Category: Travel With Alex: Beyond Europe

The Tale Of Two Waterfalls: Victoria and Niagara

waterfalls on brown rocky mountain during sunset

I was talking with my very best friend the other day and we were reminiscing about a very particular day from a few summers ago. Let me set the scene. My bestie was enjoying a little down time between Summer commitments and decided to take advantage of being close to the great Niagara Falls. She and her husband were hiking on the walkway when her phone rang.

Be sure to join us for the conversation! We are talking about this very topic on our podcast, Babcia and Yia Yia Travel The World.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0A0QCeF4AsgzYczNgZb02C?si=N-XXpkkKQ7upn1hT5CFbmA

Half a world away, I expected her to pick up from home. I had no idea that she was at the Falls as I called her from Zambia. My view? The Great Victoria Falls. I was standing just to the side of Knife Point Bridge watching the Zambezi water spill over the top. Who would have ever thought that the two of us would be standing in front of the power of two of the most famous falls in the world at the same time!

water falls in the middle of the forest

Niagara and Victoria

Victoria and Niagara have a lot in common. They both provide a natural boarder between two countries. Both provide immense tourism for their local areas and both leave no doubt that the power of water is an awesome natural wonder on our planet. Moreover, both create moments of inspiration for every traveler that commits to experiencing them. However, it’s here that their two paths diverge.

Way over in Livingstone….

Way back in 1855, one of the most famous first tourists happened upon a place that locals called Mosi-oa-Tunya or the smoke that thunders. He promptly renamed the massive column of water Victoria Falls after his queen. (Ahhh… colonization.) These days, The Falls continue to thunder as they stretch just over a mile across and drop about a football field. They serve as the international border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and Zambia was exactly where I found myself the day of our phone call.

I was lucky enough to stay at Avani, a lovely hotel resort with free roaming animals and amazing Moroccan architecture. But, the true draw of this particular location is that it is just steps from the entrance to the Falls. The Zambian side of the falls were easily accessible to anyone though the National Park Gate but Avani literally had a back gate entrance set up for its guests making it as convenient as possible. And P.S., it was not the most expensive hotel in the area!

a bridge over a river with a waterfall below

The Upper and Lower Falls

Without any other exploration except the ride from the airport (I’ll leave that amazing video below), I headed out that back gate and went right to the National Park. As soon as I was through the gate, a wonderful college intern offered to take me through the pathways and tell me the story of this wonder of the world. I live for people like this. People who have no other agenda other than to impart their knowledge to you and make your experience better.

My walk began at the upper falls. My guide, Isaac, led me down pathways and explained the scientific side of things as well as previewing the power yet to come. He reminded me that at night, there are hippos that love this particular spot and one must be careful! I will. I promise. As Isaac continued to lead the way past bubbling water that stretched as far as the eye could see, he pointed out the famous Devil’s Pool. Used by daredevils to get as close to the drop as possible. I had already made up my mind not to take that dip because of the aforementioned hippos and the fact that I can not do a back flip into water.

Isaac pointed out the visitors that were on the Zambia side had a bit more protection than the ones on the Zimbabwean side who had no safety rails or clear pathways between them and the 354 foot drop. No thank you! 

While you could already feel the magic of the water in the air, it wasn’t until Isaac showed me the lookout over Rainbow Falls that I got my first glimpse of this massive force of energy. We continued walking around the gorge and into the pathways that become part of the micro rainforest. toward Jack Knife Bridge. This short span gives you one of the best views and ensures you feel your share of the water! It was in this very spot that I called my bestie…

Niagara Falls, Canada

Meanwhile, in upstate New York…

If Victoria Falls had a little sister, it would be Niagara. Standing 187 feet tall and about half a mile across, Niagara Falls comes in at about half the size of its African big sister. However, don’t be mistaken, this largest drop in North America receives far more visitors. While the days of honeymooning in Niagara Falls are over, lots of fun is still waiting for every kind of traveler out there.

Just like in Africa, Niagara serves as a famous border and has very distinct sides. The Canada side tends to be a better experience while others say that the magic of Niagara lies in its old school American Falls roots. Either way, there are plenty of amazing treasures to experience while you visit. And that’s exactly where Terri was when her phone rang…

Get Ready, Get Set

Terri drove in to Niagara Falls and made a beeline for the State Park. While the surrounding town is not much to look at, Terri says that once you park and get into the actual park, things are well worth your time. With plenty of pleasant and calm walkways, the state park gives you every opportunity to enjoy the falls from pretty much every possible angle. And it’s these walkways that tend to be overlooked the most.

Armed with a waterproof bag and a poncho to head for the marquee event, The Maiden of The Mist. Unlike many other waterfalls, Niagara allows its visitors to get behind the falls and see them from quite a different perspective. In turn, making it quite the draw. But, wait! Terri told me that you don’t want to miss out on the Cave of The Winds which, again gets you up close and personal to the water.

brown wooden fence on gray concrete floor

Terri and I had our laugh and spoke about what we were seeing in that exact moment. Then she continued on her way to The Cave of The Winds with a great documentary and tons of information about what makes these falls so special.

Top Of The Falls…

While Niagara Falls is not a foodie mecca, but the Top of The Falls may be a great choice if for nothing but the view. Otherwise, foodies will find better choices like great polish food. Or the famous Duff’s Wings not too far away in Buffalo. And PS- Buffalo has a lot to offer! Another great area is Lucille Ball’s hometown of Jamestown.

From anywhere on the American side, the Canadian side certainly beckons. And Terri agrees! Her advice is to sincerely explore both sides of the falls. Don’t miss out on the different views and experiences that each have to offer. Just remember, you need your passport!!!!

a large waterfall in the middle of a forest

Moments when you feel the magic around you and you feel connected to someone who gets it like you do are rare. Terri and I were over the moon to have a chance to connect from half a world away at two of mother nature’s masterpieces.

7

Japan 101: 20 Tips For First Time Travelers

empty pathway in between stores

So, you’ve made the big commitment! You are committed to your first trip to Japan. Hooray! You are going to LOVE it! I mean you! Because it really doesn’t matter who you are, Japan is for every kind of traveler there is. There is more than just something for everyone. Japan is an amusement park of sites and sounds that will entertain, educate, elevate, mystify, and baffle you all at once. The land of the rising sun is modern and streamlined, trendy and a world player. And yet, around every corner is a respect for the ancient and traditional. These are best tips to help you experience the best of Japan on your first visit!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Q3pMV4YqJpMmP3hh8Yvfg?si=tnfaX289S92YncLOyaArDA

Understanding the basics…

  • Etiquette: Japan is famous for its social rules. But how do you know what to do?! It can be hard to know what is expected when you are Gaijin (foreign). So bow when someone bows toward you. Say thank you and please often.
  • Pleasantries: Raised voices and angry confrontations are not part of Japanese culture. Instead, citizens are pretty consistent in settling matters by following the rules. And follow them they do! Sometimes to a fault. Exceptions and work arounds are just not a factor in this culture. So, don’t expect extra service with a tip rather, expect to be told no very nicely! As my husband says, “Courtesy is king but don’t expect to get your way!”
  • Umbrellas: Everybody, and I mean everybody, has a collection of umbrellas in Japan. The rainy season (June and July) can do that. That doesn’t mean you need to use valuable packing space to bring your own. Instead, if you really do need one, check in with your accommodations or swing in to the local 100 yen store. They’ll have one for very little money.
  • Masks: Like many other Asian countries, Japanese people will wear masks to be considerate of others. So, if you see a mask or two, no worries! It just means that you won’t get that cold from the person next to you.
  • Romanji and Kanji: The language barrier can be overwhelming in Japan (or Nippon) but there is help. While native speakers rely on the Kanji system of writing, all those symbols mean very little to the typical traveler. Look for Romanji to sound out names and common words on signs to make getting around a little easier.
  • Tokyo Bound: If you are nervous about language, culture mishaps, or too much adventure, keep yourself close to Tokyo. Almost everyone you will come in contact with speaks English. The basic rule of thumb is to know the further you get from Tokyo, the more you will need to rely on your language skills.

silhouette of man near outside

Getting ready for a little culture shock!

  • Squatty Potty: Coming in at the top of my culture shock list is the squatty potty! Don’t get this confused with the As Seen On TV stool, squatty potties are modern toilets that sit into the floor and you simply squat over them to use. This may not be comfy for everyone so if you come across one, simply look in another stall to find the classic potty you are used to!

lighted Chinese lantern

  • Don’t alarmed at the random music: Communities all over Japan work together. They get kids to school safely, they garden public parks beautifully, and they keep their communities running with timely little chimes and songs broadcasted over loudspeakers throughout the day. Hum along…
  • You will need Yen more than you think: Most modern travel allows you to get by on just credit cards if you choose and Japan is no exception. However, there are plenty of moments in this country that benefit from a few yen in your pocket. The process of exchanging money has a charm all its own. With little trays and catchy change machines, paying with cash is part of the fun!
  • All the cute: Japan has unbelievable fascination with all things cute! We all know Hello Kitty and Harajuku but there is so much more! There is a pervasive sweetness that envelops everything from bakery sweets to stoplights. It’s all, well, cute!
  • Capsule hotels: Speaking of cute, check out the amazing capsule hotel experience! For just a few bucks, you get a tidy, efficient capsule with plenty of modern amenities. This is a great choice for solo travelers as the floors are usually single sex and perfect for an overnight stay if you are just breezing through.
  • Be prepared for the absurd: You know those “I can’t believe I’m doing this” moments? I once was in Japan, in Chinatown, eating at a Brazilian restaurant. Absurd. It happens everywhere and all the time.

Taking on Japanese cuisine…

  • Tea and fish: First thing’s first, the number one drink on the menu is tea and the number one dish on the menu is fish. All the fish: tempura, sashimi, broiled, sushi. It’s probably a good idea if you are open to tea and fish.

man in chef suit

  • Sushi Go Round: Speaking of fish, be sure to swing in to a sushi go round restaurant,. With conveyor belts and buttons, grab sushi (and other dishes) by the plate and have a little fun. There are so many other novelty restaurants like ones that have ninjas, ones where you catch your own dinner and others where you sip your tea with bunnies. The possibilities are endless.
  • Ramen House: Endless possibilities also await you at the local ramen shops. Those yummy noodles come with so many options and toppings that you’ll run out of time before you run out of new combos. Be careful! When ordering a setto or combo meal, expect a TON of food!
  • Eat anything on a stick: Festival food is a treasure for foodies visiting Japan. This tip comes directly from my kids. Eat anything on a stick, all of it is good! Typical items like chicken or corn come with great Japanese twists.
  • Use vending machines: Quick! What makes pizza, hot coffee, cold beer, and so much more? Break out those yen and try the plethora of vending machines that can literally provide you with a five course meal!
  • Convenience stores and SNACKS: Eat. Them. All. Under that umbrella of cuteness, comes more great convenience store treats than you could ever imagine. Try as many as you can as you hop from place to place. The most popular to travelers are the KitKats and Pringles with all of their different flavors. My kids recommend the green tea and wasabi flavors.

Exploring Neighborhoods…

Part of the charm of Japan are all of the individual neighborhoods that polka dot the landscape. Each little community has a little city center usually with a train station and plenty to keep you interested. Some neighborhoods also boast…

  • Festivals: The Japanese will throw a festival for pretty much any reason but the best Summer festival is Bon Odori by far! This is celebrated all over the place in August. If you stumble upon a little celebration, join the fun and eat anything they serve on a stick. Careful! you may wind up with a goldfish if you are good at the games!

white and black candles on black surface

  • Parks: The Japanese really know how to have fun! Kids are delighted with neighborhood parks like the cloud park where you can bounce to your heart’s content, the pirate ship park where you can take on the pretend high seas, or the treehouse park where you can climb away the day. Other parks are full of tiny features like community gardens, waterfalls and Koi ponds. Check them all out!
  • Flea markets: If you are a souvenir shopper, check out the local rummage sales which are usually set up close to the local train stations. We’ve found all kinds of fun finds like coin style baseball cards or an antique Buddha. My favorite? Yamato, held on the third Saturday of each month.
  • 100 yen stores: If you are looking for a truly unique Japanese experience, go to a 100 yen store. I once walked in with an empty box and filled it up with all kinds of stuff. I had no clue what it was but I sent it back to the States for family to open and discover. The most popular one is Daiso.

Getting around town…

Okay, I know, this is the one you are worried about the most. Let me start by saying this: six year olds navigate the public transportation system on their own. You can too. With a few skills like map reading and romanji, you too can enjoy one of the best transit systems in the world.

  • Public Trains: By far, one of my favorite things in Japan was the train system. JR Railways and friends got me pretty much everywhere I wanted to go. I used a printed map to learn my route and stuck to it. Japan is a country where you can ask for help from pretty much anybody. While there can be some tricky things to navigate – I once had to walk through a department store to find my connecting train to Kamakura) nothing is impossible and it’s all part of the fun.

time lapse photography of white train

  • Driving by Landmarks: I highly recommend leaving the driving to the locals but, if you must, understand that many streets have no name and you may be relying on landmarks for directions. This is not a joke, one time I followed these directions: turn right at the gorilla, cross the train tracks, turn left at the big blue elephant and it’s just past the black ramen shop. I got there.
  • The Number One Driving Rule in Japan: When turning any corner, keep saying to yourself “driver in the middle, driver in the middle”. The driver is ALWAYS in the seat closest to the middle of the road.

Day tripping from Tokyo…

As you expand your horizons toward greater Tokyo, there are a couple of amazing spots to consider. Every popular guidebook will give you the 411 on the details for these particular places. These were among the family favorites in our house.

  • Get your mouse ears at Disney: Unlike the States, Disney in Japan is not so crowded that you can’t enjoy it. Go on an American holiday for a little extra fun and listen to the characters with their Australian accents and the Tower of Terror translated into Japanese. Too funny!
  • Enjoy the suburbs in Yokohama: Check out the tallest building in Japan and one of the fun roller coasters in the downtown area. Then enjoy the ramen museum.

city skyline during night time

  • Learn about Buddha in Kamakura: Down at the seaside, the spectacular Big Buddha awaits you just a five minute walk from the train. Just follow the crowd. This popular spot has great food, an incredible temple with a cave, an aquarium close by, and more. Well worth the trip.
  • Take on the Samurai in Odowara: Climb up the formidable steps of the castle for a walk through feudal Japan and the story of the Samurai. There are plenty of castles to visit, I just really liked this one!
  • Hike Mt. Fuji July and August: Buy your stick, and get it branded at each check in station then reach the summit. Fuji is about 7 hours up and about 5 hours down. It’s a long day but so very worth it. Many plan their hike overnight and sleep at the top so they can watch the sun rise in the morning. The climbing season is short and you want all of your ducks in a row before you get there.

green leafed plant with pink flowers surrounded by bush near body of water

  • Ride the rides at Fuji Kyu Amusement Park: Stick close to the mountain and get your thrill on with some of the most advanced roller coasters in the world. Totally worth it.
  • Feed the animals at Fuji Safari Park: Lions, bears, really smelly camels. The whole place is super fun and very, very Japanese. I’m still a little miffed with the monkeys. They stole my son’s glasses!
  • The Five Lakes including Lake Yamanaka: Nature lovers will love the five lakes region and it is beautiful no matter what time of year you choose. Go for the hikes, the photography, the peace.
  • Become fascinated with traditional Japan in Kyoto: The old capitol is full of so very many sites and experiences. Check out the Geisha scene and the Golden Pavilion.

two women in purple and pink kimono standing on street

  • Meet the locals in Nara: One of the most unique cities in Japan has to be Nara. Famous for the deer who wander freely all over town, they congregate in the city park knowing that tourists will have snacks for them and are happy to get up close and personal if they see you as a potential food source. They are not above checking to see if you have backstock in your purse!
  • Soak in the Hot Springs or Onsens: The best, in my opinion, are located in Hakone and feature soak after soak in all kinds of things from beer to coffee. Immerse yourself in the ritual and enjoy the experience as only the Japanese do.

empty tunnel between red walls

The Ultimate Two Week Starter Kit:

Alrighty, you are ready to plan! The reality is that you will never get to see all that Japan has to offer. I lived there and still couldn’t fit everything in. First time visitors will get the most out of concentrating their time between Tokyo to the East and Kyoto in the West. Use this list as your jumping off point. It has all of the highlights that a two week trip can comfortably fit. You can add or subtract from here to customize your trip and make your time in Japan the best it can be!

  • Fly in to Narita
  • Explore Tokyo and get a handle on public transport
  • Experience Shibuya, Fish Market, Asakura, and other icons
  • Head south toward Yokohama and spend the day by the harbor, enjoy the ramen museum
  • Continue down to Kamakura
  • Swing over to Odowara
  • Take on Fuji
  • Jump in to the deep end at an onsen
  • Enjoy an amusement park or another Fuji inspired hike
  • Arrive in Kyoto
  • Enjoy the sights and Sounds of Kyoto
  • Day trip to Nara and see the deer
  • Take the bullet train back to Tokyo and finish checking off your big city bucket list
  • Tokyo Disney Sea
  • Tokyo Disney Land
  • Fly out of Narita
1

Botswana 101: The Classic Safari

two zebras on grass field

In this second part of my great African adventure, My mom finally meets up with me and we travel to Botswana to experience the amazing classic safari. I had only two hesitations about this entire trip. The first was I did not plan it myself. So, the normal feeling of “I know everything that’s going to happen” was not accompanying me this time. The second was “is this going to be a new experience or am I going to feel like I’m in a really big zoo?” Fair enough. I’ve put my best tips at the end of our adventure below!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EhOsjKkuVxnorSVFLHceD?si=eXcePncmS52OfSlIkPFqNw

Wrapping up in Livingstone

My last few days in Livingstone were spent enjoying the sites with my mom. We walked through the National Park at Victoria Falls and did a little shopping at the local markets. However, we were looking forward to moving on to Botswana and the Chobe National Park Area.

Crossing The River

In order to get from Zambia to Botswana, you must go through customs and cross a Zambezi River. Normally, this is an inconvenience. In this case, it was all part of the adventure! The Kazungula crossing point is famous as a commercial border. In fact, as we drove up, over 300 tractor trailers were lined up to ferry across the border- 2 trucks at a time. For us, we were expected to clear Zambian customs, ferry across as foot traffic, and meet our new guide on the Botswana side of the river. (This is a dying experience as the new bridge is almost done.)

Bakwena Lodge

The lodge that we checked into was an oasis. An eco-friendly establishment, Bakwena Lodge provided everything that we could possibly need during our stay. With 15 rooms that were either tree houses or round river level huts, Bakwena had every modern amenity we needed. The centerpiece of the lodge was the main pavilion with plenty of room to enjoy the meals, entertainment, and river views.

My mom and I settled in and the unbelievable staff began to explain how the lodge worked. It was amazing! The staff had scheduled all of our game drives and river safaris for us. They had taken care of all of our meals with a few short questions. Our room was a river chalet with gorgeous mosquito nets draped over the bedding. And before you ask, the bathroom was fabulous complete with an optional outdoor shower. What more could we ask for?

The Essential Safari Question

Will a safari experience be any different than going to a zoo? Don’t deny it! You’ve all thought it at one time or another. I mean, really, will it make a difference to see these animals on the plains of Africa or will it be a total let down? Hear me now: you bet it does. It is the circle of life moment you hope it will be. As animals large and small make their way at sunrise toward the river, you literally hear Elton John singing in your head.

Chobe Game Drive

5 a.m. The sun isn’t up and it’s cold. What in the world am I doing getting up at this frightful hour?! We make our way to the main lodge for a bit of breakfast and then climb by flashlight into the classic safari jeep. We drove in the cold dark with our guide, Max. Certified as an environmental guide, Max was the expert we all hope for. On the 20 minute drive to the Chobe Reserve, he knew every nook and cranny to see hyenas and badgers in the dark. Then he drove us into the reserve.

Max and his trusty radio knew where the latest sightings were and just as the sun started to show itself, our first encounter with animals was just around the corner. As we crested the hill, our view over the river was unbelievable. The sun rose as elephants lumbered toward the water with impala and kudu. Hippos were just gray hills in the water that let birds perch easily away from predators. Guinea fowl scurried along in long winding rows and every so often, a solitary giraffe peeked out over the trees. Yes, it was the circle of life and yes, it was worth every one of those 6,000 miles of travel to see it.

River Safari

Bumping through the bush on a jeep isn’t the only way to get out and see the game reserve. Our afternoon excursion was by boat. And it was fabulous! Our guide, Max, ever ready, took us along the Chobe river to learn and see more of what Botswana had to offer. We saw so much: hippos, crocodiles, plenty of lizards and birds as well as herds upon herds of elephants. Safari on the water offered a certain closeness that just couldn’t be achieved on land. Elephants swam right by the boat and hippos bathed in grumpy groups not too far away.

We stopped in the middle of the river on a grassy island where a few elephants were grazing. There, we enjoyed cocktails on the boat as the younger elephants edged closer as their curiosity won out over wariness. The sun set framing the fishermen leaving for the night’s catch as we rode back between Namibia and Botswana.

The most elusive animals for us were the giraffes, zebras and cats. However, Max was intent on making sure we were not let down. Early on the third day, Max got word that a family of lions was napping close by. Max drove us right up to the little pride that couldn’t care less if we were there. Amazing. They allowed us to take plenty of pictures and take in the moment.

On our way out of the reserve, we came across a solitary cheetah in the distance. It was an amazing way to wrap up our time in Chobe.

Meeting The Locals

Max was a guide for us for more than just the game drives. He also took us to the local shopping area. Half outside market and half modern strip mall, the market was a great change of pace. Even the little family of warthogs that trotted through the parking lot seemed a bit surreal!

We were also treated to a tour of the local elementary school. Of course, the teacher in me was thrilled to see all those smiling faces! I loved the fact that the lodge was a true stakeholder in the community’s future.

Our last night at the lodge we were invited to a performance that explained the history of the local area. I loved how the evening was full of dance and laughter. It ended around the fire pit with a glass of wine and a few stories. The staff was superb and sent us off with a wave and a smile. After one last look at our beautiful lodge, we were bound for the river crossing again.

Elephant Cafe

Back across the river, through customs, and past the hundreds of 18 wheelers wishing that bridge was complete, we were back in Livingstone with a few hours to spare before our flight. We decided to circle back to the Elephant Cafe and enjoy our last bit of time in this perfect corner of the world. I’m so impressed with all of the people we met on our travels. Africa’s great safari experience still exists. And it cares far more about the flora and fauna we come to see. Perhaps even better than it ever has.

5 Tips To A Great Safari!

Research, research, research! Understand the area that you are going to and the typical expectation for accommodations, security, and safari animals that naturally inhabit the local area.

Be flexible! Early mornings and late nights are all part of the safari experience. Be prepared that you will be off your regular rest and relax schedule. Be prepared to take a mid afternoon nap and eat at the crack of dawn.

Go Eco-friendly! There are more and more establishments that put the environment first. Often, they are smaller and employ local staff. They are worth it!

Certified guides only! Do not use guides that have not learned how to follow the rules of the preserves and parks. These guides are important not only to give you the experience of a lifetime but also to keep you and the animals safe. Most hotel and lodge guides are but it’s a good practice to ask.

Take time to meet the community! While the focus may be animals, it is the people you will always remember. Always. Meet, learn, commune. You may want to bring a few VERY small gifts with you to give to those people who have touched your heart.

0

Zambia 101: The Teaching Adventure Of A Lifetime

silhouette of trees near body of water

 Where do I even start?

I’ve been thinking for years about how my teacher’s salary could get me to Africa. I mean, let’s face it, a trip to experience Sub-Saharan Africa was going to be hard won. I would have to figure out how to get there, experience everything the area had to offer and get home for pennies on the dollar. It felt like I would have to give up a ton of other travel in order to enjoy anything south of the African equator. One day, it finally dawned on me. I was putting the logistics before the dream and that never gets the job done! It was this kind of thinking that was keeping me from the very thing I wanted to do!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6EhOsjKkuVxnorSVFLHceD?si=eXcePncmS52OfSlIkPFqNw

Time for a strategy change!

This switch in tactics was exactly what I needed to get the puzzle pieces for this great adventure in place. The idea of going to Africa was planted in my head by quite a few colleagues that I had the pleasure of working with while I lived in Japan. These fellow teachers were connected by an interesting circumstance. They had all lovingly adopted a child from the same foundation in Africa. As a result, they had all had the opportunity to visit at one time or another. I loved their stories and the unique, quick connection that they had made with Africa. I was definitely hooked. While all of their stories were great, it would be another fellow teacher that held the key to my African success. Her name was Alicia.

Alicia taught my son back in Japan and, like so many others, moved on from her time there to other opportunities. She and I kept in touch over the years via Facebook and I watched from a distance as both of us settled into new places and routines. Each year, I was pleased to see her update chronicling her time in Zambia as she continued working through an organization called Family Legacy.

Family Legacy

Based out of Dallas, Texas, Family Legacy is looking to leave its mark on Lusaka. This capitol of Zambia has taken a few big hits over the years. From political unrest to the AIDS epidemic, Lusaka needed and still needs a lot of TLC. I’ll just suggest that you google the numbers to see the overwhelming statistics for yourself. Family Legacy, a modern day mission model of sorts, strives to make an impact on the poor neighborhoods within the capitol. They provide a recipe of services for the very needed schools they have built (24 of them) to the quiet social service work that they partner with the government to accomplish.

Their centerpiece is “The Tree of Life Village” where about 750 kids live in about 60 homes centered around their school. Since the 2003, founder Mario Zandstra has spearheaded this single minded mission to help children through the word of God. And make an impact they do. Consider this: Mario was using a small piece of land to put on a Summer Bible Camp. Fast forward to the present day, where his organization is servicing over 15,000 children with schooling, housing, and care. As impressed as I was, I wasn’t quite sure how I fit in.

Use your skills for good.

I always hemmed and hawed when I saw Alicia’s yearly message. Yes, it was wonderful work. Sure, I could make a difference with a small act. The problem was, I really wasn’t being called by some higher power to go do good deeds in a foreign land. Don’t get me wrong, I was intrigued to learn about this work happening so far away. I was also very aware that Summer was my selfish time when I got to forget about all of my responsibilities for the most part and regroup. Did I want to go to Zambia to volunteer to do something I really wasn’t feeling? The tables turned when Alicia mentioned a smaller program within the Family Legacy organization: Teach One.

Alicia and her colleague Heather, were interested in bringing American teachers to Zambia to model lessons for their teachers. Their goal was to bring those elusive best practices to life in the classrooms filled with these kids that they tasked themselves with helping. This was the piece of the puzzle missing for me. I knew I wouldn’t be good at mission work, but teaching, I can do that! I found my place. This was how I could contribute.

Be a teacher!

Now, that was something I could work with. I was in. And then I saw how much it would cost to go. Ooof! This was going to take some planning and some convincing. Yes, I needed to convince my husband that this was a good idea but I also needed to convince myself. In all reality, the cost to go to Africa was going to be about the same whether I lent a hand or not. If I was going to commit to this trip, there was just no way to say no to those kids and Alicia’s program. I made my deposit.

Heading to Zambia- for real.

I get it. There are many other travel bloggers who go to Africa and can do a much better job than me based on experience alone. Here’s the deal. This trip could be my only chance. I’m not a professional traveler and this was a big deal, not another press trip. It would also be a family trip. My mom would be joining me after a week as I wrapped up teaching and turned my attention to more travel.

The travel experts at Family Legacy had arranged and approved everything on their end. One day in March, I received a packet in the mail. The enclosures really read like I was going away for Summer camp! I needed so many things! From sunscreen, a personal first aid kit, and teacher clothes to vaccinations and donations. I was literally allotted three 50 pound bags. This was not a carry on only kind of trip!

In addition, it was my Teach One responsibility to come up with several lessons to share with the school I would be working with. I struggled with making my teaching choices and peppered Alicia with questions. Based on her input, I chose to bring some “craftivities” for the kids to do with literature that was based on character education. I crossed my fingers and packed my construction paper and googly eyes. Kids love googly eyes.

The Travel Plan

As with any trip, we all want to make our travels be the best that they could be! This trip would be no different. I needed to fly through Dubai then connect to Lusaka. Once I finished with the Teach One program, I would meet up with my mom for a short flight to Victoria Falls and Chobe, Botswana just beyond for some fun. On the way home, we would stop in Athens to enjoy a little down time then head home. It was twenty-one days of adventure and I was looking forward to all of them. Thankfully, the FL team was in charge of the in country logistics making this huge trip seem even more carefree. I’ll leave the stories of airport check-ins, Dubai layovers, and airport customs for another time.

Sunday Market

Alicia was a sight for sore eyes for a weary traveler. We loaded up all kinds of luggage and took off to get settled and meet the other teachers who I was joining in one of the FL schools. We met in our very modern hotel and went over the week’s plans which started with a Sunday Market at the Tree of Life Property.

Markets are an interesting concept from a traveler’s perspective. Will the market be a slice of life like a fish market where the daily haul comes in and sold? Or, will the market be a tourist market where handicrafts and “authentic” items of local culture are displayed by artisans? Don’t get me wrong, both have merit. I mean, let’s face it, I like the hum of a food market like everyone else but I’m probably not buying a bushel of apples. On the other hand, non breakable artwork and Christmas ornaments made out of monkey orange pits have an appeal I can not deny.

Time To Get My Craft On.

First, I’m going to be truthful. I am all about the buy. I’m a sucker for the handcraft. If I can turn it into a Christmas decoration or make it a tablecloth, I’m good. Take my money. I’ll worry about fitting it in my suitcase later. I’m willing to make the most of this hilltop moment.

Handicrafts in Zambia consist of weaved baskets, woodcarvings, animal paintings, and Chitenge material. Chitenge is the fabric that is used as women’s clothing. It can be worn traditionally or sewn into modern fashions. My favorite booth was full of jewelry that had a great story. Mulberry Mongoose is a female led company that pulls poacher traps from the bush and fashions the parts of the traps they take out of commission into really lovely jewelry. The proceeds circle right back to anti poaching funds. Score one for the good guys! Sunday market time in Africa just got a whole lot better!

Lusaka

In order to get a true read on the kids we were about to work with, Alicia and Heather took us on a short drive through the capitol. My impressions of modern day Lusaka, Africa were mixed. On one hand, the tourism industry put forth great hotels and plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy. On the other, deep set poverty was evident. Families were living in close quarters in neighborhoods that seemed cut off from the middle class world just around the corner. In addition, there was a distinct presence from China here. The construction and infrastructure all seemed to be funded by this outside source. When I asked about crime, the answer seemed to be “we have to guard everything because most crime is crime of opportunity”. Fair enough. I rolled up the window.

Good Morning Class

 

When a teacher gets a chance to truly step out of their own classroom and into the shoes of another, a certain renewal occurs. This was most certainly true of the little school in Ngombe. With students from ages 5 to 13, this school was all heart. It was clear that everyone was there for the right reasons- growth and opportunity. This was going to be a week’s worth of long days filled with great work.

I brought several books with me to share. “Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns To Listen” was on my list because we could make bunny ears with the little ones and have a great literature circle. “My Mouth Is A Volcano” was also one of my picks so we could model connecting science with literature. Last, I brought “How My Parents Learned To Eat”. That last pick gave me the chance to share a little Japanese culture with the kids. Something that Alicia and I shared. To say that it was a fulfilling week is an understatement. We glued googly eyes, made bunny ears and ate popcorn with chopsticks. We played games in the school yard and we American teachers learned how much this neighborhood depended on their school.

The Flower Man

The entire week, as we all got to know each other, I watched the groundskeeper as he patiently work on replacing a faded flower out of donated construction paper. Each day, he took a little time to add a petal or cut out a leaf. It was as if that flower on the wall bloomed to life over the week to make the little school in the poverty stricken area just a little better. It was a true metaphor for the work that Family Legacy was doing here in Africa. From just a few scraps he created a masterpiece.

From teaching to touring.

No doubt, teaching in Africa was an amazing experience. But, quite frankly, not many of you would spend time doing that. (And if you are, please click the link I left above!)I’m sure most of you would dig in to the quintessential activities that draw us to Africa to begin with. However, I must say that my experience in Lusaka lent an important point of view as I said goodbye to Family Legacy and Ngombe School and hello to Victoria Falls in the western tip of the country. Often, travelers are only treated to a “disneyfied” view of a country and do not experience day to day life with all of its wrinkles. While the Sunday Market may not have given much insight into daily life in Lusaka, my time in Ngombe did. That understanding gave me permission to view the more touristy Victoria Falls.

Suddenly Solo

The plan was to have my mom meet me just as I was wrapping up in Lusaka. The plan did not go according to plan. My mom was going to be about 2 days delayed and I had a little free time and a flight to catch to Livingstone. My reservations were for a hotel adjacent to the falls. Surrounded by Mosi-oa-Tunya National Perserve, The Avani Hotel is the perfect launching pad for the surrounding area. And there is so much to do!!! As you might expect, the town of Livingstone has plenty for every sort of traveler.

If you are adventurous, there’s zip lining and rafting. But, you may be more of a history buff, check out the small but good museum on the local area and the arrival of man about town, Sir David Livingstone. Then again, you may far more interested in the local residents and there’s a great cultural center for that. Probably the most impressive interest is that of the falls themselves.

The Smoke That Thunders

The great Zambezi River is unique for quite a few reasons. It’s crocodile and hippo population is above par and it serves as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, it’s the 354 foot drop it takes that seems to win the popularity award. The Falls are awesome. In fact, all 5,604 feet of them remind anyone why this planet is so incredibly amazing!

I totally appreciated all of Zambia’s forethought into their side of the Falls. Especially when I looked over at the Zimbabwe side and saw people standing with no safety rails or specific viewing areas. Yikes!

Thankfully, the Zambia side of the falls, which is the largest, has a great set of trails to use so that you can view this wonder of nature. And, yes, the Devil’s Pool is there for those looking to see things from the very top edge. Take advantage of the great guides, be prepared to get a little wet, and revel in nature! Speaking of nature…

Let’s face it, no matter which of the choices above you may be interested in, the biggest draw, by far, are the animals. After all, what would a trip to Africa be without a few four legged friends?

 

A zebra has a drink with me at the poolside bar.

Livingstone is full of fantastic places to stay. I was lucky enough to stay at Avani. Located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Preserve, Avani has access to both wildlife and the magnificent falls. Because the resort is located inside the preserve, wildlife including zebras, giraffe, and baboons all roam freely on the property and that is very cool. As I settled in for the evening, I was joined at the poolside bar by a few striped friends.

The activity desk, available at all the local resorts, had tons of things to do. From helicopter rides to river safaris, travelers of every age and stage have something to do. I was lucky enough to have one of the groundskeepers show me around and got a chance to get up close and personal with one of the giraffes. I also got the chance to zip line over the lower Zambezi which was out of this world!

Cover Girls

I must have 1,000 pictures from my trip. Half of them are of elephants. I didn’t mean to take so many pictures of just elephants but I couldn’t help it! Looking back, I think that they all know what a camera is and they have learned over the years how to pose. I was lucky enough to spend a little time up close and personal with these beauties at The Elephant Cafe.

 

 

This meet and eat experience allows you to combine a gourmet meal that’s sourced within 20 kilometers of the cafe with an up close encounter with elephants who stay under the watchful eye of a keeper. Each of the 9 elephants has a unique story that brought them to the cafe and it is a joy to hear all about them as you feed them and interact with these gentle giants.

Zambia was amazing. I have literally sat with this post for months trying to come up with a better word than amazing. I finally looked up the definition and decided that amazing was the right word. See for yourself:

So, what does a teaching experience in Zambia have to do with global literacy?

Well, it’s simple. The little connections we make along the way allow us to have a greater understanding of the cultures around us. They make the world more accessible and create bridges of understanding. Like this and want to see more ? Please like Babcia and YiaYia and share! We are a growing community a

nd look forward to sharing travel, education, and culture with you!

But Wait! There’s More!

This post wound up being so detailed that I couldn’t include the second part of my trip. Check out my adventure in Botswana with my mom. We went on a traditional Safari and had tons of eco-friendly fun! Click here to read on!

 
 
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