The Smoke that Thunders - one of the worlds natural wonders

Dear Blogreader,

One of the most beautiful places I have visited is the Victoria Falls, at the Zambesi river on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. These natural wonders are called "The Smoke that Thunders" and the best time to visit is in the rainy season. Flying into Livingstone airport in Zambia you get a first view of the falls from the plane. The landscape is absoluitely flat and the only thing you see is a spot with a white smoke ... surrounded by trees.

The first view of the falls was from the bus when passing over the Zambesi river. The 1 600 meter wide falls have to pass a narrow gorge. The water drops 100 meter and turn into a white mist. The water make a lot of noise and blend nicely with the trees. The bridge is wide enough for a train and one lane for regular traffic. Amazing that Livingstone made it to the falls already in 1855...

The second view of the fall was from a boat on the Zambezi river. Departing from the magnificent Royal Livingstone hotel, just upstream from the falls. From the garden you have a great view over the mist of water. You can hear the thunder. Most of the time see a rainbow. The current in the river is quite strong and plenty of animals. Hippo watching is a great way to enyoj the river.

The third view of the falls came after a short walk. You can walk up very close to the falls on the Zimbabwe side. The walking trail is at the same hight as the top of the falls. The guide recommended rain gear.... Very special feeling, the water is coming up to you. And it is not a mist, it feels almost like being under water. And have way around the trail you have a great view of the bridge. Priceless.

If you have never been up in a Helicopter, the Victoria Falls is a great place for your virgin trip. Heliport just nearby the falls. Six people in the Cabin and off we went. Great vciew of the Zambezi delta. And the view of the falls, with the bridge and the narrow gorge is just amazing. 15 minutes of pure luxury life. enyojed it every second and will carry the memory the rest of my life.

So after a full day on the ground and in the air the experience was completed with a trian trip. Old steam engine style. Feeling like in the 1920s. A stylish Martini like to old explorers. Slowly moving up towards the bridge and watching the sunset from the window. Topped up with a bit of sparkling french ...

I am truly greatful for this AAA experience. For getting the opportunity and for not seing the 46 flight hours as a problem. A great life is born out of perfect days like this. Life in the Diamond lane from from A to Z, with capital letters.

And a minor detail, in this context, Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Johannesburg added to the list of airports visitied. Stay tuned for more journeys in life.