Back in South Africa

This was a travel day so the bags were out early and we were on the bus by 9:00AM.  Our first stop was the local primary school which has 1800 students (up to 7th grade) and 44 teachers. Three hundred of the students are orphans. We were greeted by the one teacher who was in charge today. That's right one teacher and 900 students because this was the morning session  and the rest of the teachers were at a meeting.  We were entertained by a dance team which included drummers, singers, and dancers.  There were probably 20 children.  They introduced themselves and told us what they wanted to be when they grow up.  Vantage had encouraged us to bring supplies or donate cash for the support of this school. We left our donations and then looked around.  One of the boys recognized John and Beth from our visit to their home for dinner the other night.  Chuck took pictures of the children playing and then showed them the pictures.  They loved that.  Back on the bus.  We left Zimbabwe: showed our visas and passport.  Entered Zambia.  Our guide collected $50 from each of us and showed our passports--we stayed on the bus.  Stopped at The Royal Livingston Hotel, a lovely resort ($1000 a night) on the north bank of the Zambezi River above the falls. Enjoyed a cup of coffee while looking at the river and the lush surroundings. On to the Livingston Airport where we went through security twice and then boarded a small (36 passenger, turboprop plane) for our flight to Krueger Mpumalanga International Airport.  The flight was about an hour and a half.  After landing we immediately had to show our yellow fever cards because we were returning to SA after visiting a yellow fever area.  Got on the bus for an hour and half ride.  We landed in an area that grows citrus crops, forestry crops of eucalyptus and pine, and vegetables for Johannesburg.  Many of the houses were small, no electricity, outhouses, and water carried from the public well.  The terrain was very hilly, almost mountainous. Eventually we drove through two larger towns and some nicer housing --always surrounded by high walls.  Now we are at Kruger National Park.  Our hotel is just outside the gate.  Very nice rooms.  FrWe are ready to eat and get a little shuteye.