Zimbabwe/Zambia
Was in Zimbabwe when the whole money thing went down in the capital (third bullet dodged, though this one just barely), so had to change my plans again. This was easier, because I was in Victoria Falls at the time. Simply crossed to the other side of the falls and I was in Zambia. Not that Zambia's much better, but at least the corrupt officials have to work at taking your money instead of just pulling a gun on you.
Non-government controlled local newspaper:
Zimbabwean security forces this week stepped up their crackdown on ordinary people and innocent cross border traders, triggering fierce clashes with passengers who flatly refused to be searched, where buses from the region arrive and depart. Heavily armed police were later deployed at the terminus, clobbering defiant passengers and seizing currency and merchandise.
Gun-toting police officers mounted roadblocks to search long-distance buses and vehicles. The raid has so far netted more than 2500 impoverished city residents who have had billions of dollars taken by the State agents.
Who wants to bet all the government officials haven't turned over any of the old money? What, no takers?
Victoria Falls
Sunny and 70s. You'd think this place would be humid, with the gigantic waterfall, but I guess it's the spray that cools you (as long as you remember to keep your camera covered).
On the walk back to the hotel we came across an elephant heading in the opposite direction; he eyed us the whole time, even though we weren't going to argue about right-of-way. We didn't offer him any peanuts either, though; didn't like his attitude.
Advice: skip all offers to go to the town where Stanley said, "Dr. Livingstone, I presume." Not worth it.
Am I losing it? (wait for the specific reason before answering.) I'm staring at the computer, at the top of the document where you press a button to save or paste or so forth. The button depresses for a second, then comes back up, and I'd swear it looks like a curtsey.
|
|
