Zambia

I'm trying to knock out some countries tonight while Asa does some school work, I'm quite a few blogs behind, we actually only have FOUR countries left to do. The last thing I want is to finish up and be behind on blogs. So onward I go (and quickly, I might add!) 

Heading to Africa for the country that comes second to last alphabetically, Zambia! 

Our landmark here sits along the boarder Zambia shares with Zimbabwe (which will be our last country!) While we'll see Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, here we have The Devil's Pool at Victoria Falls. It's a real phenomenon, a natural rock pool at the very top of Victoria Falls where, at certain times of the year, adventurous swimmers can splash around in relative safety just a few feet away from where the waters of the Zambezi River cascade over the waterfall. 

It's off limits during the rainy season, because the rock pool is only safe for swimming when the water flow has a low natural ledge that stops you from tumbling over the edge. 

Victoria Falls is locally known as 'The Smoke that Thunders, and like I said, sits on the border with Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries, and for many years it was home to the world's largest bungee jump! 

Zambia isn't just about the Falls though. It's been making a name for itself as a must do safari destination, marketing as 'the real Africa'. 

 Zambia's South Luangwa National Park is one of the spots to see leopards in Africa. (And wild dogs!) 

And they have their own impressive migration. It's not wildebeest, but it is BATS! Every November, more than 8 million fruit bats flock to Kasanka's National Park to give birth and fill up on food. 

Not only is there lots to see, but the guides are some of the best in Africa as well. They are friendly and well trained. They offer a variety of awesome safari experiences from 4 wheelers, to canoes, to even 'walk thru safaris'. 

Zambians also love to share their festivals with tourists. They have loads of traditional festivals, including one where a giant barge with an elephant travels down the flooded plains of the Mongu. Although fun fact: Trip Advisor says the festivals are hard to plan trips around because they don't occur annually. Also, it's noted to bring along a tolerance for heat, dust and crowds who seem to get 'increasingly intoxicated as the night wears on.). Oh, and you should also 'bring your patience for endless speeches by local functionaries like the Assistant Vice-Secretary for Fertilizer Co-Operatives." 

The government here is better than some of it's neighbors, as they seem to be behind conservation. 

Though, let it be noted in 2009 a wild monkey pooped on the president during a live televised press conference from the State House Gardens, and later that year the monkeys were 'evicted'.  

Also worth noting: Zambia is known for it's cobalt and copper.  

The boys made their Zambia post cards. 

Calib's featured bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge. 

Peyton's featured the barge with the elephant, and a leopard in a tree. 

Hayden's featured the bat migration. 

For Zambia dinner we had Corned Beef Cakes with Chips (Fries), and since they actually grow a lot of fruits and veggies there, we went with mixed vegetables and a little banana/strawberry fruit salad. 

Dinner earned four spoons up. 

Peyton was not a fan, and barely touched it. (I called that one way ahead of time). But, he also barely ate the fries, fruit, or veggies, which is unusual for him. He was heading off to Anime Club at the Library though, so it was an 'eat quick' type of scenerio. 

The rest of us liked the corned beef cakes (since that was really the only unique thing on our plate), and the fries were really good. They were some new Idaho brand I got on BOGO AND had a coupon for making them 50 cents a bag (so my freezer is stocked). 

Also, we did have trouble getting the cakes to stay together, so if you try this one, godspeed. 

Hayden colored in Zambia in 'Hazard Orange', it's the one shaped a bit like a U, just south of the giant dark purple Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the east of dark blue Angola, and to the west of light blue Malawi. (Zimbabwe, our last country will go just to the south there). 

That, my friends is 186 countries down..... 

TEN!!!!! to go! 

Next Up: The Opening Ceremonies and South Sudan.