Friday, June 9, 2017

Uncover Tales of Zambia’s Tribes and Treasures with Edward Anantara Hotel’s Storyteller

  
Edward Minyoyi

VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA -- Zambia is a country of vibrant African traditions, a land made famous by legendary explorer Sir David Livingstone, the home of iconic Victoria Falls, the mighty Zambezi River and vast national parks thriving with wildlife.

Bringing to life these cultural and natural treasures, Edward Minyoyi is much more than the Guest Relations Officer at the Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel By Anantara. Regaling his insider local knowledge and personal tales, Edward plunges guests into the colours, customs and majesty of Zambia through the age-old art of storytelling.

 In a country where tribal stories and traditional practices are passed down from one generation to another, storytelling is an intrinsic part of Zambian daily life, and Edward is a proud narrator.


Victoria Falls
He joined the hotel team in 2001 as a barman. Renowned for his friendly interaction with guests and entertaining local tales, in 2007 he was appointed Guest Relations Officer, and also the hotel’s Storyteller.

A well-loved team member amongst guests, Edward speaks French, Spanish, Russian, Greek, German, Japanese and Afrikaans, and he loves nothing better than meeting world travellers and drawing them into the rich details of his homeland.

Instantly recognisable by his bright traditional attire, theatrical personality and beaming smile, Edward is a member of the Lozi tribe and can be found smartly dressed in his tribe’s ceremonial Siziba costume of a white shirt, skirt, long stockings and red beret.

 Exemplifying the warm hearted, friendly spirit of the Zambian people, Edward describes, “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.”

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls
Zambia Hotel By Anantara.
“I love my job because I’m a jovial person and really enjoy interacting with people from all walks of life”, enthuses Edward. “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.”

At the only hotel that directly overlooks Victoria Falls, the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara offers an incomparable setting to learn about this Natural World Wonder. Known to locals as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – “The Smoke that Thunders”, this iconic waterfall is awash with myth and legend.

“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,” explains Edward. “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.”

The adventures continue up and close and personal with zebras, impalas, giraffes and monkeys meandering freely about the resort grounds. Inspiring guests with safari and hunting tales, Edward raves about Zambia’s wildlife. “We have 19 national parks 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.

Zebras in Zambia
“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.”

For food enthusiasts, Edward dishes 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.”

 Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.
  

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise.

The portfolio currently boasts over 35 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar and Oman, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/anantara;
 Twitter and Instagram: @anantara_hotels

For a complete copy of the company’s news release, please contact:

Hwee Peng Yeo
Vice President
Glodow Nead Communications
San Francisco • New York • Singapore • Shanghai
Level 21, Centennial Tower, 3 Temasek Avenue • Singapore 039190
Level 15, One Corporate Avenue, 222 Hubin Road, Shanghai China, 200021
1700 Montgomery Street, Suite 203 • San Francisco, CA • 94111
US:415.394.6500 • Asia: 65.9768.6087 •  E: hweepeng@glodownead.com


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