An Opportunity for your students to showcase their writing talent.

District of Columbia Area Writing Project
&
Language & Literature Division of DC Public Libraries Presents

Promising Young Writers
Martin Luther King Jr. Public Library
Friday, April 17, 2009 4:00 p.m.

This is an opportunity for students to showcase their
beautifully constructed works of original poetry. An anthology of poems from this event will be published and distributed to students, parents, sponsors and schools. In addition, students that participate will be awarded certificates to honor their hard work. We welcome any students from the Washington DC Area to join in the fun!

Fax or Mail
DC Area Writing Project
Howard University
School of Education
Washington, DC 20059-0001
202-806-7524
Fax: 202-806-7018

DCWP Summer Invitational Institute

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AREA WRITING PROJECT
2009
SUMMER INVITATIONAL INSTITUTE

The Summer Institute is a five-week program which prepares DC area teachers to become teacher consultants and change agents in their schools and school districts.
During the Institute, teachers examine problems in the teaching of writing; demonstrate effective approaches to the teaching of writing, study current and past research in the field and write in a variety of styles from various perspectives.
After the Institute, teacher consultants conduct workshops and attend follow-up seminars related to literacy development and standards based education


This Institute is sponsored by the District of Columbia Area Writing Project, a collaborative effort of the National Writing Project and Howard University.


Comments and Reviews from Past Participants
“DCAWP is truly a great program. It gives you the opportunity to explore your writing potential; to learn new and exciting strategies for your classes, and the opportunity to be a part of a truly great community”
“This is, cliche as it may sound, life changing! I found myself a writer again. The course was a balance of creative writing and academic writing. And compared to the other trainings I attended, this is the best! Not only because the participants were the best among the best, but also because the trainers were also the best in the field.”
“The teachers teaching teachers philosophy was highly relevant to elementary. Jr. high and high school teachers”
“Constructing a portfolio was one of the most valuable activities in the project for me because I was forced to gather, organize, synthesize and analyze. This portfolio is an important tool, and I’m grateful for the experience of creating it.”
“This was, by far, no comparison the best program I have attended, and I have been to many. I learned so much to improve my own writing and great ideas to take back to the classroom. I have grown as a writer, teacher and colleague.”

District of Columbia Area Writing Project
Howard University
School of Education
Washington, DC 20059-0001

Phone: 202-806-7524
Fax: 202-806-7018

Email: dcawp@howard.edu

Calling Writers!!!!

The following is new information for all interested writers

To subscribe, and receive the ebook, How to Be a
Freelance Writer (with 103 paying markets!),
surf here: http://www.writersweekly.com

In This Issue:

1. ) Publisher's Desk For March 4th
2. ) News From The Home Office: This is Getting RIDICULOUS!
3. ) AngelaHoy.com: Topic, Common Themes, and Winners of the
WritersWeekly.com Winter 2009 24-Hour Short Story Contest!
4. ) Letters To The Editor: Thank You for Your Common Sense
5. ) Feature Article: Don't Count on Your Publisher's
Publicist! Building Your OWN Platform By Rich Mintzer
6. ) Ask The Expert: Ask The Expert For March 4th
7. ) Success Story: Success Story For March 4th
8. ) Whispers And Warnings For March 4th
9. ) Paying Markets and Freelance Jobs For March 4th
10. ) Free Book Excerpts.com For March 4th
11. ) Interview Requests For March 4th

For easier clicking, read this issue online at:
http://www.writersweekly.com/

SPRING '09 24-HOUR SHORT STORY CONTEST

The WritersWeekly.com Spring 2009 24-Hour Short Story Contest
is now accepting entrants. Each contest is limited to 500
entrants. Contests usually fill up (it's tons of fun!), so
don't delay if you want to participate.

1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $200

Entry fee is $5. You can see the complete list of 85 prizes
and sign up here:
http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.html

Growing Teacher Resources

1.A message from the NRI Open List
-----------------------------------------------

Hi All,
NSTA's web site has links to excellent resources for teachers of science. Attached is just one article, which describes medmyst@rice.edu , an interactive site that simulates new medical mysteries for students to solve using tools from their science classes.
Enjoy!
Sarah





---------------------------------------------------------------
Respond directly to the sender of this message only.
mailto:serider2001@yahoo.com

Post a response to this message and send to the entire group.
mailto:readinginitiative.131062@list.nwp.org

Post a new message on a new topic and send to the entire group.
mailto:readinginitiative@list.nwp.org

To view this discussion online:
http://www.nwp.org/cs/public/forum/cs_disc/1085

To unsubscribe and not receive further emails.
mailto:unsubscribe.readinginitiative@list.nwp.org

2.WorksheetLibrary.com Weekly Printable Teacher Worksheets


Classroom Assessment/Constructed Responses
fcit.usf.edu/assessment/constructed/construct.html

Creative Writing in the Math Classroom/Scholastic.com
content.scholastic.com/browse/unitplan.jsp?id=

Teaching Secrets: Five Tips for the New Teacher

by Cindi Rigsbee

1. Hit the floor running and breathe when you leave.

I have always been one of the first teachers to pull into the parking lot in the mornings. Getting to work a good 20 to 30 minutes before the "official" start time is necessary for me. First of all, it gives me time to think quietly about my day. Also, it alleviates the problem of standing in line at a copy machine (or finding a jammed copy machine that was left blinking wildly by a teacher who didn't attempt to fix it). After the copies are made, the agenda and goals are on the board, and the room is ready, there's time for nice adult conversations (there may not be another opportunity until after school) and opportunities for relationship building as students arrive.

I understand there are "circumstances." The year my chronically oversleeping son was a senior in high school, I had to fly into the school parking lot on two wheels every morning just as the second hand on the office clock was announcing I was late. So I do know it may be difficult to arrive as dawn breaks. But the earlier the better, so you can begin the day relaxed and ready.

Relaxed and ready is also the way to end the school day. I tell beginning teachers to beware of the 3:30 Club. Never get between them and the door at 3:30 (or whatever time school is out for you). I prefer to take my time in the afternoons, look over some lesson plans, straighten up my classroom from the day's activities, and get ready for tomorrow. Also, I like to wander around the school to see what my students are up to. There's nothing better than grading a few papers outside on the bleachers on a warm fall afternoon during football practice. My students, who should be paying attention to their coaches, always wave wildly when they see me (like they didn't just see me in class 30 minutes before).

The "breathe when you leave" part? That means teachers need to take care of themselves and relax during their hours out of school. This doesn't mean they can't grade the occasional paper or do schoolwork. For me, it's very relaxing to do my lesson plans on Sunday afternoons, turn on some professional football and plan the week. But this routine may not work for some teachers. I tell new teachers to figure out what works for them, but to make sure to breathe.

2. Always remember, the show must go on.

I have always said teaching is a performance. Standing in front of (or facilitating around) a classroom of kids of any age requires energy and enthusiasm. We don't work behind a computer screen at a desk all day, so we can't just slump in our seats if we feel like it. There have been many days in my career when I have looked at the clock to see that it was time for my next group to come to me. "I can't do it," I would think. But I would take a deep breath, put a smile on my face (it's OK if it's fake at first), and start slapping some fives when those kids entered the room. Pretty soon their energy level would match mine, my smile would be real, and we would take it from there. The idea is to prepare ourselves for the "audience" and be the best we can be when we're with them. Our students deserve no less.

3. Put on your cheerleading uniform.

Yes, we have to encourage and inspire. We know that. Some of our students come to us from dismal situations. I often wonder how some of them can even put one foot in front of the other to get to the bus stop. But they do, and while they're with me, I'm going to do what I can to make their school day the best it can be.

But I'm not only talking about students. We need to cheer each other on, too. Schools can be toxic places. The job is stressful, and hopefully we aren't complaining to kids all day. So when teachers get together, there can be some "venting." That's when I put on my metaphorical cheerleading uniform and go at it. Don't worry—I don't act like Little Mary Sunshine. I do understand, and many times agree with, the complaints that are discussed in team rooms and school hallways. But I do try to put a positive spin on things if I can.

Also, I feel strongly that it's important to be cheerleaders for our profession. I am weary from hearing "if you can't do ... teach" and other misrepresentations of what we do every day. We have to market ourselves as the professionals we are. Some folks have the idea that teachers are still Charlie Brown's wa-wa-wa-ing lecturers, whacking kids with yard sticks if they misbehave. But we know real teachers are committed professionals who believe in purposeful instruction and who have our students' best interests at heart. As we speak to others, in the grocery store or by the neighborhood pool, we must embody that professionalism—not fuel the negative fires that surround so many schools.

4. If you make them the enemy, you will lose.

The rest of this expression goes like this: There are more of them, and they have an audience. As a middle school teacher, this is one saying that I share with teachers often. Teaching cannot be an "us" and "them" situation. In the community of a school, we are all family, and when the students know this (and feel this), they are much more likely to cooperate, be pleasant, and learn.

If, instead, they are aware of the animosity a teacher feels toward them, they will push back, and it probably won't be pretty. Being in this school thing together is much more productive and much less stressful. A student on your side can be the difference between loving your job and dreading getting up in the morning. Do what needs to be done to ensure they're on your side—and it’s mostly about being on theirs.

5. Don't hide your light under a bushel.

I can't take credit for this one. I believe it was mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount. It was also mentioned by my Mama about once a week as I was growing up. Basically, it means "don't hide your talent." I share this one with new teachers as I encourage them to use their talents, even some that aren't so obvious, to make their teaching experience more enjoyable.

For example, I love to write poetry. I'm not a published poet, but I don't need to be. I have a captive audience every day. By sharing my poetry and bits of my personal life, I'm able to connect to my students in a way that may be difficult otherwise. Some teachers use their athletic talents to inspire students; I've worked with two Ultimate Frisbee playing teachers (in two different schools) who have taught their students these skills while at the same time teaching teamwork and perseverance. One of my dearest teacher friends teaches math and clogging at the same time. (And if you don’t know what clogging is, check it out on YouTube!)

Another way I hope new teachers will shine their lights is by marketing themselves as professionals. Each parent who has a child sitting in a classroom should know the credentials that got that teacher there— college degrees, honors and awards received, types of experiences (not necessarily years of experience but types—has the teacher worked with different grade levels before or taught other subjects?). I believe teachers should have a pamphlet ready to hand to classroom visitors that includes all of your career highlights.

There are a few other expressions I throw out now and then. For example, "He is the boss of you" is one I use when teachers are complaining about the principal's expectations. But that’s a story for another day. For now, I'll just look back over the years I've been teaching and wonder when I stopped asking so many questions and somehow got so old that I started answering a few.

Cindi Rigsbee is a National Board-certified reading teacher at Gravelly Hill Middle School in Orange County, North Carolina. She was recently selected as North Carolina’s State Teacher of the Year for 2008.

Pictorial View of the "Write" Moments of DCAWP Teacher Consultants

Are writing retreats valuable?

What are some of the benefits of teachers participating in a writing retreat away from their normal environment?

Educators for Global Learning

SOUTH AFRICA TOUR ITINERARY PREPARED FOR

Educators for Global Learning

JUNE/JULY 2009

Your request for information about travel and cancellation insurance should be made to; Globe Travel 1(800) 627-1871 1932 Arlington Blvd, Suite 110 - Charlottesville, VA 22903 Phone: 434-296-0171 Fax: 434-296-5270 Or Email: jacketshockey1@aol.com Globe Travel is open Monday - Friday from 9am - 6pm, and on Saturdays from 10am - 3pm. We are closed on Sundays, however efforts can be made if needed to help you at anytime. An initial deposit of $500 (cashier’s check) must be made payable to South African Airlines by Wednesday, July 16, 2008. The balance of the costs can be paid 90 days prior to departure. Payments after initial deposit can be made payable to DC Area Writing Project. For further information, contact Emily Washington at (202) 583-1625 or Elizabeth Davis at (202) 412-1305

Day - 01

Depart Washington (Dulles) for Johannesburg on South African Airways.

Day - 02

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, collect your luggage and then clear Customs & Immigration. You will be met by a South African Airways Vacations representative who will assist and escort you to the Domestic Terminal for your flight to Cape Town.

On arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Located on the trendy V & A Waterfront, the PortsWood Hotel is the mainstay of one of the most spectacular views in the world: from Table Mountain, across the Atlantic and Robben Island, over the aureate beaches in the distance and around to where Signal Hill meets the mountain again. Apart from its amazing natural and cultural surroundings, the PortsWood is also an ideal choice for any traveler, with all the most sophisticated facilities he or she might need. The PortsWood offers guests superlative accommodation, stunning cuisine and world-class service.

Accommodation: PortsWood Hotel

Day - 03

Today you will be taken on a scheduled Cape Point tour.

After departing your hotel, begin your half-day Cape Point tour when you travel via the suburbs of Green Point and Sea Point to Camps Bay, and then to Hout Bay and Constantia Nek. You will travel through the Tokai Forest, over Ou Kaapse Weg, and on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Scarborough. Visitors have the opportunity to see zebra, baboons, a variety of buck and ostrich as well as many sea birds. Visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope by way of the funicular or on foot. The views from this vantage point are spectacular. Look out for the baboons and enjoy some magnificent scenery. The majestic coastline is worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." Continue to Boulders Beach where you stop to pay a visit to the delightful Jackass Penguin colony. Walk along the pathway to the beach for a close view of this fascinating species before returning to Cape Town.

Accommodation: PortsWood Hotel (B)

Day - 04

Today you have a day of leisure in the fascinating city of Cape Town.

Cape Town is a city with a diverse range of attractions, sights and activities to offer and it has something for everyone. From the landmark beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to the vibrant V&A Waterfront and Cape Town city centre, the award-winning wine farms of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek - time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten. It is a sophisticated city at the gateway to a majestic continent. The Mother City is a place where old and new harmoniously converge – in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people. The city is dominated by a towering, table-shaped mountain, set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys, where two oceans converge- Indian and Atlantic. Cape Town offers a myriad things to do and places to see, whatever your tastes, inclinations or budget.

Accommodation: PortsWood Hotel (B)

Day - 05

Today you will be taken on a scheduled city tour with Table Mountain.

Enjoy the ultimate 'Mother City' experience - designed to orientate you and give you an insight into the magic of Cape Town. Take a trip up Table Mountain (weather permitting) in a cable car (tickets provided). The new revolving cable cars give stunning views over the city. The summit of Cape Town’s world-famous landmark is 1,086 meters above sea level and the mountain itself is a national monument, with spectacular views of the city and ocean. It is covered with a wide variety of wild flowers and is the natural home of the famous silver tree. After making your descent, go on a city tour which includes: The

Castle - South Africa's oldest building; The Company Gardens.; A scenic tour past the Parliament Buildings; City Hall and Slave Lodge; the historic Malay Quarter and the colorful Bo-Kaap, a visit to the Diamond works for a diamond cutting tour and finally the V & A Waterfront.

Accommodation: PortsWood Hotel (B)

Day - 06

Use your last full day in Cape Town for last minute shopping or a visit to one of the many places of interest.

Cape Town is a fabulously diverse and vibrant city; from its beautiful natural attributes to its colorful culture, stunning wine farms and captivating history – it’s a tourist heaven. Cape Town offers historic and cultural sites, world-class museums and bustling markets, inviting beaches and lush gardens, as well as great restaurants and wonderful shopping. While South Africa is perhaps best known for its game parks and natural spendors, it is also a land whose cities exude urban sophistication, rich in history, the arts, entertainment and other cosmopolitan delights.

Accommodation: PortsWood Hotel (B)

Day - 07

Today you will be transferred from your hotel to Cape Town Airport in time for your flight to Johannesburg. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The two sections of the stylish Protea Hotel Balalaika each have a sparkling swimming pool, surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens. All the 325 rooms are a delightful reflection of the English Country theme of the hotel and are fitted to exceed the four star rating. Each room is tastefully furnished to portray the ultimate in comfort and style, with private bathrooms and air-conditioning, TV with an additional five satellite stations, M-Net, radio, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safes and mini-bars. Non-smoking rooms are available upon request in both sections of the hotel.

The personalized service of the Protea Hotel Balalaika Sandton is a quality not easily matched and extends a welcoming hand to you.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika (B)

Day - 08

This morning you will be taken on a scheduled Soweto tour.

This morning we travel to Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnship), the largest former all-black township established by apartheid government policies. Here you will see a fascinating contrast to Sandton and Rosebank, the affluent suburbs in the northeast. This “city within a city” consists of 50 suburbs and essentially acts as a labor reservoir for the greater metropolitan area of the Witwatersrand. In many ways, the story of Soweto is the story of South Africa. Soweto was home to President Nelson Mandela before his imprisonment on Robben Island. The tour includes all the major points of interest, such as the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Baragwanath taxi rank, Freedom Square, Hector Pietersen Memorial for the 13-year-old child who was the first victim of the 1976 street riots, and Nelson Mandela’s former home. Despite crowded, chaotic and impoverished conditions, there is a tangible sense of community and a sense of optimism in this bustling urban neighborhood. Most who venture here return home enlightened and fascinated by this glimpse into the face of the real South Africa.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika (B)

Day - 09

Day of leisure in the city of Johannesburg.

Johannesburg is the financial, economic, cultural giant of South Africa – and of the entire continent of Africa. Also known as eGoli (place of gold), it is the largest and most populous city in the country. It is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province, which has the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa. The city is one of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in the world, and Africa's only officially designated global city. Johannesburg is the most dynamic city in Africa and the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills where gold was first discovered in 1886. Johannesburg is also served by the largest and busiest airport in Africa.

Accommodation: Protea Hotel Balalaika (B)

Day - 10

This morning you will be taken by road transfer from your hotel to Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, via a visit to Lesedi Cultural Village which includes a Show and a traditional lunch.

Lesedi is a multi-cultural African village, set amongst the pristine Bushveld and rocky hills less than an hour’s drive from the city of Johannesburg. Guests are escorted by the Cultural hosts of Lesedi for an experience of a lifetime and introduced to the art, dancing, history, tribal legend and cuisine of five of Southern Africa’s greatest tribes. The cultural program begins with a multi-visual presentation on the history and origins of today’s rainbow nation, followed by a tour of four ethnic homesteads - Xhosa, Zulu, Pedi and Sotho.

Guests are then escorted to the Boma for traditional singing and dancing and the people of Lesedi tell stories that date back to the days of their ancestors. A traditional African-style feast is served in the restaurant, with a full bar close at hand.

Dramatically located, hugging the slopes of an ancient volcano, and originally meaning “Place of the Rock”, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge is a hub of luxury in the heart of the Pilanesberg National Park. Each room is impeccably appointed with air-conditioning and DStv, while Sun City’s endless entertainment options are just a few minutes away.

Accommodation: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge (B, L, D)

Day - 11

Enjoy early morning and afternoon open vehicle game drives in this wildlife paradise.

With incredible game viewing in an untamed wilderness that boasts over 365 species of bird life, Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge has a 400-foot underground tunnel leading to the “Hide” which gives visitors a uniquely personal window into the secrets of the wild. The resort offers some of the most impressive game viewing in Africa - see the “Big Five” – Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard - on bush walks or game drives, accompanied by an experienced game ranger. Close the day with bush tales around the boma braai under the African stars.

The Pilanesberg National Park borders on the entertainment complex of Sun City. It is almost perfectly circular because it comprises the area of a 1200 million years old volcano crater with a small lake in the centre. The park exists within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation, commonly referred to as "Bushveld". Unlike any other large park, unique overlaps of mammals, birds and vegetation occur because of this transition zone. Virtually all the animal species of southern Africa exist here, including healthy populations of lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo - Africa's "Big Five". Bird watching is excellent with over 300 species recorded. Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge has a 400-foot underground tunnel leading to the “Hide” which gives visitors a uniquely personal window into the secrets of the wild. The resort offers some of the most impressive game viewing in Africa which can be viewed on game drives accompanied by an experienced game ranger. Close the day with bush tales around the boma braai under the African stars.

Accommodation: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge (B, D)

Day - 12

Today you will be taken by road transfer from Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge to Johannesburg Airport. (B)

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport connect with your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA.

Day - 13

Arrive in Washington (Dulles).

Return home with a lifetime of memories!

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

COSTING

USD 3890 + USD 340 Fuel Surcharges & USD 140 taxes

(Rate per person based on double occupancy)

Single Supplement USD 800

*Rates valid for June / July, 2009 based on minimum of 10 travelers

INCLUDES:

- International flights: Washington/Johannesburg/ Washington

- South Africa domestic flights:

Johannesburg/Cape Town/Johannesburg

- Road Transfers: Johannesburg/Lesedi/Kwa Maritane/Johannesburg Airport

- All services as specified

- All transfers as specified

- Accommodation as specified

- Meals as specified

- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers

- Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English-speaking guides

- Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated

- South African Airways Vacations Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival

EXCLUDES:

- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc

- All other services not mentioned

- Gratuities/Tips for tour guides, drivers and porters

- Costs of obtaining Passports or Visas

- New Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases beyond our control

- Trip cancellation insurance

Please Note:

• United States of America passport holders do not require a visa for South Africa for a visit of less than 90 days.

• All Non-South African passport holders are required to have at least TWO, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa pages.

• Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after intended date of departure.

THE WONDER OF VICTORIA FALLS ITINERARY PREPARED FOR

THE WASHINGTON TEACHERS GROUP

Day – 12

On arrival at Johannesburg Airport from Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge, connect with your regional flight to Victoria Falls where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.

Please Note: There is a Single Entry Visa charge to enter Zimbabwe of USD$30 cash per person for USA passport holders. (Visa fees are subject to change without notice.)

Situated on a plateau, which forms a natural boundary to the 80,000-hectare Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge enjoys uninterrupted views and spectacular sunsets. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers discerning guests the opportunity to experience an ideal combination of regular game sightings in a bush environment and the grandeur of the mighty Victoria Falls, a five-minute drive away. Thatch, rustic finishes, vibrant fabrics, clay tiles and an extensive use of local hardwoods are key elements in the creation of a distinctly African ambience. Each of the sixty-six bedrooms and six luxury suites has a view of the surrounding bush. The bedrooms are en-suite with corner bath, separate shower and have a hairdryer, telephone and safety deposit box. During the day light meals and drinks are served around the pool. At sundown enjoy a cocktail whilst watching game congregate at the waterhole. For dinner, move upstairs to the candlelit Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant or experience the traditional food and atmosphere of the outdoor Boma Restaurant.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

Day – 13

After breakfast you will be taken on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This walking safari takes you through the magnificent rain forest where you are able to view the Cataracts, Livingstone’s statue and a wide variety of birds and plants. Complete the day with a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River.

The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. They are approximately 1.7km (1 mile) wide and 128m (420 feet) high. They are considered a remarkable spectacle because of the peculiar narrow slot-like chasm into which the water falls, so one can view the falls face-on. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, visited the falls in 1855 and renamed them after Queen Victoria, though they were known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the Smoke that Thunders”. Livingstone was so moved by what he saw that he wrote: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. The Falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, and are one of Southern Africa’s major tourist attractions, with visitors from all over the world. The Victoria Falls is the largest single sheet of water in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The great Zambezi River starts in northwest Zambia and meanders for 1700 miles through several countries and empties into the Indian Ocean at Mozambique. This great river affects thousands of people and animals along the way. The sheer volume of water that flows through this planetary vein and manifests it’s grandeur at the famous Victoria Falls, cannot keep from stirring an emotional response from all who visit.

The Guide has a wealth of information about the river’s attributes, pointing out everything of interest as you cruise along the river. You’re likely to see Hippo, other animals, birds of prey, and even some elephants, along the riverbank or on one of the many islands that occupy this wide river. The highlight of this cruise is the Sunset view. You will not be disappointed, for words and photographs cannot adequately describe the spectacular view you will experience.

Accommodation: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (B)

Day – 14

Today you will be transferred to Victoria Falls Airport in time for your flight back to Johannesburg. (B)

Please Note: There is an Airport Departure Tax of USD$25 cash per person that you have to pay on leaving Zimbabwe. (Departure taxes are subject to change without notice).

On arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport connect with your scheduled international South African Airways flight back to the USA.

Day – 15

Arrive in Washington (Dulles).

Return home with a lifetime of memories!

B = Breakfast

L = Lunch

D = Dinner

COSTING

USD 990 + USD 120 Fuel Surcharges & USD 90 taxes

(Rate per person based on double occupancy)

Single Supplement USD 240

*Rates valid for June / July, 2009

INCLUDES:

- Regional flights: Johannesburg/Victoria Falls/Johannesburg

- All services as specified

- All transfers as specified

- Accommodation as specified

- Meals as specified

- Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers

- Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English speaking guides

- Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated

- Lion World Tours Representative Meet and Greet upon arrival

EXCLUDES:

- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks, etc

- All other services not mentioned

- Gratuities/Tips for tour guides and drivers

- Costs of obtaining Passports or Visas

- New Government taxes, levies, fuel or industry increases beyond our control

- Trip cancellation insurance

Please Note:

• United States of America passport holders require a visa for Zimbabwe which is only obtainable at the port of entry.

• We strongly advise you to take precautions against malaria prior to the commencement of your holiday. Please contact your physician or travel clinic for advice as to which prophylactic is recommended.
• All Non-South African passport holders are required to have at least THREE, entirely blank (unstamped) visa pages (i.e. one side of such a page not front and back thereof) in their passport, each time entry is sought into South Africa. These pages are in addition to the endorsement/amendment pages at the back of the passport. South African government regulations prohibit airlines from boarding passengers without the required blank visa pages.

• ZIMBABWE: For United States of America passport holders payment of Single Entry Visas (US$30), Double Entry Visas (US$45) and Multiple Entry Visas (US$55) and the Airport Departure Tax (US$25) US dollars cash is required. We recommend the exact amount, as officials are not always in a position to give change.
• ZIMBABWE: Effective 01-Jan-2007 it is best to travel with small denominations of US Dollars for extras, or any purchases. Hotels only accept payment in foreign currency. No change will be given in foreign currency, but in Zimbabwe dollars. As a result of fluctuating exchange rates, we recommend that guests do not use their credit cards for purchases within Zimbabwe. We suggest that travelers checks in Dollars or US cash is utilized. Hotels will also only accept US$ notes printed after 2001.