Livingstone, You Took My Money

I mentioned in my last post that I returned from Livingstone, Zambia, about 3 weeks ago.  I went there for a much needed vacation and getaway with some of my friends from training, and it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Billed as the adventure capital of the world, it was pretty amazing.  First off, Livingstone is home to Victoria Falls, which is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.  That's an impressive resident to have on your premises, I would say. The falls are pretty spectacular and this is coming from a guy that thinks arches and waterfalls are weak in comparison to great mountain ranges, animal migrations that number into the millions, and trees that stand taller than most commercial buildings. With that being said, this one was impressive.

Victoria Falls seen from the Zimbabwean side.  During the rainy season the entire edge will make one continuous waterfall.

Livingstone is also home, or at least partly home, to the Zambezi River and white water rafting.  This is supposed to be some of the more dangerous rapids in the world to raft and although it was in fact dangerous it was also a blast.  I was thrown from the raft 3 times and each and every time that I was underwater waiting for the Mighty Zambezi to stop tossing, turning, rotating, spinning, and trying to drown me I had an enormous smile on my face.  What a joy to realize that there is nothing you can do to stop nature from taking it's toll - you had better just enjoy the ride.

More fun than you can imagine, rafting was quite an adventure.  I'm the one farthest to the right being tossed from the boat.

To get between Zambia and Zimbabwe is a bridge.  A very shaky, metal bridge.  This bridge hosts a gorge swing, a zip line, and a bungee jump all from some 100 meters or so above the rushing Zambezi.  I did none of these activities.  Why?  I don't like peeing my pants.  I'll admit it.  Just watching people do these things (two of my closest friends did) was enough for me.  It looked terrifying.

There are tons of things to do in this vacation spot, but come with a fat wallet because Livingstone will take and take and take your money until soon it's finished - all gone - no more.  However, on the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe a traveler can buy Zimbabwean dollars, which due to inflation are no longer of any value.  I bought some and am now the proud owner of over 70 trillion Zimbabwean dollars... maybe enough to buy some bread or a Coke, but probably not.  (The biggest note I bought was 50 trillion Zimbabwean dollars).

My good friend Nick Smiley-Kallas bartering to buy Zimbabwean dollars on the bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Even though I no longer have money due to my trip I'm rich in good memories and good times... and a fist full of Zimbabwean dollars.