more than a month has passed since we left the States.  Without planning or discussion, it became apparent that we all needed to sleep-in a bit.  As a result, we did not get moving until mid-morning.  After some breakfast at Jollyboys, Roman, Mabret and Dad spent some time in the pool cooling off and recharging their batteries. Mom found some shade and read for a bit.  

Around lunchtime, we made the very short walk to town and, like a beacon in the night, a wonderful coffee shop appeared.  After enjoying lattes and mochachinos, we strolled through town and briefly stopped at the outdoor markets.

The balance of our afternoon was spent visiting with the children who reside at the Lubasi Home in Livingstone.  The Lubasi Home is an orphanage for children ranging in age from toddlers to a 19 year old who is currently attending college.  Many of the children residing there are orphans as a result of the AIDS pandemic and other diseases that continue to plague Africa.  The home opened in 2001 and in 2010 the trusteeship was handed over to the Catholic Church and specifically the Diocese of Livingstone.  There is a Board of Management which consists of community members and representatives of the Diocese.  

The Lubasi Home employs "mothers" to care for the children.  They alternate day and night shifts caring for the children and providing help with household chores and school work.  Many of the children had not been to school prior to arriving at Lubasi.  The children attend school in the community and return when the school day is complete.  There are ordinarily between 40 and 50 children residing there at a time.  Since opening, more than130 children have lived at Lubasi.  The program will provide financial support for the children who are able to complete high school studies and enter college.  

The Lubasi Home does not have any major source of funding but instead relies on the Livingstone Community and beyond for cash or in-kind donations.  Many local businesses donate food regularly.  Roman and Mabret made a donation on behalf of Ms. Valerio and Mr. Kromko's 3d and 4th grade classes at WNIS. All the children send a thank you back to NEPA.  

Below are some pictures from our afternoon at Lubasi.

While helping out at Lubasi, we met an incredible group of young women who were also spending the afternoon at the orphanage.  They were accompanied by their teachers and were nearing the end of four months traveling Southern Africa as part of a semester abroad for high school girls.  The inspiring young women are from across the U.S.A. and the program is The Traveling School.  Check them out at www.travelingschool.com  

They were kind enough to allow us to jump on their bus when it was time to leave. We all ended up at Olga's Italian Restaurant in Livingstone for dinner. Below is a pic of their table.  Shout out of thanks to our new friends.  Keep up the great work.

Olga's Restaurant is also doing good work in Livingstone.  All of Olga’s profits go to the Youth Community Training Center (YCTC) in Livingstone which is  a certified training school built by the Diocese of Livingstone.  The school provides free training in catering, carpentry, tailoring, plumbing, computer and bricklaying to orphans and vulnerable youth. Some of the graduates of YCTC are now employed at Olga’s.  In addition to the great work that they do at Olga's, the food was outstanding.  Definitely the best meal that we had while in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Zambia

Friday took us back up in the air on a South African Airlines plane from Jo'Burg to Livingstone, Zambia.    

Mabret and Roman sporting their new Chelsea and Barcelona jerseys as we head for the gate.

We arrived in Livingstone on time and the boys enjoyed disembarking immediately onto the tarmac.

Welcome to Zambia.

We headed toward Jollyboys Backpackers which is a well known landing spot for adventurous travelers.  Initially, we were booked into the Jollyboys campsite which is one of their two locations in the heart of Livingstone.  The campsite is advertised as being geared toward the family and the backpackers location is identified with younger travelers.  As we arrived, we learned that the electricity in our room was not functioning.  Additionally, the vibe and surroundings at the Jollyboys Campsite were not what we envisioned or anticipated.  We headed over to Jollyboys Backpackers to investigate a family room which was available.  As soon as we arrived, we knew that it was the place for us.  A cool vibe with loads of experienced travelers just hanging out swapping stories and travel ideas.  

After unpacking and checking out the surroundings, we walked into town and decided to eat at Fez Bar.  As with all of our African travel, people enjoy having the kids and Roman and Mabret found a large area in the back of the outdoor dining setting to play soccer.  Additionally, there was a pool table.  Pool tables are prevalent in Africa and the boys are becoming quite proficient.  We are hoping that as the money runs low that we will be able to hustle our way to funding the back end of the trip. 

On Saturday morning, we boarded the Jollyboys' free shuttle to Vicroia Falls.  Now the educational portion of our blog.

Victoria Falls is classified as the largest waterfall based on its width of 5604 feet and height of 354 feet resulting in the world's largest sheet of falling water.  Victoria Falls is approximately twice the height of  Niagra Falls and well over twice the width of Horseshoe Falls.

There are two islands on the crest of the falls that are large enough to divide the flow of water, even at full flood.  Cataract Island is near the western bank and Livingstone Island near the middle.  Livingstone Island is the point from which David Livingstone first viewed the falls.  The dry season runs from September until December/January.  During this time, up to half of the rocky face of the falls may become dry and brave souls may walk Livingstone Island to swim Devil's Pool which sits just at the VERY TIP of the 354 foot drop.  More on this in a moment.

David Livingstone was a Scottish explorer who is believed to have been the first European to view Victoria Falls.  This occurred on November 16 1855 from what is now known as Livingstone Island.  Livingstone named his discovery to honor Queen Victoria.  However, most Zambians and many 'round the world refer to the falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya—"the smoke that thunders".  The falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World as well as a World Heritage Site.

Our first several hours in the park were spent exploring on our own.  We hiked to the bottom and observed the Boiling Pot.

We discovered several breathtaking views as we walked for several hours.

The baboons that inhabit the park are happy to pose and show off for visitors. 

After a lunch of candy bars and Fanta, we walked across Livingstone Island toward what is called Devil's Pool.  Below, is a shot taken from the Island near the top of the Falls.

Below is a shot of the RTW Adventure Family sitting just at the edge of the Falls in Devil's Pool.

This was a major adrenaline rush as we sat on the edge of the pool for several minutes preparing for the swim after receiving instructions from our able guide, Harry.  Once again, proud of our young adventurers for taking the leap of faith and swimming at the edge of the largest waterfall in the world.  Proud of Mom and Dad for staying cool and not backing out during the 15 minute wait.  We recommend this to all as safe and exciting but you just cannot believe it until you are in the water.  

Saturday finished with a good dinner at Cafe Zambia.

Sunday and Monday were also eventful days in Livingstone and we look forward to reporting on it.

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Favorites Zambia

 Favorite Activity:

Bob: Zip Line; River Cruise and Orphanage visit

Kathy: River Safari and watching boys make friends wherever they go ( Cafe Zambia; soccer friends)

Roman: Flying Fox Zip Line closely followed by Victoria Falls walk to Devil's Pool 

Mabret: Flying Fox Zip Line

Favorite Food:

Bob: Olga's Italian Resaurant

Kathy: Freshly made pasta at Olga's Italian Restaurant

Roman: Pasta with Pesto @ Olga's

Mabret: Grilled Chicken Wings on the River Cruise