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Zimbabwe, Africa

Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders

Lab
2004-08-12 09:51:33

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When most people think about awe-inspiring natural beauty, visions of the Grand Canyon might shoot to the front of somebody's mind. Perhaps a beautiful mountain range such as the Alps, Himalaya, Rockies or Andes with their breathtaking landscapes and dizzying heights might evoke a sense of majesty. Our friends in Australia might boast the Great Barrier Reef which is unparalleled in its natural aquatic beauty or Ayers Rock in all its mystery can engage a person for days with its changing colors and Aboriginal history. I, however, have my own ideas.

During a recent trip to southern Africa I was fortunate enough to go to "no man's land" between Zimbabwe and Zambia for the most unforgettable sight I have ever seen. A vision of dynamic splendor, Victoria Falls is a mesmerizing reminder of the sheer power of nature. Victoria Falls captures the essence of what we strive to be in our mythical super-human imaginations. It has staying power. It remained undiscovered for thousands of years. It has an aura of mystery that can't be matched by anything south of the Pyramids and it has a location that suggests that one would have to travel for years to discover but never actually penetrate this magical place.

Victoria Falls stretches across a gigantic gorge for about a mile, with falls that seem to go on forever and a circumference of rainbows that form from the tremendous mist the falls give off (bring your raincoat). It is amazing to walk along the Zimbabwe side of the border wherein you can walk right on the edge of the gorge (there are no fences) and see the width and depth of the falls up close. The picturesque beauty cannot possibly be captured on film. That speaks tremendously for the actual "amazement value" of a site. There are many "sites" that are supposed to be incredible that look no different on television or in print than they do in person. Victoria Falls doesn't have that problem; it surpasses ...