3. February 2017 08:02
by Rene Pallesen
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Leaving Zimbabwe we had the experience of the aircraft (an old B737) breaking down with engine problems prior to our departure. Although this is not uncommon, most international airports would have a team of aircraft mechanics along with spare parts to fix problems.
Victoria Falls do not have all the same facilities due to the low volume of aircraft, so in our case the pilot and co-pilot stepped up and went out to fix the problem themselves. With just a two hour delay we were back underway.
I doubt a pilot from a big international airline would step up and get his hands dirty or even have the skills to fix basic and common problems....credit go to bush pilots!
1. February 2017 15:02
by Rene Pallesen
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31. January 2017 13:01
by Rene Pallesen
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Just outside Victoria Falls there is this Baobab tree that they keep showing to tourists (behind fencing so tourists don't vandalise it). We were brought there on the way to the Boma restaurant because the other people in the bus wanted to see it.
They all went Ooooh and Ahhh by seeing it, but I must say that it is neither big or beautiful as far as Baobab trees go...even the fig trees here in Australia are bigger (and better looking).
31. January 2017 12:01
by Rene Pallesen
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30. January 2017 14:01
by Rene Pallesen
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One thing about Zimbabwe was that everything is quite expensive for tourists in Victoria falls.
Back in 2008/09 the whole economy collapsed and the local currency was worth less than the paper it was printed on. As a result the entire country started using stable currencies such as US dollars.
In Victoria falls this means that everything is paid for in US dollars and since everything is more or less government controlled they try to milk tourists for as much hard currency as they possibly can.
As a result most tourists stay for a shorter duration as they probably would otherwise which is a pity as the benefits of tourism isn't shared with the rest of the country.
The country also has all the typical African inefficiencies and illogical processes which I experienced back in my days in East Africa, but which greatly annoyed Kim.
She was however greatly amused when I came back after a walk telling her that I had made her an instant billionaire - with the note here held by Aiden with a smug on his face.
30. January 2017 13:01
by Rene Pallesen
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During the break we decided to make a trip to South Africa and on the way do a quick detour to the Victoria falls on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
The first evening we book dinner at Boma restaurant. Even though it is a bit touristy (everything around the falls are) they promised a buffet dinner with various game meat and dancing/drumming.
On the menu was Mopani worms, Wort Hog, Elan, Guinea Foul and spit Lamb.
Poor little Lucas was so tired that he fell asleep in the car there and slept the whole way through.
Although Aiden was tired he did enjoy the experience (in his silly fashion).
The drumming was very interactive and the dinner guests could join in.
Good start to the trip.
19. December 2016 13:12
by Rene Pallesen
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It has been another year and again Merry Christmas 2016.
Following the tradition I have created another family photo for this year. Aiden and Lucas are growing older and also more naughty, so this year we decided to do something different and let the parents have a quiet evening while we let the boys 'hang out' together.
9. December 2016 17:02
by Rene Pallesen
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9. December 2016 15:02
by Rene Pallesen
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9. December 2016 15:02
by Rene Pallesen
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This winter during school holidays I took a day off to look after Aiden. I asked him if he wanted to go canoeing at the Royal National Park about 30 minutes drive from our house.
It was a beautiful sunny morning with not a wind or any other people in the creek.
Afterwards we went down to Wattamolla to have a look at the waterfall and play at the beach.
At Bundeena we had fish and chips for lunch.
He totally crashed on the way home.
