Maun, Botswana

I arrived safely & am now in Maun, Botswana at the Island Safari Lodge (about 2 km from town). I was ecstatic to finally land in Africa and even more so when I finally landed in Botswana. The airport was quite small, and you exit the plane on rickety stairs outside. After going through their customs booth we waited for the luggage, which was all loaded by hand onto this low shelf. The Bushways Safari people were outside waiting for me and a few other people. They got us to change our money at the airport so we could pick up supplies for the safari on the way to the lodge. "Bottle Shop" means a liquor store, water bottle, pop, etc. so we got our water and any other drinks we may want. They recommended we get the larger bottles of 5 L, enough to drink 3 litres per day on the trip. I also treated myself to a 6 pack of Coke Zero. Sometimes I need a little bit of a treat you know?

Anyways, the town is very spread out but seems to have everything needed. Some of the houses are run down looking but most are tidy. There were quite a few stands along the road, most out of the corrugated metal or with a large umbrella, selling various things like candy, gift items, metal bins, and a variety of other things. I tried a dried meat, kind of like jerky but it was curled up rather than flat and hard. It was really good but I can't remember the word for it. One of the safari staff members let me try some because they bought a bag at the 'bottle shop'.

The Island Safari Lodge is really beautiful, very lush because it's along the river. And, I have been able to get post cards and stamps here so they're mailing them for me. They're also letting me use their computer which is nice. It's hard to be away from the Internet and quite a few guests have brought their laptops so I had the Internet itch. The food is good - especially their zucchini fritters and potato fritters dishes. I am also really into this cranberry juice drink they have. One more day here and then off on safari. I hope I see monkeys tomorrow - I heard they were around but I have yet to see them myself. There are so many different kinds of birds here. I wish I knew what they all are. I should get going though so they can close up their shop.