Spent the morning at one of the Internet cafes. Met Dean for lunch at Subway. The Subway here has a crocodile sub - which of course I had to try - not bad sort of a very mild smoked fish flavor. Dean and I went to book rafting for tomorrow. I decided to raft starting on the Zambia side as that gets you a couple small extra rapids and the price (same as the Zim side) includes the day visa so I can go look around Zambia for free. Dean decided he wanted to do the Zimbabwe side because it's quicker there and back.
Dean and I walked down to the falls. They're impressive, but I couldn't help but be a little disappointed - not sure why. Visibility was horrible. There is so much water coming over the falls that the mist generated soaks you to the bone (no matter what you're wearing) and hides the falls themselves most of the time. Plus the crowds of people (and it's supposed to be relatively quiet right now) and the paved walkways - it just doesn't seem the right way to experience it. It is a pretty unique and stunning geological feature though. The river flowing along a flat plane that is suddenly cleft by a huge chasm - leading to the predictable and spectacular results.
Dean, Brett, Darrelle and I headed to the Sprayview hotel for a buffet diner recommended in the LP. Unfortunately the buffet is no longer in existence (another point for the Lonely Planet). Fortunately the restaurant was very reasonable. It was kind of strange because it's very nice hotel and restaurant and I felt way under dressed - but the prices were a bargain. Had a great diner and a horrible bottle of local wine for less than $10. Margaret and Craig eventually showed up as we were finishing. After diner they headed for their lodge and the four of us hit a different bar. It was pretty cheesy though so after a single beer we headed for bed.
[Entry written from notes 6/24/99]
