Aug 30th, Miombo Lodge, somewhere around 8pm
The last leg of my trip was a bit more interesting than the first two flights. First, the gate printed on my boarding pass was incorrect, and nobody bothered letting us know. I ran into some other travellers looking for the same flight, and eventually we decided that the correct gate was on the complete other side of the airport. Off we went, and sure enough… there it was. At that point, someone finally said “Uh, could you maybe make an announcement about this so everybody knows for sure?” and they did.
So, this new gate wasn’t a normal gate. Instead, it was a series of doors to a parking lot, full of little airport shuttles. We dutifully loaded ourselves in, and were taken on a 5 minute drive across the tarmac to climb into a cute little plane. I found my seat and hey, I’m in first class! How’d that happen? Even better, the seat beside me was empty. This WOULD have to happen on the shortest trip, right? I couldn’t get bumped for one of the 13 hour flights? Oh well, beggars can’t be choosers, and after the morning I’d had… (it’s been a month, but you may recall that a migraine had me vomiting on the previous flight. Delightful.) the extra space and comfy seat was appreciated.
Off we went towards Victoria Falls. We were given an option between chicken & fish. Thinking back to “Airplane!”, it occured to me that I should probably choose the chicken. But, they only had fish left when they got to me, and it’s not like I know how to land a plane anyway. Most likely, the snakes would get me.
We landed in Victoria Falls, about 45 minutes late due to a holdup in Joburg where they evidently couldn’t find some of our luggage. Greaaat. Still, we filed off the plane and into the teeny little airport where we lined up to buy our visas. Once purchased, I headed over to find my bag… no conveyor belt, just a couple of guys tossing our luggage in a pile on the floor. I pulled my bag out, and hauled it along.
Then, I headed out to the front of the airport – yeah, there are only two or three rooms to the entire place. There were half a dozen people with signs, but… none of them said Donna. Or African Impact. Well, crud. I must have looked confused or lost, because someone immediately started helping me track down my party. Ok, so they were just angling for a tip, but I’ll take the help. We eventually got through on one of my numbers, and Simon let me know he’d be there shortly to get me. Yay!
Shortly thereafter, my ride arrived. We took off for Miombo immediately. It was an interesting trip — for one, I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open. For another… dude! Zimbabwe! A few miles away from the airport, three equine-looking creatures dash across the road. My first African wildlife! I turn to my driver, “Out of curiousity… what were those?”
“Donkeys.” he replied.
Ok, so sometimes I’m a little dumb.
A few miles further, we got cows. Wisely, I didn’t ask what those were. But soon after, we got baboons! And then monkeys! I got excited.
Zimbabweans are amazing. We’d be somewhere on the road halfway between Nothing and Even Less, and there’d be people walking along the side of the highway, not a hut in sight. They must have walked for miles, some of them with very heavy loads balanced on their heads.
We passed very few non-commercial vehicles. Those that we did pass were crammed full of people, and soon I saw why — every time we passed people walking on the road, they’d wave at us to get a ride. Eventually, we did stop for one woman — the wife of a friend of Simons.
2 hours after leaving Victoria Falls, we arrived at Miombo Lodge, and I was handed off into the capable hands of Nathan. I was absolutely exhausted, and was quickly shown to “Mukwa”, one of the private lodges usually used for guests, vs. volunteers — volunteers stay in shared dorm-style rooms. It’s a bit further away from the main lodge, and therefore quiet so that I can get some sleep now without having to battle the TV for my sleep. Although I could probably sleep through the TV without any trouble, I definitely appreciate it nonetheless.
I was given a very quick tour as the light was fading (it’s the end of winter here, so it’s fully dark by about 6:30pm), and shown the boundary of where I’m to go, as there are often elephants just beyond. Elephants! Like, 100 yards away from one of the huts! Dude!
Dinner was at 7, so I quickly changed into clean clothes (heavenly) brushed my teeth (divine) and scrubbed my face (orgasmic) and wet down my hair (delightful). Feeling semi-clean for the first time in a few days, I headed back to the main lodge. When there are no guests (like now) we eat in the main dining room, an absolutely gorgeous open air room with beautiful furnishings & decor. Our dinner was served to us — potato onion soup for an appetizer, then a fantastic main course including butternut squash, beans, rice, & … pork, I think? Followed by a dessert of some sort of cake & custard. I don’t think I’ve eaten this well since Nana was feeding me on a regular basis. I’m going to weigh 300 pounds by the time I get back. It’ll be worth it.
Anyway. I have the option of getting up at 6am tomorrow, to be out at 6:30 doing… something? I forget what. I really want to go, but at the same time… I really want to sleep. But, it’s still early, so hopefully I’ll pass out shortly (I’m having a hard time not doing so as I type) and be up bright and early for… well, whatever it is we’re doing.