Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

February 2012

We have arrived.  Just finished raining, and still hot.

The Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (Tokaleya Tonga: the Smoke that Thunders) is a waterfall located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  We are on the Zimbabwe side.

This is where we discovered that we got robbed in Cape Town.  They took all our U.S. money.  Zimbabwe requires U.S. currency for our visas to enter the country.

In 2007, the government declared inflation illegal. Anyone who raised the prices for goods and services was subject to arrest. This amounted to a price freeze, which is usually ineffective in halting inflation.  Officials arrested numerous corporate executives for changing their prices.  In December 2008, the Central Bank of Zimbabwe licensed around 1,000 shops to deal in foreign currency.   Citizens had increasingly been using foreign currency in daily exchanges, as local shops stated fewer prices in Zimbabwe dollars because they needed foreign currency to import foreign goods. Many businesses and street vendors continued to do so without getting the license.

In January 2009, the acting Finance Minister lifted the restriction to use only Zimbabwean dollars. This too acknowledged what many were already doing. Citizens were allowed to use the United States dollar, the eruo and the South African Rand.   However, teachers and civil servants were still being paid in Zimbabwean dollars. Even though their salaries were in the trillions per month, this amounted to around $1USD, or half the bus fare. The government also used a restriction on bank withdrawals to try to limit the amount of money that was in circulation. It limited cash withdrawals to $Z500,000, which was around $0.25USD

We saw the Victoria Falls, 3 ways

1st via helicopter

The Victoria Falls is a part of two national parks- the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia.  The first man to discover the magnificent Victoria Falls was David Livingstone. Since then the Victoria Falls is known to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

While it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it is claimed to be the largest. This claim is based on a width of 1,708 metres (5,604 ft, 1 mile high) and height of 108 metres (354 ft), forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The falls' maximum flow rate compares well with that of other major waterfalls.  During monsoon, about 500 million liters of water flows into the Zambezi River. This magnificent falls generates a massive spray which shoots up to 1000 feet in the sky and can be viewed from 30 miles.

Elephants seen from helicopter

And Giraffes

2nd via boat

Went on a afternoon  cruise.  They served us drinks and food.  The tour guide was very friendly and informative.  He drove  up to the hippos, but had to leave, as a hippo can be very aggressive and overturn a boat.
Klipspringers and clawless otters can be glimpsed in the gorges, but they are mainly known for 35 species of raptors. The Taita Falcon, Black Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Augur Buzzard breed there.
The river is home to 39 species of fish below the falls and 89 species above it, which illustrates the effectiveness of the falls as a dividing barrier between the upper and lower Zambezi.

Baby

Momma

The river above the falls contains large populations of hippos and crocodiles.  Elephants cross the river in the dry season at particular crossing points.  It has been said that the only surviving animal over the Falls was a baby crockodile.  There have been (unsucessfully) elephants, hippos, adult crocks and even people that went over the Falls.

3rd via foot path

We walked along the path.  They sell you rain coats, but it doesn't matter, your soaked from the spray anyways.  I wasn't as adventurous as Rick, cause I'm scared of heights, so I didn't go close to the edge (no barriers)-don't want to fall over.

Parameters	Victoria Falls		Niagara Falls		Iguazu Falls
Height in Meters and Feet:	108m	360 ft	51 m	167 ft	64–82 m	210–269 ft
Width in Meters and Feet:	1,708 m	5,604 ft	1,203 m	3,947 ft	2,700 m	8,858 ft

David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer, is believed to have been the first European to view the Victoria Falls, on 16 November 1855 — which he did from what is now known as 'Livingstone Island' in Zambia, the only land accessible in the middle of the falls.  David Livingstone gave the falls the name 'Victoria Falls' in honour of Queen Victoria, but the indigenous name of 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' — literally meaning the 'Cloud that Thunders' — is also well known.

Warthogs relativley mind their own business, but baboons!  They are a nuisance, and the locals can't control them.  Sometimes they can make quite a disturtance.

Although Zimbabwe has had recent economic difficulties, Victoria Falls town has always been somewhat removed and the people are as welcoming and friendly as ever. Tourism slowed down over the last 10 years but many hotels have taken this time to renovate and improve.
In 2004 a separate group of police called the Tourism Police was started. They are commonly seen around the main tourist areas, and can be identified by their uniforms with yellow reflective bibs.  They escorted us all around town to keep us away from the beggers.

Have a fantastic time and the Falls were unreal!

Capetown, South Africa

Capetown, South Africa

January-February 2012

V & A Waterfront

Prince Alfred second son of Queen Victoria began construction of the harbour in 1860. The first basin was named after himself, the second after his mother, hence the name.

In June 1858 serious winter storms wrecked over 30 vessels, as a consequence, Lloyds of London refused to  cover ships wintering in the Bay.  On a sunny September 17, 1860 Midshipman HRH Prince Alfred, tipped the first load of stone to start construction of the breakwater for Cape Town’s first harbour

The discovery of gold and diamonds in South Africa meant that the first section of harbour, the Alfred Basin, had to be added to and the Victoria Basin was built. The construction of the two harbour basins took place between 1860 and 1920, and the area is notable for its outstanding heritage building.

In November 1988, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (Pty) Ltd (“V&AW”) was established as a wholly-owned subsidiary by Transnet Ltd to redevelop the historic docklands around Victoria and Alfred Basins as a mixed-use area with a focus on retail, tourism and residential development, with the continued operation of a working harbour



An absolute beautiful view of Table Top Mountain from the V & A Waterfront.  Lots of shopping, resturants and sightseeing.

We took a catamaran out to Robben Island.   Robben Island is an island in Table Bay, 6.9 km west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, Capre Town.  The name is Dutch for "seal island". Robben Island is roughly oval in shape, 3.3 km long north-south, and 1.9 km wide, with an area of 5 km.   It is flat and only a few metres above sea level, as a result of an ancient erosion event.  It is of particular note that it was here that Nobel Laureate and former Presidents of South Africa Nelson Mandela and Kgalema Motlanthe, alongside many other political prisoners, spent 27 years imprisoned during the apartheid era. Among those political prisoners was current President of South Africa Jacob Zuma who was imprisoned there for ten years. 

TableTop Mountain

The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately 3 kilometres  from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by Devil's Peak to the east and by Lion's Head to the west, forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town.   The highest point on the mountain  is 1,086 metres (3,563 ft) above sea level, about 19 metres higher than the cable station at the western end of the plateau.
The flat top of the mountain is often covered by clouds, formed when a south-easterly wind is directed up the mountain's slopes into colder air, where the moisture condenses to form the so-called "table cloth" of cloud. Legend attributes this phenomenon to a smoking contest between the Devil and a local pirate called Van Hunks.  When the table cloth is seen, it symbolizes the contest.
Table Mountain is at the northern end of a sandstone mountain range that forms the spine of the Cape Peninsula.  To the south of the main plateau is a lower part of the range called the Back Table. On the Atlantic coast of the peninsula, the range is known as the Twelve Apostles. The range continues southwards to Cape Point.

The Table Mountain Cable car^] takes passengers from the lower cable station on Tafelberg Road, about 302 m above sea level, to the plateau at the top of the mountain. The upper cable station offers views overlooking Cape Town, Table Bay and Robben Island to the north, and the Atlantic seaboard to the west and south.  Construction of the cableway was first started in 1926, and the cableway was officially opened in 1929. In 1997, the cableway was extensively upgraded, and new cars were introduced carrying 65 instead of 25 passengers. The new cars give a faster journey to the summit, and rotate through 360 degrees during the ascent or descent, giving a panoramic view over the city.

I'm not getting to close to the edge-it's a long way down.

It's 6 degrees colder up here, and so windy, you feel it's going to throw you off the edge

Boulders, South Aftica

Boulders Beach is situated south of Cape Town on the outskirts Of Simons Town, and is famous for being home to a thriving colony of African penguins.- approx 2500
 We were surprised to think an Antarctic bird living so successfully in South Africa's temperate climate. The area is protected and is part of the Table Mountain National Park. 

These penquins have common nicknames, one being the Jackass penguin, as their call resembles a donkey’s bray, another being the Black-footed penguin. African penguins have a black back and a white belly with a black chin and face patch separated from the crown by a broad white band. They have a narrow black band across the chest and down the flanks towards their legs. They measure about 60cm in length, and weigh between 2.4 and 3.6 kilogram's. Males tend to be a little larger than females and have heavier bills, but these differences are minor and so it can be difficult to tell them apart. The juveniles have blue-grey backs and a light belly and they lack the white face markings and black breast band of the adults. They have red bare patches above of the eyes, and a few randomly placed black spots on the chest and belly. 

 African Penguins are monogamous, and will generally return to the same colony, and often the same nest site. The vast majority pair off and remain together for consecutive breeding seasons. Some pairs have been known to have remained together for over 10 years. Usually two eggs are laid, with an incubation period is about 40 days, with both male and female participating equally in the incubation process.

They didn't like us getting too close to them, although Rick had one screaming at him.  (I think he thought Rick was after his girl...)

Took a drive farther out to see the Baboons.  Lots of them running around

We were advised to lock our car doors, as they've been know to open the doors, and steal purses, etc.  If this happens, let them take it, as they have razor sharp teeth and will rip you apart in a flash

 

 They are basically a nuisance, and are very mischevious

The Big Red Bus, a must!  17 stops around Cape Town.  The ClockTower, Convention Center,St. George's Cathedral, South Africa Museum, Mount Nelson Hotel, South Africa Jewish Museum, District area (Apartheid), Castke of Good Hope, Cableway, President Hotel, Wincheter Mansions Hotel, Wine Tour and so many more stops

 

Grapes, rows and rows

 

Township in Cape Town in area of Cape Flats, east of Table Mountain.  These were created as living areas for non-whites under the old political system of Apartheid.  (didn't feel very comfortable walking through there, as Rick and I were the only ones that got off the bus to view the Township)

Following a Mr. Peter Purschke in Cape Town (as the writing on his shirt)

Just a beautiful view on our drive back to the B & B

The meeting point of the two great oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, is a key point in world naval strategy: it is a focal point of maritime trade between East and West.  Many ships have sunk in this area

The Waldon House, where we stayed

Our room in the corner, beautiful place

Medicare in Madagascar

Medicare in Madgascar

Hospital in Tamatave

All medical services in Madagascar are free. Each province has a central hospital and local clinics, dispensaries, and maternity-care centers are supplemented by mobile health units.  As of 1999, total health care expenditure was estimated at 2.1% of GDP. As of 1999, there were an estimated 0.1 physicians and 0.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

Malaria remains one of the major health problems. The current reorganization of the health service in Madagascar is an opportunity to
 establish new anti-malaria programs. The strategies of the fight against malaria consist of early care of malaria cases, drug interaction for pregnant women, and eradication of adult insects in the central highlands where malaria is common.

Entrance to hospital

The major endemic diseases are malaria, leprosy, and schistosomiasis. Tuberculosis is also prevalent. In 1995, there were 5,915 leprosy cases. In 2000, 47% of the population had access to safe drinking water and 42% had adequate sanitation.

Additional factors contributing to health problems include overcrowding (in some areas five to eight persons live in a room fourteen meters square), contagious diseases such as the plague, and inadequate garbage disposal facilities. Infant mortality has risen from sixty-eight per 1,000 births in 1975 to 109 per 1,000 in 1980 and 150 per 1,000 in 1990. Malnutrition, diarrheal diseases, respiratory infections, and malaria are major causes of infant deaths. Madagascar had a serious malaria epidemic in 1990 causing the death of tens of thousands; efforts are underway for annual antimalarial campaigns, especially in the Hauts Plateaux

The average life expectancy was 55 years in 2000.

At the end of 2001, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS was estimated at 22,000 (including 0.3% of the adult population). Deaths from AIDS in 1999 were estimated at 870. In the same year HIV prevalence was 0.14 per 100 adults.

A new hospital is being built in Tamatave, with Ambatovy sponsoring the burn unit.  Burns in Madagascar are quite high, as all cooking is done on the ground, and with children around, you can imagine how easily it is for them to get burned. 

Homes of Madagascar

Homes of Madagascar

Homes in coastal regions are often built on a raised platform in areas with high rainfall and on the ground in drier areas. These homes tend to be much smaller with one or two rooms and are made of bamboo-like materials. The type of materials used signifies a past or present economic status. In most cases, manmade materials such as corrugated metal or cement are more desirable than natural materials as they last longer and signify greater prestige.

The situational aspect of homes and important buildings are considered very important. The most desirable direction for the primary roof line is north-south.

Homes, cattle pens, family tombs, and the village are aligned in relation to this orientation. 

Interior furnishings of homes arranged in a traditional fashion in keeping with the Malagasy cosmological conception of the world being square and horizontal. For example, the bed was located in the northeast, the greeting place for guests in the northwest corner, and the cooking hearth in the middle of the western side of the house. Although some people still follow traditional customs of the placement of objects, the practice is in decline. Those in coastal regions that can afford to buy furniture tend to acquire a bed frame or sofa and wooden table. A single room serves multiple functions.

The frame

Erecting the roof, made of ravanela leaves.  These are completely water proof.  The rain here is massive, and the ravanela leaves keeps the home dry

A typical finished home.  This costs approximately 80,000 airey airey, which is equivilant to $40.00 canadian dollars.

A slightly different style of home

The countryside in this region (Tana, the capital) has homes enclosed by ancient mud walls and newly constructed brick walls.
Typical house in Tana  The style of homes built on the high plateau differs markedly from homes found elsewhere due to a heavy reliance on local materials. Homes on the high plateau tend to be multistoried and are constructed of mud bricks that are plastered with a hard drying mud coat that is then painted. Verandas are often made of elaborate scrolled woodwork

Home owners fencing off their properties just outside our compound

Homes of all shapes and sizes

Homes built where ever there is land.  These homes are built just outside the plantsite (which you can see in the background)