Celebration Lunch and Awards!


Ben
I started the day at 6:30 by waking up the rest of the boys in my room. The first thing I saw was the (not so) gracious face of my bunkmate, George W! I slowly made my way to the toilet to conduct my morning ablutions before going to the bar for an early (Zambian lateness included) breakfast.

Our day properly started at 8, when the bus arrived to take us to the safari centre. The weather was surprisingly cold this morning, I was surprised to see my own breath! Perhaps shorts may not have been the best idea! As we pulled up to the centre, 3 safari trucks awaited to guide us through the park. 

The first animals we saw were Warthogs and Impalas. Our driver/spotter was very knowledgeable and frequently referenced Pumba from The Lion King. We spent a good few hours driving around the Mosi O Tunya National Park. Within that time all three safari truck pulled up near 3 armed men! It turns out that the were the rangers who were responsible for watching over the Rhinos and to protect them against poachers! They led us on foot to the group of Rhinos that they were protecting. We were instructed to walk in single files so that we did not spook them. Once we were within about 20 meters of the Rhinos they said we could take photos at our leisure! 

Cassie: Ben takes bad photos and got confused with a child's camera. Overall, poor photography skills!!

Lily: Cassie and I bought a kinder surprise and there was a little dog with a roller-skate from Tom & Jerry! Today was really fun and was a good last day! I loved the safari! 
PS. I ate a caterpillar and crocodile bites!

Ben continues...Once we were done taking pictures of the Rhinos, we walked back to the trucks and drove to a picnic site for tea and biscuits. Once we were done with our mid morning tea, we continued to drive around but did not see much more before heading back to to Fawlty Towers.
Before our early dinner at Zest, a small group including myself, lead by Mr Sylvia, went to the market for round two! The main reason  for the trip was to buy Mr Horrod a small token of our appreciation! My Sylvia managed to broker a deal on an inscribed Hippo with a message that read "MR CHRIS ZAMBIA 2023" The second reason for the trip was that Freddie managed to lose his Zambia football shirt and he was desperate to buy a new one!

We went for an early dinner at Zest so that we had plenty of time to pack before out early start tomorrow! Mr Horrod surprised us with some local delicacies for starters that consisted of crocodile bites and....deep fried caterpillars!!!!!😝😝  
We all tried the delicious starters, some enjoyed them more than others! George W was eating them like they were ready salted crisps!! I, however, did not enjoy it! in trying to avoid tasting it, I swallowed it whole and it got stuck in my throat prolonging the bush tucker trial!

After dinner we were called onto the grass area outside the rooms, where we were presented with awards. Everyone received and award in the form of a hand crafted wooden rhino. 

Now we are all packed up and enjoying our last night in Zambia. I think I can speak for us all when I say we have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and am hugely appreciative of the opportunity to do this trip! 

We will not be publishing a blog tomorrow so see you all on Thursday! 

In a bit - Ben




























 

Comments

  1. Giles1 August 2023 at 11:33

    I can imagine you trying to eat a caterpillar Ben :-) you only just got your head around vege samosas:-) I'm looking forward to seeing your awful photography. See you on Thursday! Many thanks to Chris and Mr Sylvia for putting up with all of you and we'll done an a great trip.

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  2. KarenRL1 August 2023 at 11:54

    Great blog Ben, and well done everyone! Huge thanks to Chris, Mr Sylvia, Jasmin and James for giving you all the adventure of a lifetime. We'll miss the evening updates and all the amazing photos, but can't wait to hear all the stories that didn't make the blog. Hope it's not too much of a wrench leaving Zambia, and Lily - that your luggage makes it home! Safe journey everyone. See you Thursday!!! xxx

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  3. Ruth Watson1 August 2023 at 12:15

    Excellent final blog Ben. The safari trip sounds wonderful, unlike the deep fried caterpillars - gosh you must have been hungry George ! (are your glasses broken ? :-) Did they have any billtong in the market ? What a memorable adventure you have all had. Can't wait to hear about it in person. See you on Thurs George. A huge thank you to Chris, Mr Sylvia, Jasmin and James for facilitating such an amazing experience. Have a good journey home everyone x

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  4. Sophiafh1 August 2023 at 12:26

    We have all really enjoyed reading the daily blog, well done everyone for entertaining content! Cassie, we are looking forward to seeing you on Thursday and hearing first hand about the trip. We have missed you, and so have the cats and chooks. Pootles says 'Hi' xx

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  5. Mish Cowie1 August 2023 at 12:59

    What a grand finale and another day of memories that will last a lifetime! Those armed guards are the reason you were lucky enough to see rhinos that still have horns - they so often remove them these days to prevent poaching. We have thoroughly enjoyed following along so thank you for taking the time to share your experiences & photos on the blog, which has made us feel that bit closer to you while you're away! Can't wait to see you on Thurs and laugh at your sock tan, Ethan :-) Have a safe trip home xxx

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  6. Georgette1 August 2023 at 13:48

    What a fabulous experience for all of you! Thanks Mr. Horrod and Mr. Sylvia for looking after them, safe travels all! See you at Heathrow! xxxxx

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  7. Sara S1 August 2023 at 14:48

    What a brilliant blog to end the adventure! Its been wonderful sharing your news everyday but can't wait to hear about it in person. Freddie - did you manage the lovely edible treats laid on for you and hope you managed to replace the shirt. As others have said, so many thanks are owed to
    Team Esher for this opportunity; keeping them organised, safe, having fun and making such memories. Having seen everything they have done and achieved I think we all appreciate the massive amount of work it has involved. Thank you! Safe travels everyone and see you soon. x
    PS Warning you now, there will be embarrassing hugs at the airport. Suck it up Buttercup!

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  8. Lorna1 August 2023 at 15:06

    Fantastic blog. What an amazing experience for you all. It must be hard to pack your bags and leave Zambia behind but what fantastic memories and experiences you will never ever forget. Thank you so much Mr Horrod, Mr Syliva and Jasmin for looking after them all. Wishing you a safe flight home and look forward to seeing you on Thursday Olivia, Lots of love Mum, Dad and Josh. xx

    ReplyDelete

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