With all the best wishes from Lusaka, I headed to the place with one of the seven natural wonders and heritage site of the world-Victoria Falls. From Kafue, I headed the T2 highway, straight to Mazabuka. It is the largest city between Lusaka and Livingstone. I enjoyed the stay at the tree lined town, also the centre of a very prosperous farming community.

Pemba is a small town situated on the ‘Great North Road’, the road I was travelling. On my way to Livingstone, the name fascinated me. Buddhist and generally Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung and Lama have their common name ‘Pemba’. Normally, child born on Saturdays are named Pemba. I am happy to let you know that my pet name is Pemba as well. Also my daughter’s name is Pemba. The name represents the planet Saturn.

‘Pemba’ meant differently in Africa. They mean it- The force of present existence. It was nice to know the mythology about Pemba in African society. According to Bambara peoples of Niger River, Pemba and Faro were descended from the sky. Pemba is believed to be wood spirit, the maker of first woman and king of trees who initially ruled the world. The water spirit Faro uprooted him later.

Distant people but common word; I was happy to know that distance doesn’t matter to prove we all are the same human beings and we share common characteristics, wherever we belong to. After Pemba, Choma and Kalomo, I had to pass through desolate land amongst the forest for 120 KM. I stopped in Zimba to get some juice and water and continued the trip in along the forest.

In the midst of the woods, my bike broke and I needed to stay there for some hours. I felt my stomach growling, after which, I found I had no any food in any of the 7 compartment of the tailor of my bicycle. Then I happened to know I left all of them in Kalomo. Pretty often I miss things because I hustle to get to new places. It wasn’t good and it could have been worse moment for me if I had not found some locals selling petrol in gallons. Along the route there is not a single petrol pump for 77 so people sell petrol in gallons. I bought some flour of maize from them. I was pretty happy to cook sima from the flour and had a superbly delicious lunch. Although always I liked sima; it was never so delicious and satisfying.

Through the forest, I made to Livingstone on 8th June. The place near the almighty Zambezi River and with the spectacular Victoria Falls was named after David Livingstone. The legendary traveler have got the first amazing view of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ (Cloud that Thunders) from this place, which, he later named Victoria Falls in honor of his Queen.

After 5 days and 485km of cycling to Livingstone from Lusaka and 1055 Km throughout Zambia, I was desperate to have the experience of Victoria Falls. I got interviewed by a TV from Czech-Republic during the 3 days wonderful stay at Jolly Backpackers. Victoria Falls is next I have been to. I will be updating about Victoria Falls very soon.

PEACE AND HARMONY

Furtemba Sherpa