MARCHING TO VICTORIA FALLS

We experienced the first glitch in our itinerary on what has been smooth sailing and turned out rather well.  Zimbawe Airline pilots are on strike, so we could not fly from Harare to Victoria Falls.  A quick change of plans was made by our guide, Thomas and officials at Africa University.  Three of our group went to Harare as they are not continuing with us on this extension.  The rest of us crowded into two University vans and headed out across the width of Zimbawe toward the Falls via Masvingo and Bulawayo.  For history buffs, the change turned out well.  We got to see GREAT ZIMBABWE, the ancient ruins dating back to the 11^th century.  This archaeological find is compared to the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids.  The name Zimbawe means “houses of stone” or “esteemed houses.”  Thus, Rhodesia became Zimbawe after independence in 1980 and took the name from this site.  The unbelievable stone structures, especially the Great Enclosure (see above) are amazing to see as no mortar was used in its construction.  However the rest of the day was sitting and watching what is beautiful geography go by.  It will be a shorter trip from Bulawayo to Victoria tomorrow and we are most excited!!

Joe