Mosi-oa-Tunya

Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Clouds That Thunder”  is the way Victoria Falls was described by the indigenous people. The roar of the Zambia River breaking over the expansive rocky cliff sides, cascading to the river far below is both deafening and transfixing. You can’t escape from getting wet because of the rising spray and constant blowing of the Zimbabwe tropical winds. Even more so when it rains such as it does periodically like today. It is difficult to take photos as you almost always seem to be engulfed in a cloud of spray. However it does not take away from the majesty and magnitude of one of the world heritage sites. Another truly grand experience which God has seen fit to let us partake in, and which Dr. Livingston, while performing his missionary work, discovered in the early 1900’s.



The bridge which was constructed in the mid 30’s to connect northern and southern Rhodesia under the visionary guidance of Cecil Rhodes, is equally as impressive to the engineering skills of the day. We walked across the bridge, entering into Zambia at the half way mark to watch the thrill seekers, jump with a leap of faith that the bungee cord would hold. I cringe and utter a silent moan as the fool hearty take the plunge. Not all have survived, as evidenced by one of the cords which looks rather frayed.

 

Poverty is rampant. Humanity is constantly looking for handouts to feed both themselves and their families. The corrupt government here is primarily responsible, for at one time this fertile land was considered the breadbasket of Africa.  I now see how it is both easy to persuade and recruit young men into crime or terrorism, when the promise of a full belly and purpose in life is more fulfilling, than what they now have to look forward to.