Z Is for Zimbabwe

 

Join me at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

We're finishing up the A to Z Challenge with a spectacular "Z." Last year at this time I was getting ready for a trip to Southern Africa. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime and while it's difficult to choose one high point -- so many great moments -- seeing this double rainbow over Victoria Falls stands out. I still look at this photograph and have trouble believing that I actually stood there and looked out and this was what I saw. But I did and there's no AI involved. 

I was so excited/inspired by the Falls that I did something the next day that I said I would never do. I took a helicopter trip over the Falls. It was much less scary than I imagined -- it wasn't scary actually at all -- and my reward, besides this amazing vista, was the rainbow on the left of the photograph. I have no desire for another helicopter trip, but I'm glad I took this one. 

Selfie at Almost Seventy-Five 

This isn't as spectacular, but it's one of my favorite photographs. My friend, Betsy, and I traveled together and we celebrated our mutual milestone birthdays with tea on the veranda of our hotel, the Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904 and originally imagined for the workers on the Cairo to Capetown Railroad. It's a lovely, classic hotel and its distinguished by a view of the Falls from the hotel and veranda. If I turned to the left and took a photograph the Falls would be in the distance. We saw so many amazing natural sights -- animals in their natural setting, the sand dunes of Namibia and the view from the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of South Africa -- but the rainbows over Victoria Falls floats to the top of my mind when I think of this visit to Africa.  

Are there sights you've seen while traveling that hold a special place in your heart?

It's April 30th and we're wrapping up the A to Z Challenge. I appreciate everyone who has stopped by and commented. I will be visiting and commenting over the weekend and look forward to catching up on posts. Thanks so much, friends of a few weeks and friends of long standing. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and here's to a happy May. 

List Making

 

I am a tremendous list-maker. Almost every morning (for decades) I review my list from the day before and reprioritize. I generally add a few new items, cross off a few that no longer need doing/have been done and then try to do at least a few of the most pressing on the list. But, as I've written before I don't have a bucket list. There are a number of things I'd like to do, but I don't have my demise as the literal "deadline." 

I also don't pay much attention to lists that I find on-line. You know the lists of the ten "top" beaches in the world or the most beautiful gardens. Until I went to Victoria Falls last month, I hadn't looked at the list of the Seven Wonders of the World since grade school. There are several (at least) lists of the wonders of the world and on every list of the natural wonders, Victoria Falls appears. I didn't consult a list before I traveled, but so glad that my travels took me to this wonder. It's an extraordinary sight, especially as our group saw it in all its misty splendor with a rainbow. 

The Majesty of the Falls

I've taken thousands of photographs and hope to take thousands more in the years to come. But I don't anticipate that any will surpass in awe and delight of the rainbow at Victoria Falls last month. Adjectives -- awesome, fabulous, extraordinary -- all fail to capture the vision that was in front of me and now lives only in photograph and memory. I also took a helicopter trip over that Falls, but that epic adventure deserves a post of its own. 

I couldn't imagine the sight beyond this entrance gate. 

Since we're in Victoria Falls I'm happy to inform the winners of the Victoria Falls giveaway. The change purses made there will be going to Donna and to 16 Blessings Mom. I will be in touch for addresses and will make a trip to the post office next week. 

I'm glad that you're enjoying the trip posts. I'm equally enjoying going through my photographs and reliving some of my favorite moments. 

As ever, thanks for viewing and have a sweet summer afternoon.   

I Plead Jet Lag

Elephant Walk Market in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

I returned to New York City exactly a week ago today and I'm just mostly being to feel oriented in time and place. I'm still falling asleep by 9:00 and walking up at 1 or 2 or 3 a.m., but I've now managed more days than not to avoid an afternoon nap, which throws everything totally off. I've sat down at the computer to catch up on my neglected blog and blog buddies, but I wasn't good at putting two thoughts together, let alone an entire blog post. 

I was looking forward to this trip, but the reality far exceeded any of my expectations. Five countries in sixteen days, plus two visits to the airport in Dubai. Yes, it was a whirlwind, but a great opportunity to see many (fabulous) sights and have a wonderful range of experiences.  The three quick posts I wrote are just the tip of the iceberg and I hope to share much more of the trip during June. 

As promised I'm doing a giveaway to two readers of change purses made by the talented woman in the photograph. I didn't buy a lot during the trip and now reflecting on the array of merchandise pictured, I regret it. The black and white tote bag in the photo is calling out to me. I will just need to make a return trip. 

 

These two change purses will be sent to two blog buddies

The "rules" for the giveaway are easy-peasy. Please leave a comment with your summer plans through next Sunday, June 8. Travel, books you plan to read or favorite hobbies that you'd like to do are all plans, and so is sitting in front of the air conditioner and drinking iced tea. It doesn't have to be an ambitious plan. I'll do a post next Monday with the two names chosen by Random Number Generator.  

I'm delighted to have gotten through my first post after getting back and my next step is visiting blogs. Hope to catch up in the next few days. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.