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In Zambia and safe first & foremost...
I'm currently perched up on my bed in a tent which is now home for the next two nights. I'm trying to get some battery so I can take loads of pics- ironically my backup portable contraption needs a charge too.
I've been here for all of two minutes and I'm already experiencing some crazy surreal stuff!
First of all, I realised on my plane into Livingstone from Johannesburg that today is Nelson Mandela's birthday which over in South Africa is a national day named 'Mandela Day'. An unintentional bit of luck there I think. I think that's something quite special.
My second surreal experience was during the taxing to my hotel/campsite from the airport. A friendly local named Fred drove us through a few little villages on route which, to me, played out like a movie. As we delved further into the Zambian streets (into the unknown), what unfolded in front of my impressionable eyes were scenes the after school rush and tonnes of locals getting about their daily business: bare footed children playing ball amongst the dirt roads, strong-looking brightly clothed Africa women and mothers striding through the town lugging babies, baskets and bowls of goods over their heads. I even spotted some immaculately dressed school girls sat on the side of the road chatting and laughing amongst themselves. The area was far dirtier and unkept in comparison to their cherished little uniforms - It was striking to see the immediate differences in culture and to get a feel for the place.
I didn't think it'd get a sniff more of authenticity if I'd tried.
Now I'm in my tent, like I said. Amidst the expected noise of loud grass critters there are alien sounding bellows and cries of wild monkeys. They're running around literally just outside of my rolled up tent door but are paying no to attention to my attempts at whistling them over.
I had a quick nosy around the grounds before - all looks good so far. I'm staying at a place just overlooking the Zambezi river (Zambezi Waterfront Hotel: the name figures). There are a few pools and bars dotted around as well as a restaurant and an Internet cafe and an office where you can book onto tours.
I went to book a few activities but was told to come back in two hours (5pm) to confirm whether or not I can do them all. I hope I can!
Whilst I'm in Livingstone I'd like to get a helicopter flight over the Victoria falls, do the professional photo river safari and visit the Mukuni working village not far from the airport.
Tomorrows plan is to check out at 10am and check back in again as part of my tour- I think I'll be moved into a different tent but hopefully it won't distrust me getting to do all three of those activities.
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