Zimbabwe

From Botswana we did a day trip to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. It was an enlightening experience to say the least. Botswana and Zimbabwe share a similar history dating beyond the colonial era of Rhodesia, but from the moment of Independence the two nations took utterly divergent paths.

Instead of enjoying the democracy and prosperity of Botswana, the people of Zimbabwe must endure the cruel dictatorship of Mugabe. Recent political developments, however, (a power-sharing agreement with Tsavangirai) are cause for cautious optimism. I can only hope for the best for Zimbabwe, that it too can follow the path of its successful neighbor, Botswana.

After a tense crossing through the Zimbabwean border, we saw the town of Victoria Falls. Entire neighborhoods had been razed by Mugabe with trash and rubble left where homes once stood. Meanwhile the people of Zimbabwe carry on, selling everything you could imagine on the black market, particularly gasoline and cooking oil from Botswana. We actually had the chance to shop in a outdoor market for some souvenirs, and my brother's Nikes were more valuable than our dollars. John actually bartered the clothes off his back for some beautiful artisan crafts. So finally, before I get off my soapbox, I recommend that you read When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, an excellent memoir of past and modern Zimbabwe.

The main purpose of our foray into Zimbabwe was to see the Victoria Falls and they were truly incredible. I am optimistic that one day, when Zimbabweans are given the chance, they will open their doors to the world and make Victoria Falls the tourist destination it has the potential to be. With a little bit of infrastructure and a lot of democracy and human rights, Zimbabwe can make itself into the African destination.

Victoria Falls















A gorgeous (and very, very old Baobob tree)