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Started early today. 7.15 meet to go Jet boating up some of the rapids on the Zambezi. As with everything lately, this trip turned out far better than expected. The drive to the river was through a couple of very remote villages. Our Jet Boat guide stopped and explained some of the village traditions and also pointed out the Kings Palace, which was a very humble hut. The present King is a graduate from a Uk University. He has done papers for Harvard and Oxford Universities. Worked in BP working his way up to MD of Sub Saharan Africa. Then after the death of his father was summoned to be King back at his native village. It is such a great honor that he is unable to refuse. He can only give up his position by death either naturally or induced!!! If they don't like you you have to drink some poison so they can have another Ruler!!! He is a very influential person in this part of Africa .
Once we arrived at the river we took the dedicated cable car down the gorge. Half way down the cable car turns into an elevator ... quite cool. We were equiped with buoyancy aids then into the boat for a very exhilarating 35 minutes on the Zambezi. High speed spins, close shaves at high speed with rocks and a few good rapids to ensure we all got completely drenched .... there are worse ways to start the week.
Then this afternoon the same intrepid for of us, myself, Bina, Siri and Marita took a helicoptor trip over the falls. It was a fantastic way to see this amazing wonder. None of us had been in a helicoptor before so we giggled with excitment quite a lot . We could see the wall we had walked yesterday and the rock we sat on at the edge of the falls ... I am still getting cold shivers when I think of what we did then.
Having seen a bit of the rapids today we are a tad more nervous about the white water rafting tomorrow. Apparently, here is arguably the best rapids to ride in the world and we have decided to do the grade 5 end with a total of ten rapids. Fingers crossed, I'll be able to update you tomorrow.
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- comments
Ann Carty What an exciting day! Is this "our" world you're living in?! Yesterday you're out recruiting youngsters for Liss Runners, and today you're gadding about on the Zambezi and floating off in a helicoptor! I must say I don't think I'd like to be King there, just in case I upst the wrong person! It is wonderful that your seeing, doing and learning so much Anne - such an opportunity! Thank you for all the updates of your blog - I'm so enjoying reading them and really look forward to the next installment! Take care and enjoy the white water rafting - hang on! Ann x
Val What can I add! We're really enjoying hearing about everything you're doing and you certainly are going for it in style. Roll on the adventures. We're in Sydney 4th, 5th and 6th November. If you're around then it'd be good to see you.
Rach Hey Anne!!! I think it's a good thing you are writing these regularly - you would never have been able to remember so many details - and you are still only near the beginning of your adventure. I had a lump in my throat reading about the children running with you!! Hope the white water rafting went well - look forward to hearing about it. Loads of love Rachxxxx