Crossing the Border...on Foot
Day Six - Madikwe and Botswana
The plan this morning was to go on one last early morning Game Drive before departing Madikwe and making our way across the border to Botswana. However, when we woke up, there were driving rains and an intense wind that we have not experienced since arriving to the Reserve. They have been desperate for rain, so this came as a big relief to those Who live and work on the Reserve.
We were told the drive would be delayed for about an hour in the hopes that the rains would subside and the Rangers could find roads that would get us back to our coaches. But, the weather did nor cooperate. Hard, driving rain. So - we pressed on. Threw on the ponchos, got ourselves mentally prepared and dove right in. When we pulled out of Tau Lodge, we experienced a rain that was so intense, you almost couldn't open your eyes. Thick drops. Driving rain. And despite being cold an wet, every single one of us on the Rover couldn't have been happier in that moment.
It took a bit longer to get back to the coaches because so many of the roads were flooded by the time we got to them. For us, an inconvenience perhaps....but for the animals, a necessity. When you start your day driving through a muddy, messy Game Reserve in the driving rain tracking down animals its really prettty hard to beat.
We arrived to the coach wet, cold, mud covered and tired but all with the same awesome stories to share with all the others about how we spent out last few days. We had about a 5 minute trip to the Botswana border, where we successfully crossed over...on foot. I don't know that I'll ever be able to say I walked from South Africa to Botswana on foot again in my lifetime. Another "first".
A mid-sized country of just over 2 million people, Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world. You certainly couldn't tell that from the drive into the rail station. Outdoor markets as far as the eye could see, just lining each street. People were everywhere at the rail station. Coming and going. Music playing. Lots of great energy.
We are now on the train for the next 48 hours. Non-stop. But with a big "Pot of Gold" waiting on the other side at Victoria Falls. So - of course - we headed out to the OC to check out the Botswana countryside and see what this landscape was all about.
We were followed shortly after by Matt, our New Zealand buddy who we have grown to love more and more each day. He and Shelley's lives are so similar to ours, just on the other side of the world. We've talked about our kids and the crazy things they do, our backgrounds, family dynamics, work, fun. All of it. Matt, my Dad and I settled into a great conversation about Politics - both in the States and beyond. When others joined, and the conversation grew a bit more heated, I tapped out an kept to myself. It is fascinating though, to hear so many opinions and perspectives about our current President. They are not good. But, I am not on his trip to talk Politics.
The shift that happened shortly thereafter was perfectly timed. The "Two Kate's" and a fabulous young couple from London named Paul and Elaine. We spent the next hour forgetting all about Politics and instead, talked about Broadway...and music. Springsteen. Adele. Sting. The Pet Shop Boys. Paul Simon. Bob Dylan.
Music brings people together in a different kind of way. It never seems to be decisive, partisan, disruptive. It is shared stories about plays that you saw that you loved. Your favorite concert. Your favorite song. The lyrics to a song. It peels away the ego. The posturing. The pretentiousness. People seem to be much more relaxed when they talk about their favorite band, their favorite song and their best concert memory. I think it is one of those "straight line' kind of experiences that connects us all.
Tomorrow is a full day and night until we arrive to Victoria Falls. A test of will and mental endurance on this tiny little train. Chances are...I will spend most of it out on the OC just letting it all soak in.
