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. 

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. 

Z Is for Zimbabwe

 

Z is for Zimbabwe

This is definitely a better late, than never post. April and the A to Z Blogging Challenge for 2025 have ended, but since I will be visiting Zimbabwe in eight days, it seemed a very fitting finish to the Challenge, and a "Z" unlike any others that I've posted. 

I leave on Thursday for two plus weeks in Southern Africa. I've already mentioned our visit to Botswana, but we will also be visiting Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The stops in South Africa are in Johannesburg and Capetown. In Zimbabwe we will be staying in Victoria Falls and driving to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which will include a game drive -- zebra, lion, hippo and giraffe are among the animals we may see -- and a game cruise. There are three stops in Namibia, and we're able to visit both the extraordinary Namibian desert and the coastline. 

The sand dunes of Namibia

The trip doesn't seem real to me and probably won't until I am on the plane or perhaps when I am in the airport in Johannesburg. Even typing "the airport in Johannesburg," it's a totally unreal feeling. But I'm starting to put things aside that I know I will be packing and just ordered binoculars and a new pair of sneakers. I'm excited about seeing Victoria Falls, going on a rhino safari in Zimbabwe, seeing the dunes in Namibia and Table Mountain in Capetown. But one thing I 've learned about travel -- which extends to almost everything in life -- is that very often the things I most look forward to aren't the most memorable. There are sights, people and places that are waiting for me that I can't anticipate, but will leave immense footprints in my heart and in my memory. 

I'm going to try and post often, but it's not the easiest on my phone, which is the only device I'm taking with me. I will much more likely post on Facebook and Instagram. I don't expect to buy much in the way of souvenirs, but will be on the lookout for something for a blog giveaway when I get back. 

I plan to do a few more posts before I leave and catch up on more regular content. I've loved doing the travel posts, but it's time for coffee, spring in New York City and a few random reflections. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.