Be warned-this post will be largely unstructured, as i'm writing it as it comes to me.
I apologize for the huge gap between my last post and this one. Things have been...arduous...since my return. Nothing major, thankfully, like illness or poverty or what have you. These difficulties stray more towards the emotional and life decision end of the spectrum.
I've been constantly putting off updating this blog (despite my Father's constant nagging and insistence that people are clamoring to hear from me) due to the fact that I can hardly put down my thoughts and feelings when even I don't seem to know what they are. Plus, I have not been inclined to do much of anything as of late. As I said, arduous.
Before I continue to gripe about my uncharacteristic moroseness and confusion, i'll give you the summarized version of the past month and a half.
I spent my last week or so at Antelope Park dreading the trip home and trying to make the most of my remaining time there. Most of my group of Volunteers had left, so that was a bit strange. I certainly missed and continue to miss them. An odd thing, that. I'm hardly a person that gets attached to anyone. I continued to walk the E's and the S's, as well as do all the other typical activities. I learned a bit of tracking from Roy, which was quite interesting.
My last walk before leaving was with Echo and Etosha. It was a very nice walk, although sad. I'm missing those two a lot. When I eventually return to A.P they will have been retired and probably be doing night encounters. Before leaving I also gave a bit of money to the lion handlers I got along best with. I'm going to miss those guys a lot, too. I developed some good friendships with a few of them. They're great people.
After driving back to Bulawayu I was dropped off at a hostel-esq house and stayed the night there. It was a very lovely house and largely unaffected by the hardships of Zim. Adam (The dvd guy for A.P.) was going into town for a short vacation and invited me to hang out with him as an alternative to sitting around the hostel all day. I accepted and spent some time at his house chatting with his family and then went to the Tin Cup (a local bar) with him. It was enjoyable, but I didn't stay out too late. I was not only tired but I also had a 26 hour journey home ahead of me.
The trip home was largely uneventful. It was long...so very long. But uneventful. I did meet some nice returning Peace Corps volunteers, however, and as a result had some people to kill time with while waiting for our flight. Coming home to the nice cold air, certain types of food, my own bed, and family was nice. They were not enough to make me not prefer Zim and A.P, however.
Initially, I did not want to return to college. I realized while over in Africa that I was absolutely miserable while dealing with school. I much prefer travelling, being in the outdoors, working with animals, or pretty much anything other than learning useless Trig or Sociology and doing busy work. After finally running it past my parents, however, I ended up going back to College of Dupage to finish off my two year degree. Involuntarily, I might add. I was told either I finish or I'm kicked out. Even I can see sense sometimes and thus decided to bite the bullet and complete my two year degree. Had I been kicked out, there would have been no way I could ever have saved enough money to go do what I wished. I should, if all goes according to plan, be finished either mid October or December. Then I am free!
So, i'm back at College of Dupage. Just as miserable as always, but at least now I have something to look forward to upon completing it. Its just a matter of grimacing and bearing it. I have very little free time now between work (I'm back at Sears, still hate it), School (of which my opinion is plain), and Martial Arts (Absolutely love it, although its frustrating when you feel like your not progressing as fast as you would like). This is good and bad. It doesn't give me an enormous amount of time to dwell on things. Which, again, is both good and bad.
Now for one of the bigger decisions I've made since coming home.
I plan on joining the Peace Corps and going back to Africa. I've looked into it very extensively and the Government is essentially paying for me to go and do something I want to do anyway. They pay for your flight to and from your placement in Africa, provide training, provide a weekly stipend for food and essentials, and some other nice perks. I have no illusions that it will be effortless and realize it is no paltry thing to go and spend two years of your life living just above poverty level in the African bush but am going to do it nonetheless.
After doing more research into the application process, I discovered something surprising. Its actually very difficult to get into the Peace Corps. The application process is long and full of red tape (Its a Government agency, I should have known) and they have high standards. You have to have immaculate health and prefer that you have either a four year degree or substantial job experience. Since I have neither, I have decided to WWOOF for five or six months in order to gain job experience.
WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a network of organic farmers that take on volunteers to help on the farm in exchange for food, shelter, ect. This would not only show the Peace Corps that I have substantial volunteer experience but also to prove that I have an applicable skill to provide. One of the jobs you can be assigned by the Peace Corps is Environmental Volunteer. EVs essentially teach locals in and around their village more modern, efficient, and environmentally sound farming practices. Things such as composting, using trees to anchor the soil, ect. I would learn a large portion of this while working on the various organic farms. Peace Corps benefits aside, however, it just looks really fun. Hard work, but fun. I'd get to be outdoors a lot and learn some new skills in the process. I am planning on doing this in Canada, as its a place I've always wanted to go. This may change, however.
It is now 1:15 AM and I still want to read before I go to bed. This turned out to be surprisingly long and easy to write. I will continue on the morrow with the more intangible goings on in my life. You can listen to me divulge my absolute love of mankind, society, life, and the way things are done in general. I will then proceed to teach pigs to fly and birds to swim. One thing I can promise, however, is that it will be more humorous and have a slightly less "Woe is me" undertone than the previous post.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Friday, January 2, 2009
Some of my favorite pictures
Sometime later tomorrow I shall publish the last post/closing thoughts and feelings about the trip and what its like being back home. Stay tuned!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Massive Update (Part two)
This is the second part of the massive update I have been requested to do. It may not be as long as the first as i'm set to go hunting Impala with Nathan. Should be interesting!
The week after our triumphant return from Vic Falls was more or less the same as most other weeks. At one point I went out into the bush with Carlos, a man who had grown up in Miambo game reserve and knows EVERYTHING about the bush. While in the bush he was kind enough to teach me trapping and hunting. Its quite complex but i've got a nack for it. I enjoyed learning it and hope to have more one on one lessons with him when he returns from leave.
This week we were lucky enough to have Keith the vet grace us with his presence (There are only around ten qualified vets in all of Zim). For the entire week we put aside the regular activities and darted, tested, and observed many of the lions at the breeding program. On Weds we travelled to the Dollar Block reserve and transported six female lions to Antelope Park. The ride was very long and all of us volunteers were squashed in the back of a pickup down bumpy rural roads in 100 degree heat...but other then that it was epic.
Everything went smoothly until the last lion, Ashanti, was darted. She only recieved half a dose at first and ten minutes later recieved the other half. She was fast asleep throughout the testing process and remained as such until she was jolted on her way into the transport crate. One of the guys with us, Bazz, was inside the crate and helping to pull her in when she was jolted and her eyes snapped open. He proceeded to let out a stream of curses and dive out of the crate. At this point she sat up and we joined Bazz in his cursing as we struggled to push a mostly awake lioness into her crate. I must say, pushing on a fully grown lionesses backside as she sits up and looks at you will give you a massive jolt of adrenelene. Most of us were still shaking five minutes after it happened. We managed to successfully push her in and close the door before she did any damage, thankfully.
Everything went smoothly on the return trip and the six girls are now happily in their new enclosure at Antelope Park.
Thus ends the massive update.
Without further delay or ranting, pictures!
One of the girls at Dollar Block dozing off after a darting
There were two other lions, Simba and Sliwani, at Dollar Block. These are significantly bigger then the largest lion at A.P. and are set to be transported as soon as the paperwork is in order. The boy in this particular picture is Sliwani and he was not being too friendly towards the girls.
This is Teddy, one of the boys at the breeding program of A.P. He is by far one of the most intimidating and beautiful lions that is here. His eyes and mein are particularly impressive.
The week after our triumphant return from Vic Falls was more or less the same as most other weeks. At one point I went out into the bush with Carlos, a man who had grown up in Miambo game reserve and knows EVERYTHING about the bush. While in the bush he was kind enough to teach me trapping and hunting. Its quite complex but i've got a nack for it. I enjoyed learning it and hope to have more one on one lessons with him when he returns from leave.
This week we were lucky enough to have Keith the vet grace us with his presence (There are only around ten qualified vets in all of Zim). For the entire week we put aside the regular activities and darted, tested, and observed many of the lions at the breeding program. On Weds we travelled to the Dollar Block reserve and transported six female lions to Antelope Park. The ride was very long and all of us volunteers were squashed in the back of a pickup down bumpy rural roads in 100 degree heat...but other then that it was epic.
Everything went smoothly until the last lion, Ashanti, was darted. She only recieved half a dose at first and ten minutes later recieved the other half. She was fast asleep throughout the testing process and remained as such until she was jolted on her way into the transport crate. One of the guys with us, Bazz, was inside the crate and helping to pull her in when she was jolted and her eyes snapped open. He proceeded to let out a stream of curses and dive out of the crate. At this point she sat up and we joined Bazz in his cursing as we struggled to push a mostly awake lioness into her crate. I must say, pushing on a fully grown lionesses backside as she sits up and looks at you will give you a massive jolt of adrenelene. Most of us were still shaking five minutes after it happened. We managed to successfully push her in and close the door before she did any damage, thankfully.
Everything went smoothly on the return trip and the six girls are now happily in their new enclosure at Antelope Park.
Thus ends the massive update.
Without further delay or ranting, pictures!
One of the girls at Dollar Block dozing off after a darting
There were two other lions, Simba and Sliwani, at Dollar Block. These are significantly bigger then the largest lion at A.P. and are set to be transported as soon as the paperwork is in order. The boy in this particular picture is Sliwani and he was not being too friendly towards the girls.
This is Teddy, one of the boys at the breeding program of A.P. He is by far one of the most intimidating and beautiful lions that is here. His eyes and mein are particularly impressive.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Back from Victoria Falls (Massive update part 1)
I've been back from Victoria Falls for about a week and a half/two weeks now, but I just couldn't be bothered to do any updates for the blog. Due to an overwhelming amount of complaining via email I have decided to do a few massive updates on my time off today.
I'll start off the update from the trip to Victoria Falls and slowly make my way to the present. A lot has happened in the last two weeks.
Day 1: We left bright and early on the 19th of November and traveled around four hours in the minibus of doom (It fit 12 people, we had 13. It also was completely lacking in seat cushions). We eventually arrived at the granite ridge lodge and went on a game drive at Miambo national park.
Our guide was Andy, a man with an impressive reserve of knowledge and a an envious life. Not only does he have free run of the entire game reserve while he works, but on his free time he often takes a backpack and lives in the park itself. Miambo is particularly known for its rhinos. It has both black and white Rhinos and as a result has alot of problems with poaching. Their solution is to shoot all poachers and suspected poachers on sight.
The anti-poaching staff are given automatic weapons and a liscence to shoot anyone they even suspect of being a poacher. We met up with a few of these gentlemen as we went up to a viewing point. They were not only sleeping on the job but one of the two actually left his ak 47 lying on a rock as he climbed a large rock to speak to his fellow man at arms. We did see several rhino and they are a very impressive beast. After the game drive was over we retired to our lodges and prepared ourselves for an exciting six hour drive the following morning.
Day 2: After an incredibly enjoyable six hour drive in our trusty white bus we arrived at Hwange national park. We stayed at a sister project of antelope park involved in game counts and the general upkeep of the national park. We went on another game drive but this time did not see anything...until we left the park. On the road outside the official boundry (Hwange has no fences and thus the game can go outside the official park.) we nearly ran over a group of six female lions lazing about on the tar road! We stopped and looked at them and they continued to sit there and look at us. This lasted for around thirty minutes until they finally got bored of us and moved off to the side of the road. As we passed by them one of our vehicles broke down and poor Nathan (One of the head guides at AP's sister project) had the pleasure of trying to troubleshoot a smoking engine while six lionesses watched him from behind. It was amusing only because of the fact that I was in the other, working, vehicle. Nathan finally got the vechicle up and running and we returned to our lodge and had a nice meal of roast beef and termites. The termites constantly bombarded the lights above us and very often fell right into our food. This coupled with large dung beatles (Which I promptly dubbed suicide bombers as they would fly right into your head and hit you with the force of a bomb) made for a very pleasant meal.
Day 3: Again we woke up bright and early and drove for a blessedly short time of two hours to get to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving we went straight to the booking office where I booked both white water rafting and bungee jumping. After finalizing this we went to our accomidations at Hunters Lodge and unpacked. Several hours later (The girls had alot of things to unpack!) we took a trip to the Victoria Falls national park. The only word I can really use to discribe it is majestic. The falls were not in full force yet but it was still quite the sight to behold. It was certainly daunting to look over the edge of the gorge and see a sheer rock wall and a fall of several thousand feet. Later that night we went to the Bohma resteraunt and ate a very large meal consisting of various game meats and strange food. I had crocodile, ostrige, warthog, buffalo steak, a mopani worm, and impala. All of which were very good!
Day 4: On this day the group split up and did different activities. Myself, Sandra, Lenny, Dan, and Markus chose to go white water rafting through the mighty Zambizi. It was a great experience for some and terrifying for others. I fell into the former catagory. We began by having a safty talk and then descending the gorge using a path I could only describe as trecherous. It was steep, slippery, and many of the paths had no saftey rail and had you side stepping along a narrow path. At one point we were climbing down a half stairway half ladder construction when I discovered that it was missing steps, was wobbily, and the railing was either rickity or in some places missing entirely.
We survived this rather insane descent and got in our boat. Our guide was a man by the name of Colgate (Yes, like the toothpaste) and despite his absurd name he was very good at what he did. We went down ten or so rapids and I managed to fall out only once when the boat completely flipped. Falling out was not a great experience because not only did I have the german and the boat on my head pushing me down, but the life vest was so tight that you could only take half breaths. Despite this, I survived and managed to come up under the boat spitting up half the river in the process.
Several rapids later we went down rapid number five. This rapid was the worst of them all in terms of difficulty as you went down a ten foot drop and into a massive set of waves. We went down and the boat actually went verticle and only myself, Markus, and Colgate managed to hold on by dangling from the top ropes of the completely verticle raft. It was a great adreneline rush. The girls and Dan, on the other hand, had fallen out nearly every rapid and were not happy campers. They perservered, however, and the half day of rafting ended with no casualtys. We then had lunch and proceeded to ascend what I can only describe as a mountain. After a half day of rafting and nearly drowning once or twice, this was not a pleasant experience. Once again, however, we made it up with no casualtys and only one stubbed toe.
As the day wore on my stress level began to gradually increase, as I was I was schedualed to throw myself off a bridge the upcoming morning. I went to bed dreading it and got no sleep until around four in the morning when I decided it wasnt worth the stressed and I abstain from doing it.
Day 5: I woke up in the morning feeling good about my descision but decided to accompany the others doing it (Lyn, Laura, Shelton, and Dan) for support and in case I had a last second change of heart and wanted to do the bungee after all. We got to the bridge and I took one look over the edge and the slight chance that I would have done it disapeared completely. It was an 111 meter bungee (300ish feet, I believe) and at the bottom was a large number of sharp rocks and rapids. These rocks would be what I would have had the pleasure of seeing rushing up at my head as I threw myself off the bridge. I'm very happy I decided not to do it. The others were absolutely terrified and miserable the entire time before the jump but said they really enjoyed the jump itself. I still dont think its worth the misery before the jump, however, and stand by my descision not to do it.
Later that day we were set to go to Chundu Island and loaded up into an open topped game drive vehicle and set off. As we reached the park it was located in it started to rain cats, dogs, and alligators. Luckily we parked under the tatched roof entrance to the park and sat there playing cards as Shelton decided what to do. He finally sent the vehicle to have a roof put onto it as we were going to long way around (The quickest route was inaccessable due to the rain). An hour later the vehicle returned with four pieces of wood tied to the sides and a bedsheet draped over the top. That was our shelter from the pouring rain. As many of you are probably realizing, this did not work very well. We all got soaked and when the vehicle broke down we took it as a sign from the Gods and went to a bar instead.
Day 6: This was our last morning at Victoria Falls and many of us spent it at the markets haggling for gifts and cool trinkets. I must say, I enjoyed haggling quite a bit. It was fairly easy since everyone in Zim is desperate for money and if your stubborn you can get a very good good price. I've got a nack for it and managed to get some incredible deals. At roughly 12:30 we loaded up into our favorite vehicle and had a very sore and tiring 8 hour drive home. I faired better then most as i'm slightly more resilient then the others and also kept myself amused with my ipod and several games of cards with a few of the others. When we finally arrived I was very pleased to be "home" and was very happy to see my lions again.
Thus ends part one of the massive update. I'll try to do the other half tonight.
I'll start off the update from the trip to Victoria Falls and slowly make my way to the present. A lot has happened in the last two weeks.
Day 1: We left bright and early on the 19th of November and traveled around four hours in the minibus of doom (It fit 12 people, we had 13. It also was completely lacking in seat cushions). We eventually arrived at the granite ridge lodge and went on a game drive at Miambo national park.
Our guide was Andy, a man with an impressive reserve of knowledge and a an envious life. Not only does he have free run of the entire game reserve while he works, but on his free time he often takes a backpack and lives in the park itself. Miambo is particularly known for its rhinos. It has both black and white Rhinos and as a result has alot of problems with poaching. Their solution is to shoot all poachers and suspected poachers on sight.
The anti-poaching staff are given automatic weapons and a liscence to shoot anyone they even suspect of being a poacher. We met up with a few of these gentlemen as we went up to a viewing point. They were not only sleeping on the job but one of the two actually left his ak 47 lying on a rock as he climbed a large rock to speak to his fellow man at arms. We did see several rhino and they are a very impressive beast. After the game drive was over we retired to our lodges and prepared ourselves for an exciting six hour drive the following morning.
Day 2: After an incredibly enjoyable six hour drive in our trusty white bus we arrived at Hwange national park. We stayed at a sister project of antelope park involved in game counts and the general upkeep of the national park. We went on another game drive but this time did not see anything...until we left the park. On the road outside the official boundry (Hwange has no fences and thus the game can go outside the official park.) we nearly ran over a group of six female lions lazing about on the tar road! We stopped and looked at them and they continued to sit there and look at us. This lasted for around thirty minutes until they finally got bored of us and moved off to the side of the road. As we passed by them one of our vehicles broke down and poor Nathan (One of the head guides at AP's sister project) had the pleasure of trying to troubleshoot a smoking engine while six lionesses watched him from behind. It was amusing only because of the fact that I was in the other, working, vehicle. Nathan finally got the vechicle up and running and we returned to our lodge and had a nice meal of roast beef and termites. The termites constantly bombarded the lights above us and very often fell right into our food. This coupled with large dung beatles (Which I promptly dubbed suicide bombers as they would fly right into your head and hit you with the force of a bomb) made for a very pleasant meal.
Day 3: Again we woke up bright and early and drove for a blessedly short time of two hours to get to Victoria Falls. Upon arriving we went straight to the booking office where I booked both white water rafting and bungee jumping. After finalizing this we went to our accomidations at Hunters Lodge and unpacked. Several hours later (The girls had alot of things to unpack!) we took a trip to the Victoria Falls national park. The only word I can really use to discribe it is majestic. The falls were not in full force yet but it was still quite the sight to behold. It was certainly daunting to look over the edge of the gorge and see a sheer rock wall and a fall of several thousand feet. Later that night we went to the Bohma resteraunt and ate a very large meal consisting of various game meats and strange food. I had crocodile, ostrige, warthog, buffalo steak, a mopani worm, and impala. All of which were very good!
Day 4: On this day the group split up and did different activities. Myself, Sandra, Lenny, Dan, and Markus chose to go white water rafting through the mighty Zambizi. It was a great experience for some and terrifying for others. I fell into the former catagory. We began by having a safty talk and then descending the gorge using a path I could only describe as trecherous. It was steep, slippery, and many of the paths had no saftey rail and had you side stepping along a narrow path. At one point we were climbing down a half stairway half ladder construction when I discovered that it was missing steps, was wobbily, and the railing was either rickity or in some places missing entirely.
We survived this rather insane descent and got in our boat. Our guide was a man by the name of Colgate (Yes, like the toothpaste) and despite his absurd name he was very good at what he did. We went down ten or so rapids and I managed to fall out only once when the boat completely flipped. Falling out was not a great experience because not only did I have the german and the boat on my head pushing me down, but the life vest was so tight that you could only take half breaths. Despite this, I survived and managed to come up under the boat spitting up half the river in the process.
Several rapids later we went down rapid number five. This rapid was the worst of them all in terms of difficulty as you went down a ten foot drop and into a massive set of waves. We went down and the boat actually went verticle and only myself, Markus, and Colgate managed to hold on by dangling from the top ropes of the completely verticle raft. It was a great adreneline rush. The girls and Dan, on the other hand, had fallen out nearly every rapid and were not happy campers. They perservered, however, and the half day of rafting ended with no casualtys. We then had lunch and proceeded to ascend what I can only describe as a mountain. After a half day of rafting and nearly drowning once or twice, this was not a pleasant experience. Once again, however, we made it up with no casualtys and only one stubbed toe.
As the day wore on my stress level began to gradually increase, as I was I was schedualed to throw myself off a bridge the upcoming morning. I went to bed dreading it and got no sleep until around four in the morning when I decided it wasnt worth the stressed and I abstain from doing it.
Day 5: I woke up in the morning feeling good about my descision but decided to accompany the others doing it (Lyn, Laura, Shelton, and Dan) for support and in case I had a last second change of heart and wanted to do the bungee after all. We got to the bridge and I took one look over the edge and the slight chance that I would have done it disapeared completely. It was an 111 meter bungee (300ish feet, I believe) and at the bottom was a large number of sharp rocks and rapids. These rocks would be what I would have had the pleasure of seeing rushing up at my head as I threw myself off the bridge. I'm very happy I decided not to do it. The others were absolutely terrified and miserable the entire time before the jump but said they really enjoyed the jump itself. I still dont think its worth the misery before the jump, however, and stand by my descision not to do it.
Later that day we were set to go to Chundu Island and loaded up into an open topped game drive vehicle and set off. As we reached the park it was located in it started to rain cats, dogs, and alligators. Luckily we parked under the tatched roof entrance to the park and sat there playing cards as Shelton decided what to do. He finally sent the vehicle to have a roof put onto it as we were going to long way around (The quickest route was inaccessable due to the rain). An hour later the vehicle returned with four pieces of wood tied to the sides and a bedsheet draped over the top. That was our shelter from the pouring rain. As many of you are probably realizing, this did not work very well. We all got soaked and when the vehicle broke down we took it as a sign from the Gods and went to a bar instead.
Day 6: This was our last morning at Victoria Falls and many of us spent it at the markets haggling for gifts and cool trinkets. I must say, I enjoyed haggling quite a bit. It was fairly easy since everyone in Zim is desperate for money and if your stubborn you can get a very good good price. I've got a nack for it and managed to get some incredible deals. At roughly 12:30 we loaded up into our favorite vehicle and had a very sore and tiring 8 hour drive home. I faired better then most as i'm slightly more resilient then the others and also kept myself amused with my ipod and several games of cards with a few of the others. When we finally arrived I was very pleased to be "home" and was very happy to see my lions again.
Thus ends part one of the massive update. I'll try to do the other half tonight.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Fire breaks and Leprechauns!
Yesterday was probably one of my favorite days here so far.
Ed (One of the senior staff here) approached the Volunteers yesterday and asked for help creating fire breaks. Mr. Connolly (The owner of Antelope park) asked that the entire center of the park be burnt in order to encourage greenery to grow and thus have the game gather in the middle rather then the outskirts (Which is always being burnt due to fires from outside the park leaping the fence). We were warned that it would be incredibly hard and hot work and that it was not for the faint of heart. I, of course, volunteered to do it the entire day rather then the one session that most chose. It was indeed hard and hot work but it was great fun! The flames were spectacular and it was very satisfying setting large swaths of long grass aflame. The work was split into two parts. One group would light the fires and one group would use large branches to put the fire out.
The only downside to volunteering to do this for most of the day was that I burnt off most of my arm hair! It looks strange having mostly bare arms. Hopefully it grows back.
After burning the central area of the park down we returned to have dinner and then a going away party for Jackie (One of the staff members that is moving to Zambia to assist with the new project there). It was great fun. The Deysels (general managers of the park) allowed the lion handlers and other Zim staff to attend the party and good times were had by all. At one point in the evening Lucky (One of the lion handlers) dressed up in Bazz's (An Irish photographer) Leprechaun suit. Everyone could not stop laughing. To top it all off, I had this morning off and got to sleep in until 8:30! Around here an extra two hours sleep makes all the difference.
Tomorrow I go to Victoria Falls with the newer group of Volunteers. This is very good, as I get along with them infintely more then with the older group. On top of that, Shelton (of the two project managers, hes the one we like more) is going to be our driver and guide. I'm looking forward to doing the white water rafting and eating some good food. Part of me is looking forward to doing the Bungee and part of me is dreading it. It should be an interesting six days.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Checking in
In the past few days nothing momentous has happened, just the same enjoyable activities.
I've gotten to know the cubs here very well. I particularly like Echo because hes such a big teddy bear. Very affectionate and always rubbing up against your leg and wanting a cuddle. Its easy to forget sometimes that he could kill you without even breaking a sweat. He and his brother have gotten quite big. They are going to be retired, i'm told, sometime in December. They're getting way to big to walk at 18 months old!
I've been on several snare sweeps in the past week and a half and have enjoyed them immensely. This makes me seem a bit strange in the eyes of most Vols here as the majority of them dislike it...but oh well. Not the first time i've come across as strange and it certainly wont be the last. I've got quite the nack for finding snares, too. Taka, one of the lion handlers here, is always joking that I should get a job in anti-poaching. It wouldn't be the worst job in the world but I couldn't stand not being able to work with the lions.
I've been on a few more horse rides and i'm getting passably skilled at it. I have the trot down very well and hopefully i'll be mastering the canter next. I've been sticking to my trusty mount Cassio as we get along very well.
On the nineteenth I will be going to Victoria Falls on the boarder of Zim and Zambia. It will be a nice change of pace and food. It is alot easier to get food in Vic Falls as it is on the boarder and people make regular trips across to Zambia to purchase goods. I plan on doing many things up there, among them being white water rafting and a bungee jump (if I can gather the courage to do it!). I will certainly take many a photograph and have multiple updates on how it went upon my return.
I've gotten to know the cubs here very well. I particularly like Echo because hes such a big teddy bear. Very affectionate and always rubbing up against your leg and wanting a cuddle. Its easy to forget sometimes that he could kill you without even breaking a sweat. He and his brother have gotten quite big. They are going to be retired, i'm told, sometime in December. They're getting way to big to walk at 18 months old!
I've been on several snare sweeps in the past week and a half and have enjoyed them immensely. This makes me seem a bit strange in the eyes of most Vols here as the majority of them dislike it...but oh well. Not the first time i've come across as strange and it certainly wont be the last. I've got quite the nack for finding snares, too. Taka, one of the lion handlers here, is always joking that I should get a job in anti-poaching. It wouldn't be the worst job in the world but I couldn't stand not being able to work with the lions.
I've been on a few more horse rides and i'm getting passably skilled at it. I have the trot down very well and hopefully i'll be mastering the canter next. I've been sticking to my trusty mount Cassio as we get along very well.
On the nineteenth I will be going to Victoria Falls on the boarder of Zim and Zambia. It will be a nice change of pace and food. It is alot easier to get food in Vic Falls as it is on the boarder and people make regular trips across to Zambia to purchase goods. I plan on doing many things up there, among them being white water rafting and a bungee jump (if I can gather the courage to do it!). I will certainly take many a photograph and have multiple updates on how it went upon my return.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Some nice landscape pictures
As per requested, here are some decent pictures of the terrain that i've taken.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Oluphunts!
Today it was my extreme pleasure to go on an elephant ride, take a long walk with the four elephants, and then go swimming with them. I got pictures of the first two and the dvd/photographer Adam got pictures of the swim. After spending most of the day with these prestigious pachyderms I fell in love with them. They are extremely intelligent and actually answer/recognize their own names. They can be quite mischievous and silly too.
Later this afternoon I went horseback riding through the park for the second time. My first time I found myself astride Cassio, a very large and stubborn bush horse. Clayton (One of the stable hands and my instructor for the day) said I handled him very well. I enjoyed riding Cassio quite a bit. You just need to be dominant and provide constant encouragement when cantering and trotting-lest he slow to a walk. Today, on the other hand, my not so trusty steed was Jackson. Jackson is the polar opposite of Cassio. While very stubborn, he randomly breaks into trots, canters, and occasionaly gallops and so you are required to keep him on a very short leash.
Now, for the pictures...
Later this afternoon I went horseback riding through the park for the second time. My first time I found myself astride Cassio, a very large and stubborn bush horse. Clayton (One of the stable hands and my instructor for the day) said I handled him very well. I enjoyed riding Cassio quite a bit. You just need to be dominant and provide constant encouragement when cantering and trotting-lest he slow to a walk. Today, on the other hand, my not so trusty steed was Jackson. Jackson is the polar opposite of Cassio. While very stubborn, he randomly breaks into trots, canters, and occasionaly gallops and so you are required to keep him on a very short leash.
Now, for the pictures...
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Plethora of Pictures!
We finished meat preparation and cub feeding early today, so I decided to take the opportunity to upload some of my favorite pictures from the last few days.
One of the things we do is clean up "Vultures Restaurant". This clearing is essentially where they dump all the rotting meat that is not fed to the lions in order to encourage the Vulture to take up residence in the park. Its a very amusing activity with the right people because everything has been in the heat so long it has turned into leather. This cow, for example, was as stiff as a board. Its hide had entirely turned into brittle leather. We had alot of fun down there. Pictures, catch, and using brittle skin bits as boomerangs.
The following morning, myself and two other volunteers went on a long walk (Five hours) with the two Es. They were very affectionate and well behaved. We would walk for an hour or so and then sit and relax with them for an hour or so. Very enjoyable. I forgot my ipod, though, and as a result took up whittling. I actually got fairly good at it.
One of the things we do is clean up "Vultures Restaurant". This clearing is essentially where they dump all the rotting meat that is not fed to the lions in order to encourage the Vulture to take up residence in the park. Its a very amusing activity with the right people because everything has been in the heat so long it has turned into leather. This cow, for example, was as stiff as a board. Its hide had entirely turned into brittle leather. We had alot of fun down there. Pictures, catch, and using brittle skin bits as boomerangs.
The following morning, myself and two other volunteers went on a long walk (Five hours) with the two Es. They were very affectionate and well behaved. We would walk for an hour or so and then sit and relax with them for an hour or so. Very enjoyable. I forgot my ipod, though, and as a result took up whittling. I actually got fairly good at it.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Catching up
In the past few days, we have had a few events of modest import.
We have had two night encounters. A night encounter involves taking out fairly full grown lions to hunt game at night. We accompany them in a vehicle and assist them with a spotlight so they can find game easier. The first night encounter we took out Lossi and Luengwa and we had some decent chases but no kills. On the second we took out the boys from Hunters enclosure. Some very good chases but again, no kills. It must be said, however, that fully grown lions at night are both magnificant and somewhat intimidating.
A rather famous explorer by the name of Sir Ran paid us a visit with his family and was kind enough to grace us with a set of stories from his travels. He has done alot. He's been all over the world and has broken/holds several records including transversing the world by passing through both the north and south pole. A very impressive feat. On a morning lion walk we had an interesting conversation about the state of the world, travelling, and surprisingly enough-philosophy. He actually holds the same philosophy on life that I do. A very relaxed view that makes it a point of enjoying life. What brought him 'round to the same philosophy that I follow was his trip to the Catacombs of Paris and the fact that there are over 6 million bodys buried down there. All without names. Yet, they each had their own stories, dramas, successes and failures. Six. Million. It is our nature, however, to see our own lives as so very important. A roaring fire surrounded by flickering candles. We are self centered by nature. In reality, we are as a single ant in a colony. It was interesting meeting someone with the same views as myself. As for Sir Ran, he was very impressed that I had come to the realizations that I have at the age of nineteen. He, on the other hand, said that he only adopted it at the age of 55 and has been living it for eight years now. He said he has been incredibly happier.
It is now time to go on a snare sweep. Hurrah. I'll most likely put up some more pictures later tonight.
We have had two night encounters. A night encounter involves taking out fairly full grown lions to hunt game at night. We accompany them in a vehicle and assist them with a spotlight so they can find game easier. The first night encounter we took out Lossi and Luengwa and we had some decent chases but no kills. On the second we took out the boys from Hunters enclosure. Some very good chases but again, no kills. It must be said, however, that fully grown lions at night are both magnificant and somewhat intimidating.
A rather famous explorer by the name of Sir Ran paid us a visit with his family and was kind enough to grace us with a set of stories from his travels. He has done alot. He's been all over the world and has broken/holds several records including transversing the world by passing through both the north and south pole. A very impressive feat. On a morning lion walk we had an interesting conversation about the state of the world, travelling, and surprisingly enough-philosophy. He actually holds the same philosophy on life that I do. A very relaxed view that makes it a point of enjoying life. What brought him 'round to the same philosophy that I follow was his trip to the Catacombs of Paris and the fact that there are over 6 million bodys buried down there. All without names. Yet, they each had their own stories, dramas, successes and failures. Six. Million. It is our nature, however, to see our own lives as so very important. A roaring fire surrounded by flickering candles. We are self centered by nature. In reality, we are as a single ant in a colony. It was interesting meeting someone with the same views as myself. As for Sir Ran, he was very impressed that I had come to the realizations that I have at the age of nineteen. He, on the other hand, said that he only adopted it at the age of 55 and has been living it for eight years now. He said he has been incredibly happier.
It is now time to go on a snare sweep. Hurrah. I'll most likely put up some more pictures later tonight.
And now for something completely different
In this update I will, oddly enough, be deviating from my usual topics of animals, complaints, and my most magnificent self. In this post, I shall speak of people. Now, I can practically hear the masses crying out in unison "But...but...you hate people!" This is true. However, not even *I* can be so heartless as to scoff at the people of Zimbabwe. I have never met a people quite like them. They have it hard. No, I dont mean four dollars a gallon hard. Or not being able to afford the newest playstation (Oh, the humanity!) hard. Nor eevn having your house forclosed on hard. I am speaking of the hardship of living in TRUE poverty. Of thirty people living in a hut the size of ones living room. I am speaking of the near imposibility of finding a job, let alone one that can sustain your family. Of gas being five U.S. a LITER (Five liters to a gallon) when it is even available at all. Of not even having clean running water or plumbing. This is the condition roughtly 80% of Zimbabwaens live in.
Yet , despite all this, nearly every Zim I have come across is friendly, polite, and rarely complains. It really makes one ashamed about the times when you've complained about the price of gas or a slight rise in food prices.
Today we went on a trip to a local familys abode. It consisted of a small hut, a ramshackle pen for their goats, a chicken coupe made of broken pottery, and a cooking area shielded with rusty sheet metal. All this to sustain an extended family. Regardless of the little that they had, they welcomed us with open arms and granted us every guest right. The scary thing is, this family is
considered middle class. Those that actually have money cant even get it. The banks only allow a total of 50,000 zim dollars a day to be withdrawn per person. So after standing in line for an entire day to get this meager amount, you have a measily 50,000 Zim to show for it. A trip to town will cost you 15,000 and another 15,000 to return home. Thus leaving you with a whopping 20,000 Zim dollars. This is barely enough for you to purchase a coca-cola.
What is truly humbling is that although they face severe hardships, they are infinetely more polite and kind then Americans. Being in this country certainly makes you feel both grateful for what you have and somewhat spoiled.
Yet , despite all this, nearly every Zim I have come across is friendly, polite, and rarely complains. It really makes one ashamed about the times when you've complained about the price of gas or a slight rise in food prices.
Today we went on a trip to a local familys abode. It consisted of a small hut, a ramshackle pen for their goats, a chicken coupe made of broken pottery, and a cooking area shielded with rusty sheet metal. All this to sustain an extended family. Regardless of the little that they had, they welcomed us with open arms and granted us every guest right. The scary thing is, this family is
considered middle class. Those that actually have money cant even get it. The banks only allow a total of 50,000 zim dollars a day to be withdrawn per person. So after standing in line for an entire day to get this meager amount, you have a measily 50,000 Zim to show for it. A trip to town will cost you 15,000 and another 15,000 to return home. Thus leaving you with a whopping 20,000 Zim dollars. This is barely enough for you to purchase a coca-cola.What is truly humbling is that although they face severe hardships, they are infinetely more polite and kind then Americans. Being in this country certainly makes you feel both grateful for what you have and somewhat spoiled.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
More pictures
One of the girls stalking Impala. At such a young age they are not the best, but they will still make the effort. Its a learning process.
The S's lounging about.
Zimbabwe is a beautiful country.
Me posing with Echo.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A collection of thoughts
This particular post wont really follow any structure. Its more of a collection of thoughts that have been floating in the vast (and some may argue, empty) cavern that is my mind. You've been warned.
The biggest thought winging around aformentioned cavern as of late has been 'God, I really dont want to go back home.' Which is odd, because i've hardly entered crunch time. I've still got seven weeks left. I think i've contracted that most deadly of diseases known as wanderlust. I havent determined whether this is good or bad. Its probably a bit of both. They are starting a brand new project in Zambia which i'm very interested in doing. It would be almost exclusively very young lion cubs and they actually need help there. I REALLY want to do other things, but I have the obligation to be home for christmas and the pressure of doing the college grind. Quite annoying.
One trip that I absolutely plan on doing (Although I havent a clue when) would be going to Alaska or some other place and going on an extended "Hiking trip". I've had the vague notion before, and i'm sure some of you have had the pleasure of listening to me go on about it on several occasions, but this experience has planted it firmly along the tracks that my mind tends to wander.
I've also reaffirmed my belief that I would rather be happy and poor then wealthy and miserable. I would gladly be payed a pittance if it meant I could be happy in my work. Too much stock is placed in money and things. The IT guy quit, so i've been helping to solve the problems in their internet cafe. I jokingly said that if they fed me and kept a roof over my head I would do it full time. After thinking on it, I really would do that if I was given the opportunity. I may not be working with the lions all the time, but just living in this beautiful country would be worth it.
I do apologize for the somewhat sporatic style of writing, but I am doing it off the top of my head. All while a little sandglass at the top of my screen reminds me that my time connected to "civilization" is trickling away.
The biggest thought winging around aformentioned cavern as of late has been 'God, I really dont want to go back home.' Which is odd, because i've hardly entered crunch time. I've still got seven weeks left. I think i've contracted that most deadly of diseases known as wanderlust. I havent determined whether this is good or bad. Its probably a bit of both. They are starting a brand new project in Zambia which i'm very interested in doing. It would be almost exclusively very young lion cubs and they actually need help there. I REALLY want to do other things, but I have the obligation to be home for christmas and the pressure of doing the college grind. Quite annoying.
One trip that I absolutely plan on doing (Although I havent a clue when) would be going to Alaska or some other place and going on an extended "Hiking trip". I've had the vague notion before, and i'm sure some of you have had the pleasure of listening to me go on about it on several occasions, but this experience has planted it firmly along the tracks that my mind tends to wander.
I've also reaffirmed my belief that I would rather be happy and poor then wealthy and miserable. I would gladly be payed a pittance if it meant I could be happy in my work. Too much stock is placed in money and things. The IT guy quit, so i've been helping to solve the problems in their internet cafe. I jokingly said that if they fed me and kept a roof over my head I would do it full time. After thinking on it, I really would do that if I was given the opportunity. I may not be working with the lions all the time, but just living in this beautiful country would be worth it.
I do apologize for the somewhat sporatic style of writing, but I am doing it off the top of my head. All while a little sandglass at the top of my screen reminds me that my time connected to "civilization" is trickling away.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Pictures and storys! (And, of course, ramblings)
Pictures, pictures, and more pictures! Or, at least, as many as I could upload considering its 10 minutes minimum PER PICTURE. Its your lucky day, because i'm also throwing in storys and ramblings completely free of charge. Thats a 100,000 zimbabwaen dollar value absolutely free.
So, without further adue.
This is, I believe, Puma eating a very prime cut of beef. He may look scary, but he's actually a big teddy bear. Until you piss him off. Then he can be a teeny bit unnerving. I got a boatload of pictures from these boys feeding and also a few videos! They are VERY good videos. I'll have to wait until I return to upload them though. A single picture takes 10ish minutes. Three cheers for Zim internet.
Myself and the two lovely ladies Sahara and Sahriah.
Again, me and the ladies.
Me and Echo relaxing on a rock.
Now that you folks have some pictures, i'll begin with the stories and ramblings.
After adjusting my perspective on things, i've found I love it here. Absolutely love it. The terrain is beautiful, the animals are lovely, and the people are friendly. Best of all, its a very relaxed and easy going culture. As i've said, i'm not really an integral part of the process here. But after thinking about it, thats not surprising. This place has to be fully functional regardless of the number of volunteers. Or lack thereof. I think i'm going to be in trouble upon my return to the states. Its a very different environment. Although, we are in a sort of bubble here. This park isnt nearly as impacted by Zim's current situation as the rest of the country.
Now, for your entertainment, story time!
Thursday morning I went on a six hour long walk (6:30-12:30ish) with Sahara and Sahria and they were very well behaved. They stalked several Water buffalo and almost caught a warthog! Sahara was sniffing around its den when it charged. Sahara chased after it and Sahria ran the other way! Not a very brave for a lion, that Sahria. Lucky for me, they were also feeling very photogenic that morning. I've got oodles of pictures. Yes, I said oodles. Theres that many and they're that good.
This morning I went on another six hour walk with Echo and Ektosha and they were feeling very silly apparently. After walking and watching them stalk each other, we settled down for a rest and a bite to eat. Echo got ahold of some rubber and threw a hissy fit when Tinofa (the handler) tried to take it away. Just so your aware, when a 18 month old male lion throws a hissy fit its a bad thing. Much growling and snapping and Tino almost got his head taken off. We finally got it away from Echo and he settled down and slept. Until a mule drawn cart went by. Upon which he BOLTED in the other direction and wouldnt return until after it had departed. Evidently the big, bad, stubborn Echo has an irrational fear of mule drawn carriages. Hes quite the spaz.
Todays afternoon walk of the two S's was particularly eventful and amusing. Despite being fed that day, they were very active and stalky. We encountered a group of Zebra with a particularly nasty stallion leading it. There was a standoff of sorts that happened. The stallion would charge the two cubs, who would then back off. Then the cubs would charge the Zebra...who would kick and narrowly miss them with its massive rear legs. After ten minutes of this, the cubbys decided to take a seat. The old man (his name given by the folks here, apparently hes chased off quite a few of the lions here.) did not appreciate this. He charged them and chased them into the distance. Evidently Zebra can be very nasty creatures.
The rest of the volunteers returned tonight. They're a very fun/hilarious group. Its going to be a fun two months.
So, without further adue.
This is, I believe, Puma eating a very prime cut of beef. He may look scary, but he's actually a big teddy bear. Until you piss him off. Then he can be a teeny bit unnerving. I got a boatload of pictures from these boys feeding and also a few videos! They are VERY good videos. I'll have to wait until I return to upload them though. A single picture takes 10ish minutes. Three cheers for Zim internet.
Myself and the two lovely ladies Sahara and Sahriah.
Again, me and the ladies.
Me and Echo relaxing on a rock.Now that you folks have some pictures, i'll begin with the stories and ramblings.
After adjusting my perspective on things, i've found I love it here. Absolutely love it. The terrain is beautiful, the animals are lovely, and the people are friendly. Best of all, its a very relaxed and easy going culture. As i've said, i'm not really an integral part of the process here. But after thinking about it, thats not surprising. This place has to be fully functional regardless of the number of volunteers. Or lack thereof. I think i'm going to be in trouble upon my return to the states. Its a very different environment. Although, we are in a sort of bubble here. This park isnt nearly as impacted by Zim's current situation as the rest of the country.
Now, for your entertainment, story time!
Thursday morning I went on a six hour long walk (6:30-12:30ish) with Sahara and Sahria and they were very well behaved. They stalked several Water buffalo and almost caught a warthog! Sahara was sniffing around its den when it charged. Sahara chased after it and Sahria ran the other way! Not a very brave for a lion, that Sahria. Lucky for me, they were also feeling very photogenic that morning. I've got oodles of pictures. Yes, I said oodles. Theres that many and they're that good.
This morning I went on another six hour walk with Echo and Ektosha and they were feeling very silly apparently. After walking and watching them stalk each other, we settled down for a rest and a bite to eat. Echo got ahold of some rubber and threw a hissy fit when Tinofa (the handler) tried to take it away. Just so your aware, when a 18 month old male lion throws a hissy fit its a bad thing. Much growling and snapping and Tino almost got his head taken off. We finally got it away from Echo and he settled down and slept. Until a mule drawn cart went by. Upon which he BOLTED in the other direction and wouldnt return until after it had departed. Evidently the big, bad, stubborn Echo has an irrational fear of mule drawn carriages. Hes quite the spaz.
Todays afternoon walk of the two S's was particularly eventful and amusing. Despite being fed that day, they were very active and stalky. We encountered a group of Zebra with a particularly nasty stallion leading it. There was a standoff of sorts that happened. The stallion would charge the two cubs, who would then back off. Then the cubs would charge the Zebra...who would kick and narrowly miss them with its massive rear legs. After ten minutes of this, the cubbys decided to take a seat. The old man (his name given by the folks here, apparently hes chased off quite a few of the lions here.) did not appreciate this. He charged them and chased them into the distance. Evidently Zebra can be very nasty creatures.
The rest of the volunteers returned tonight. They're a very fun/hilarious group. Its going to be a fun two months.
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