Scribbles Abroad

We saw it on the map.  Lesotho, a country within a country.  We called it Lay-so-tho.  But as we begun questioning locals about this place we learned that it is actually pronounced Lahy-su-tu.  We also learned that it was worth the visit and considering we were so darn close, why not go check it out?  So after the Northern Drakensbergs and after the realization that we didn’t need to pay $50 US to go on a guided tour to see Lesotho, we set our route and began our next adventure.

We entered through the top of Lesotho at the Butha Butha crossing.  What you noticed as soon as you entered the country was how barren it seamed.  Very rocky, chilly, and people walking around with blankets around them also wearing gumboots.

Lesotho is known as the Kingdom in the Sky.  Geographically it is the plateau at the top of the mountains.  Fully bordered by South Africa.  After several attempts to be taken over by others, Lesotho has remained steadfast and has been able to remain independent.  Partially due to their geographical advantage in war and the power of the people.  The infrastructure was pretty basic but the roads were pretty well maintained.  It seems they make their money off of mining, livestock, textiles, and marijuana.

We drove through the top and stuck to the side with the Drakensberg Mountain range enjoying their spectacle from the other side.  There are very few trees, tons of sheep, and a lot of shepherds to watch over them.  In some cases it appeared that 1 shepherd could take care of more than a hundred sheep over  vast areas of barren rock and little shrubs.  They lived in rudimentary rock houses that looked really cold.

We spent one night in a local hotel and then continued the drive by tour the next morning.  We noticed wild ganja plants just growing around the property.

The rest of the country that we visited offered a lot of the same.  Lots of windy roads, cold temperatures, sheep, shepherds, lots of children running and begging.  As you passed a village, the kids present would run towards your vehicle with their hands out.  Simply begging.  We tried not to condone it but it was tough and we began giving some of them candy.

Kim posing for Lesotho Girls Gone Wild.

On the drive we passed a ski resort!  It consisted of one lift but the snow was missing.  I guess it was a bit early in the season still.  It was defineltly cold enough and there was snow on the ground in places.

One of the highlights was our departure from Lesotho.  The descent into South Africa is one of the most exhilarting 4×4 experiences around.  Most people go up Sani Pass and then down.  Its an off road journey that in my life has been uncomparable.  We chose to do the fun part and only go down, although at the end I was ready to drive back up and do it again.  Each turn put you on the edge of irreperable harm and the steering wheel was rightfully sweaty by the end.  There have been many tragic mishaps on this pass, luckily we didn’t raise the tally.  I’d say skillfully.

Pic of the border.

The team.

This was a cool ad that we saw.  South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and most of the other countries in southern and central Africa have the highest HIV infection rates in the world.  Something like 35% of the people in Swaziland have HIV, I don’t think that Lesotho is as bad but I don’t think its much better.

Saw this hill and thought of Darryl Freeman, our buddy and legendary downhill skater.