Day Two - Maun, Botswana

The first night of camping in Botswana was a good one. We were all very tired, so that was helpful in getting us to fall asleep without the comfort of a mattress. We had to get up early to continue our drive into the heart of Botswana so we got up with the sun, which Moyo and our truck driver told us would be a habit we should get used to. After a simple breakfast of cereal and fruit, we packed up and left Camp Itumela.

Day two of the trip was the least interesting day of the trip. We spent almost the entire day in the truck getting from Palpaye to Maun. We took a few stops for bathroom breaks and Lunch, but the majority of the time was spent driving on the highway. While driving we passed a number of mines, we didn't know what the mines were for specifically. Having seen the movie Blood Diamond before, many wondered whether those could be diamond mines, but that was about the extent of the excitement on the truck all day.

When we did arrive in Maun, we had to get a few preparations for the Okavango Delta, which we would be entering the next day. The delta is untouched by the normal effects of mankind. There is no electricity, no running water, just the trees, grass animals and water left there by nature. So we had to ensure we had enough drinking water and other necessities for the 48 hours we'd spend in "the bush."

Once we were adequately prepared we headed to Camp Sitatunga, to camp out before we headed into the delta the next morning. They had a pool and a bar, and since we arrived early we were able to take advantage of both.

That evening after dinner, we got into a series of political discussions with our truck driver and tour leader. We spoke about the political and economic problems involved with Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa, the curse of natural resources and problems of race within Southern Africa. It was an interesting conversation with the perspective of 2 native South Africans (one Afrikans and one Zulu) as well as a native of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia.

Many interesting points, differing political tendencies and perspectives were brought forth and eventually I was left with the two leaders, while all of the others on the trip either went to the bar or to bed. I enjoyed hearing candidly, from 35ish year olds their beliefs, thoughts and concerns. It was a genuine insight into the problems in the country beyond the international stories that we hear about in the US. With my mind contemplating the difference in lifestyles between SOuthern Africa and the US I headed to bed to get a good night's rest heading into the Delta.