This is too Zambezi!

While Alex stresses about paper work and other American trappings, I thought I'd catch everyone up, and have a Mosi Lager!  We're on our third night in Livingstone, Zambia, staying in the middle of town at Livingstone Backpackers!  We made our way by bus from Jo'burg to Gaborone, Botswana.  After a quick six hour ride (and an excellent Evangelical movie. Think Rambo-meets-Curly Sue, christian style!) we arrived in Gaborone, and were on our way to Mokolodi Backpackers.  We were greeted by the owner/operator, Hendrick, and thankfully- due to the rain- allowed to set up camp on his front porch!  He also helped us book our flight to Kasane and set up a meet and greet with the local domesticated cheetahs!  The following morning we awoke to the most entertaining collection of animals.  Shadow (a kitten found in a wheel well!), Jesse/Josie ( 2 great dane/pointer mixes who share both names!), and New Year (a pot belly pig!) headlined,  with an array of chickens, guinea fowl, and rabbits as the opening acts!  The next morning, after Alex was able to wrestle her socks away from Shadow, and New Year was happily fed, Jesse/Josie accompanied us on our 1.5 km walk up to the Mokolodi Animal Reserve where we were to meet our two friendly cheetahs.  Unfortunately, our four legged friends lacked the proper identification to get into the park, so it was back to Mokolodi Backpackers we went.  We returned later that afternoon without the dogs, and were quickly guided back to meet and hopefully pet Duma and Letotse.  We got exactly what we wanted!  First, spending some quality time with Duma, and next- after the two brothers bathed each other- getting to know Letotse!  That night we relaxed back at the backpackers, and having reached the zenith of cat zen, welcomed shadow into our tent for the night!  It was either that or listen to him try to tear it open all night!  The following morning we said goodbye to Mokolodi and headed to the airport.  We landed quickly in Kasane and were on our way to catch the ferry taking us into Zambia.  Using my Marine Corps death stare, and Alex's teacher voice, we were able to make the trek without any interference from the local drunken thieves.  They are easy to spot, as they all have only one eye open and sort of lean to the right slightly!!  Quickly hailing a "blue taxi" (also literal) we found ourselves at Livingstone Backpackers in no time.  Apparently, hearing of our eminent arrival, the staff had planned a braii (barbeque!) and a taping for their website.  Alex demonstrated her rockwall skills, while I showed everyone how to drink with five beers in each hand and not spill!  This of course led to a late night drum circle set to techno music until Alex and I decided we should rest before a full day of fun at "The Gorge".  The next day we went with a group of five Canadians to challenge our natural instincts to a game of risk!  We spent the day rappelling (abseiling/rap jumping), riding the zip line (fox flier), and swinging down, over, and across the 150 meter gorge.  Alex and I are very proud to announce we were the heaviest couple of the day!  Thanks to everyone who has invited us to dinners, parties, weddings, etc. throughout the past year....we have taken full of advantage of your hospitality!  After a day of adrenaline, we headed to Victoria Falls to catch a glimpse of a lunar rainbow!  This only happens during the full moon, and we were very lucky to catch sight of it.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to capture any good photos with the point and shoot, and we thought it best not to bring the Nikon.  Dad, you should appreciate that, because we had also decided to run across the bridge a couple of times, which left us completely soaked and shivering!  We headed back to Livingstone hungry and exhausted, and upon arrival treated ourselves to a terrible meal of psuedo-maccaroni, and even worse conversation with a condescending Kiwi who apparently has spent the last two years traveling Africa learning to save the world.  For the record, he is jobless and traveling alone....I liked him/Alex did not!!!  I found his directions on how to find New Zealand on the map particularly informative!  After an exciting, beautiful, wonderful day, we went to bed disappointed, with a grumble in our stomachs and Alex's throat!  Today, we revisited Vic Falls, spending most of the day walking the paths and laying out on the rocks.  We also waded in the river a bit, testing the current and wishing we could have rafted the Zambezi.  Unfortunately, it is the off-season.  The day was clear and beautiful, and the views were amazing.  We are now looking forward to a few nights at Jungle Junction on Bovu Island.  It is supposed to be an out-of-the-way quiet spot with plenty of activities.  Can't wait to tell you about it!