33 journey east

33.
We now faced two long days of driving over uncertain roads to reach our destination of South Luangwa. A short time after leaving our beloved boat, we were near the outskirts of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia. We stopped at a supermarket and three cook groups went forth to buy supplies. We would be heading to a location where there weren’t any easy options for purchasing food apart from local markets. By the time shopping was done, it was time for lunch, so tables were set up, and lunch prepared right there in the car park. A local guy who seemed to be of some importance deemed it his responibility that we were looked after, thus earning a sandwhich as his reward. He probably had hoped for more. And then it was off through Lusaka. Actually, I was pretty weary, and soon after we set off, I was dozing, only to wake up in the middle of Lusaka. I was impressed with the wide streets with large overhanging trees, along with the very modern buildings being constructed. The feeling was one of potential and prosperity.
This was in direct contrast to the rest of the country. As we departed the capital, the modern buildings were soon replaced with the circular mud huts which I am, by now, so used to. There seems to be such real poverty in the countryside. Very little farming appears to take place, and so much of the land is just that typical African scrub, dotted here and there by majestic baobab trees.
In the middle of nowhere, once again, we came to a stop. Paul navigated the truck down a seemingly deserted track, and we were soon pitching tents and getting the dinner sorted. There is something truly exciting to a bush camp, in the middle of nowhere. Lots of helping hands are put forward to aid with dinner preparations; of course, there’s nothing else to do! And when all the plates and dishes are washed and stacked away, we look at watches, give a big yawn, and head to our tents to sleep at 8.30. No wonder I keep waking up at 5 am!
At one point I looked out. A group of boys were playing with toy trucks. They had made the trucks themsleves and appeared to be having just as much fun as if the trucks were from a toy shop and had been bought for $50.
After a supreme effort by Paul, driving over some pretty challenging roads at times, we arrived at Croc Valley Lodge where we thankfully dragged our stiff bodies out of the truck and started to assemble the camp. We were told that elephants and hippos might make an appearance during the night, so best to put the tents away from each other, giving the animals space to navigate their way through, should they appear.
Croc Valley is a pretty cool place, with some quite tame antelope, a troop of monkeys that hangs out looking for any opportunity to snatch some trophy, and a view over the Kafue River filled with hippos and crocs. What a cool place to hang out.
#oasisoverland

Видео 33 journey east канала Paul Artus