tales to astonish
In the days of old, when our ancestors found themselves in unfamiliar territory, they would seek guidance to make sense of their new location. It could be the movement of the stars, the rustling of the trees or even the hoot of a bird. In the 21st century, we have Google Maps, Lonely Planet and Wikipedia. But all the digital knowledge in the world does not compare to a little friendly and personal guidance.
That’s the idea behind the Anantara Experts campaign, established this year as a platform to display the passionate passion working in the Anantara’s properties worldwide. The first Anantara Expert to be introduced is Edward Minyoyi, who carries the curious title of storyteller at the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara. A member of the Lozi tribe, Edward’s role is to help guests at the resort understand the depth of culture and daily life of the Zambian people. Regaling his insider local knowledge and personal tales, Edward, instantly recognisable in his bright traditional Siziba attire, plunges guests into the colours, customs and majesty of Zambia through the age-old art of storytelling. He talks of tribal stories and traditional practices – in English, French, Spanish, Russian, Greek, German, Japanese and Afrikaans – and also of the proud history of the resort, which he joined in 2001 as a barman, then becoming a guest relations officer in 2007.
Zambia is, of course, the land made famous by legendary explorer Sir David Livingstone, who lends his name to the resort. Within its boundaries, is the pulsating Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi River and vast national parks that still look today how they did when the first European explorers set foot in Africa.
“Zambia has such a rich history, a diverse tribal heritage and many natural wonders that locals have their own stories about. It’s my pleasure to take guests on a storytelling journey at a hotel where they can see, taste and feel it all for themselves,” Edward says.
“In Zambia, we live a peaceful, harmonious life, all working together within our communities, and I love to explain how our way of life continues to thrive. For instance when it comes to a wedding, the families of the bride and groom all sit down together and discuss issues relating to their children and respective families, to ensure a prosperous marriage and to live as one big happy family.”
The setting of the Royal Livingstone, the only hotel directly overlooking Victoria Falls, is one that inspired wonder, and myths. In the local language, it is known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – “The Smoke that Thunders” – carrying its own legends. But we’ll let Edward explain further.
“The Toka-leya people who once resided here worshipped the River Goddess Nyami-nyami living under the falls in times of drought, to pray for heavy rains. And my guests’ eyes light up as they hear about the travelling Scotsman, David Livingstone, who arrived in Africa in 1840 as a missionary and physician to become the most famous explorer of the century. He was the first European to witness the waterfall and renamed it after his British Queen, Victoria. His escapades feel even more exciting in the resort’s Royal Livingstone Lounge, sipping drinks and swapping stories surrounded by his paintings, books and maps.”
But Edward’s repertoire is not just limited to history. He also raves about Zambia’s rich wildlife. “We have 19 national parks in this country and I have many memories about the animals I’ve encountered, from rhinos, elephants, hippos, wilder beast and warthogs, to the incredible number of birds. For those who prefer more peaceful viewing, guests can relax on platforms on the bank of the Zambezi to drink in the sights and sounds of river life, with me as their narrator. As a keen fisherman, I can pass on my knowledge to anglers, like how it’s easier to catch fish during hot season because they come to the surface, the best spots to test their skills against the tiger fish, and how we cook the prize catches for our families.”
And because food is the one thing that is sure to bring people together, Edward can also dish up a plethora of fascinating facts about Zambian cuisine. “Guests can tour the resort’s garden for an introduction to the aromas, flavours and medicinal benefits of different herbs, which are also used to treat sickness, such as a herbal steam to cool and relax the body. The stories they hear then come to life as they try traditional Zambian dishes, or head off to the spa to discover local wellness secrets.”
More than just a storyteller and more than just a guest relations officer, Edward is an ambassador. Not just for the hotel, but for Zambia – and all that reside within it – as well.
