Friday, February 4; Pilgrim's Progress in South Africa

First trial:

I am supposed to fly to Livingstone, in Zambia, to see the Victoria Falls. I have a ticket and I think that if I manage to get to the airport on time I can relax, window shop, etc. I don't expect any problems so with my boarding pass in hand, I make my way to Gate 23 as instructed and wait. Fifteen minutes before the flight though I notice that the Gate is empty. "Where are the passengers?" I ask. "The Gate has been changed, your flight leaves from Gate 6, you should have heard the announcement." I would like to say that the announcements were impossible to understand except for requests not to leave the luggage unattended but I am too much in a hurry to get to the right Gate. Gate 6 though is also empty. Have I missed my flight? I manage to find an airoirt employee who tells me that Gate 6 is now Gate 1. Since it was just about departure time and since I didn't know where Gate 1 is I panicked; what shall I do if-since-I missed my flight? Can I get another flight? If I can't. how do I contact the travel agency in Pretoria? At that moment - he must have seen my despair- a tall, very dark angel in the shape of an aiport employee appeared. He grabbed my hand luggage and rushed me to Gate 1 where I found the the flight had 45 minutes delay. I 'thanked' him and he accepted my thanks with a low bow.

Second Trial

The short flight to Livingstone, Zambia, was quite pleasant. I watched the views from my window seat. On arrival followed the queue to passport control, presented my passport and was asked for 50 $US . I was prepared for this and offered my card. "No, it must be cash." "There is a Barclay Bank around the corner." The bank does not let me withdraw cash. Now what? Who can I contact, in Zambia? Is this truly happening? People look at me with pity when another angel, also tall and very dark appears. "I am the driver sent to take you to the hotel. I'll try to help. " I am too numbed to think but fortunately I don't have long to wait before he comes back to tell me that the Zambian authorities have taken pity on my plight and have waved the cash payment. I 'thanked' him gratefully. Who said that angels must have wings?

The Reward; ParadiseZambezi Sun is not just a hotel; it is a resort with several buildings in a huge national park with native animals raming free. There are restaurants, cafes, shops and lots of beautiful smiling people eager to attend to your wishes. The Victoria falls are at the gate. After my 'trials' I feel I am in Paradise and wish to stay here for ever. Pity we are here only for 2 nights.

Victoria Falls.

They are here, just outside the park. Passing a herd of zebras - instructed not to disturb them- I walk through a gate, have my name and time of exit noted, and I am at the Falls. They are so powerful that I get soaked to the skin though I am miles away. The cascades fall down the mountain with such force that they make a constant rainbow. These are not so widespread as Iguazu but more powerful and cleaner, white through and through.