A round of goodbyes

The road started just as it ended the day before. We had about an hour of driving on the last bit of gravel in Botswana, before we were back on tarmac. From there it was a relatively easy way to the border with Zambia. We opted for the same border post, Kazungula. The border crossing was easy and before we knew it, we were back in Zambia, probably for the last time. 

We were able to stay at Maramba Farm, where we had stayed two times before. We knew our way around and immediately emptied Gigi. Somehow we always manage to make the places where we stay look like a hurricane had just past within a matter of minutes. That night we had a wonderful dinner with Russel and his family. It was crazy to think that we would not see them anytime soon after leaving Livingstone, as they had played such a monumental role in our trip. We will be eternally grateful for everything they have done. 

The next day was a busy day. In the morning Jeroen took Gigi back to B'hive, for a good cleaning session. They remembered us, and also remembered that we paid them very well last time. Their initial offer was way higher than it was the first time. That time though, we offered to pay much more for a VERY thorough clean. After being reminded of their initial offer before, the answer was 'that guy is new and didn't know the prices'. We settled somewhere in between and Gigi got cleaned inside and outside. Meanwhile, Emma did all the laundry we had piled up in Botswana. 

In the afternoon we went to the Vic Falls one last time. We both found that we couldn't visit Livingstone twice this trip without going to the Vic Falls once. The Falls had much more water this time than they had last time (January last year), as the rains for this year had arrived at the Falls. The Falls were very impressive, but we couldn't see them as well as we could last time. The mist and spray covered most of the view. It was very impressive, but we were very happy that we had seen them once before in January, as the rains for that year hadn't arrived yet. Another thing that we noticed, was how many locals visited the Falls this time. Last time we mostly saw tourists, but this time the Falls were mostly visited by locals. Many of which were woefully unprepared, wearing jeans, shirts and flip flops. Fortunately they also laughed after returning soaking wet. We were glad we wore our rain coats and brought dry clothes.

Finally, we went to buy some Zambian football shirts. We have come to love this country, which we wouldn't have believed if anyone would have told us when we first came here together. We went to the touristic Mukuni market and we both scored a shirt we liked. A nice goodbye of the town that had become our new second home. We have visited Livingstone 4 times together (Jeroen has been there 6 times) and it is the place where we have spent the most days.

The next day we went to Russel's workshop one last time, to say goodbye to Russel, his wife, the mechanics team and one of our favourite places in Livingstone (although that might be a strange thing to say about a workshop). It was the place where we were always welcomed with open arms and the place we always left with an improved Gigi. 

Then it was time to leave Livingstone. With a strange combination of happiness and sadness, we drove to Kalomo. We couldn't leave Zambia without having said goodbye to Rob and Claire. Unfortunately Rob was on a trip in Northern Zambia, but Claire was happy to keep us company and we were happy to keep her and the dogs company. After some wonderful conversations and nice walks, it was time to continue to our highlight in Zambia.