Trip Up North

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Have been having internet issues at my site, but it is working again so I wanted to update about my Easter Trip.

Over Easter Sunday we had a long weekend so I went with a few volunteers up to Maun. We stayed at the Old Bridge Backpackers, which is owned by the same people who own Jungle Junction. It was a cool place and I am excited to stay there again when my family comes and visits. 

On Saturday there was an International Derby going on, so a group of us went to watch the races. It was a good time. There were tons of people. It was funny to see all the people piled into and on top of trucks and other vehicles along the fences to see the horses. We watched a few races, I couldn't really tell you who won, because all the riders had on the same yellow "Mascom" t-shirts (the derby was sponsored by Mascom). In-between races there were some entertainers. They had a stage where people were singing and dancing and then on the track there were people riding horses and doing tricks, which was fun to watch. All in all it was a good time.

On Sunday Morning a group of us went to the  farmers market to see what all was there. They had baby ducks for sale. They were soo cute!  The market is held in this place that kind of reminds me of a castle. It was a cool building and I guess the upstairs had a dance studio. We had brunch there, so I got to indulge myself in some good coffee and food! Yum yum!

The next place I went before heading back to my village was Planet Baobab. This is a really cool place to stay in Gweta, which is about halfway to Nata from Maun, right above the Salt Pans. The place is really neat looking as you can see by the pictures. We didn't stay in any of the huts, due to the expense, but we did go on one of their drives. On the drive we got to see some meerkats and even spend time with them. One jumped up on my head! After we played with the meerkats when then were taken to see the Salt Pans. This time of the year there is water on the pans, so it looks a little different than when I went back in September. It was pretty to see. After we saw the pans the driver took us to see the biggest Baobob tree in Botswana! It was huge! The guide told us it might even be the biggest one in Southern Africa. We had a picnic underneath the tree and then headed back to camp.

The Aardvark at the Entrance to Plant Baobab

Our campsite

The Pool

The huge Baobab Tree

The bar area

The next weekend was once again a long weekend due to public holiday's here. Monday was labor day here in Botswana so we got the day off. I took the opportunity to go pick up my new kitten. The volunteer couple who stays in Otse (a village near Gabs) had a cat who had kittens. They are volunteers from the group who came before me, so they will be leaving in June. This means they needed to find good homes for their cat and two kittens. I said I would take one. So meet my new kitten. His name is Dijo which means food! Haha! I hope no one will think because his name is Dijo that it is ok to eat him. 

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” –Jawaharial Nehru