Why, hello there speedy Internet...
Usually we don't post updates back-to-back, however, we have a three-night stop in Victoria Falls right now and there is a FANTASTIC Internet cafe right across the road from our camp site, so...We're also in the process of trying to *finally* upload some photos.
First thing's first - I think I have discovered how it is that Zimbabwe is able to use US currency as their own; it's because they are only using the first bills EVER printed in America. No joke. I've never seen US currency this colour before - the one dollar bills would never pass as "greenbacks" in the States. Interesting...Something else that's interesting is that Zimbabwe has trillion dollar bills. One of the English med students we've been travelling with came back to camp yesterday, held up a note and declared himself a bonafide trillionaire at the age of 21. Not too shabby. Where can you purchase these bills you ask, why, everywhere! You don't even have to go looking for them - the "brokers" stand right on the other side of the security gate at our campsite just waiting to welcome us to the trillionaires club. "For you, special price..."
Apparently, Victoria Falls is the gateway to constant harassment from street vendors. Awesome. Though I did get a pretty cool two-tone "copper" bracelet for $5 while on the Zimbabwe/Zambia bridge. It's turning my arm green as we speak!
I was a little worried when we were crossing the border that I might inadvertently cause some form of international incident due to the fact that Canadians are charged the highest visa rate of ANY nation to enter Zimbabwe - $75 bones (US) compared to $50 for the U.K./Ireland and $30 for everyone else. Booooo! I was also told that Zimbabwe doesn't like Canadians - whaaaaaaaaat?? - so I wasn't sure what to expect. (To give you some context about the differences between the border in Botswana and the border in Zimbabwe, in Botswana they have a top-ten list of ways to be a better human being at their border; Zimbabwe has a massive portrait of President Mugabe. Different strokes...) I needn't have worried though - the border officials were laughing and joking amongst themselves, and were fairly pleasant. We'll see how things go for the next week or so...
Anyway, we're now in Victoria Falls and WOW! We had our first glimpse of the falls last night when we decided to take a little walk over to Zambia. From what we could see, it is truly stunning. We're planning to spend 3-4 hours in the park later today or tomorrow (Court is currently working away on some journal articles), and our travelmates have told us it is truly spectacular. Can't wait!!
Mum and Dad - I may be sending a parcel home later today. *sheepish grin*
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