October ended nicely with a trip to Lake Tanganyika for Zambia's Independence Day. The weather is hotter than ever and it was a relief to be able to swim in the crystal clear water while catching some of the last sun rays we'll see as rainy season is rapidly approaching.We took a three hour hike to Kalambo Falls and although I think I sweat more than my body weight in salty liquid, it was an amazing feeling to stand in the valley and look back on what we had accomplished...and this as only half-way through our hike.
We made it to the falls and sat in awe. With a 221m of vertical drop, Kalambo Falls is the second highest waterfall on the entire continent of Africa, and the 12th highest in the world.
We finished our hike at the mouth of the waterfall, ate lunch and took a swim in the liquid that was about to plummet 221m to the ground.
Although the scenery was breathtaking, I was eager to leave the Northern heat and make my way back to Luapula. I made a quick stop in Central Province to visit my friend, Sevren, and nurse a foot injury. I was beautifully welcomed back to Mansa with a heavy rain shower which assisted in my massive need for a body temperature change. Ahhh, the beauties of season change!
I head back to the village soon, eager to work on my garden and spend time with the children. We'll soon start planning for World AIDS Day and a village-appropriate technology workshop. I'm also hoping to build an in-ground table and chairs in my front yard with a checker board painted on for the children to play with.
Love and miss you all,
b
