South Africa 2014: Stan's the man

History records that Stanley Livingston was the first white man to behold these falls which he named after his Queen. Since then, countless more have visited and now we are among them.

But first we had to get there, which meant flying from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls which is located in a different country, Zimbabwe. As a result we had the opportunity to feel the effects of Canadian foreign diplomacy first hand. I suppose this is a good thing since so often it seems the diplomatic efforts (or any other efforts for that matter) of most of our political leaders have little or no impact on our daily lives. (Brian, be calm). Apparently, not long ago our fearless leader made a few comments concerning Robert Mugabe (Zimbabwe's fearless leader) at the UN. The result? Canadians entering the country now pay a $75.00 single entry fee. Americans pay $45.00 for a double entry fee. As it happens most of our group will exit Zimbabwe only to return to get to the airport. Another $75.00 entry fee is required for the hour or two we will be back in the country. Thanks Stevie. No doubt the comments made at the UN were well deserved but who knew a Zimbabwean despot could influence election outcomes in Canada?

As our flight was late arriving and then directed to the slow immigration line at the airport, we simply dropped bags at the hotel and then rushed off to the falls. It was 4ish when we got there which was good because by then it was virtually empty of other tourists. This being the most popular destination in the country I was expecting crowds worse than that at the airport. We had the place virtually to ourselves which was wonderful. I'm afraid I've used up most of my superlatives already and regret that I didn't save at least a couple for this sight. It thrilled Livingstone as I'm sure it has every other person who has been here.

It's impossible to photograph the entire falls in one frame as it is more than a kilometre wide. Have a peek at it on Google Earth. This is the Zambezi River plunging into a narrow gorge in a basalt plain formed eons ago. This being the end of the dry season, the volume of water was at it's lowest which is a good thing. When at it's peak all you see is the mist. There were several viewing points along a 3 km path system that allowed photos from different angles. It truly was an awe-inspiring sight. Here are a couple more views. It was really hard to select only a few.

Julie & Bridgette at one of the many viewing sites.

I think this is called the Devil's Cauldron.

Only a trickle now, this section is apparently much different with higher water volumes.

You can see a few people in the top left corner of this photo. They look small, which is how I felt in the immensity of this natural wonder.

After wading through the thicket of souvenir sellers at the gate we climbed aboard our bus for the short trip back to the hotel. We had a bit more than an hour to relax and get ready for the next event which was dinner at the Boma. Combine Traditional dancing, singing and drumming, wild game meats on the grill, witch doctors telling fortunes and a huge elephant grass thatched roof covered space. Then mix with a bit of alcohol and presto! Up comes a really good evening. TIA? Well perhaps, but regardless, I think everyone really enjoyed this 'cultural' experience.