An exciting few days in Zambia!

Hi everyone!

Since we last blogged we have had a very eventful few days. In fact just after leaving the internet cafe it all got a little too eventful! Lorelei was harmlessly walking over a grate on her way out of Shoprite when she appeared to fall over. But she had not just fallen over. She had managed to fall down the grate and trap her leg in it!!! She realised she was not able to pull it out and panic set in! Thankfully a crowd of useful (and many not so useful) Zambians came to our rescue. After lots of attempts to pull her out, causing immense pain, and me (Ruth) to shout very loudly, someone came over with a car jack and managed to force the grate apart. We were very relieved that Lorelei did not break her leg, or worse but she is proud to have a huge bruise on her leg. What an eventful day with this and a baboon mugging!

On Saturday we got up early to go on a safari to Chobe National Park - in Botswana! We got a speed boat from the border to Botswana and were all very happy to get more stamps in our passports. The day began with freshly cooked donuts and coffee then we embarked on a 3 hour water safari. This was amazing. We saw elephants, crocodiles, hippos and buffalo as well as many beautiful birds and smaller animals. This was followed by a tasty buffet lunch then a 3 hour 4 x4 safari. Here we got up incredibly close to elephants, giraffes, various antelopes and enjoyed seeing lions from a distance. We got the speed boat back to Zambia after a fantastic day. Went to an excellent Chinese restaurant for dinner - perfect end to a brilliant day.

On Sunday Lorelei and Elizabeth embarked on an all day whitewater rafting trip down the Zambezi. Elizabeth fell out the boat twice and enjoyed swimming two of the rapids by herself. Lorelei only fell out once - impressive for a first timer! Ruth and Hayley spent the day sunbathing and swimming in the freezing hostel pool while Kirstie caught up on some sleep. The others came back exhausted after a adrenalin filled, thrilling day. We then tried to go for a meal but repeat power cuts meant we were served raw pizza - so we decided that cereal bars back at the hostel was far more appetising.

Today Ruth, Lorelei, Hayley and Elizabeth went to the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe and stepped over the border line - so that is 4 African countries down! Kirstie is currently on an elephant back safari - hope she is having a fantastic time. We have a not so exciting 7 hours back to Lusaka tomorrow followed by another 13 hour coach ride to Lilongwe, Malawi. One rest day in Lilongwe before we fly home on Friday.

So I guess this is goodbye from team Malawi. Hope you have enjoyed our blog. We will be meeting as a team in September for de-brief and will update you about this.

Lots of love

Team Malawi (minus Emily)