The Zimbabwians

It has been the people that have defined and distinguished this country for me/ us so far.

We arrived in torrential rain, we were unable to stay where we had hoped and other well used campsites had recently been visited/ occupied and 'audited' by Mugabe's men, with a similar (more confrontational) thing happening a week prior to our arrival at other out of town tourist spots (until the police arrived). It seems there are a number of factions aside from Mugabe's own men - namely the War Vets (who are in their 20's, and not directly politically controlled but who have a strong sense of entitlement). There is also much talk of the 51% zim owned rule for businesses - which requires white Zims or non Zims to partner up and sell shares in thier business to black Zims. This has recieved bad press but I've been told that it has opened up the economy also. I don't know enough to comment, and feel uneasy doing so. There is a sense of fear when talking about the political situation, which happens in code and hushed voices. However, it is thought that the army have already gone into the townships and radio's able to pick up external stations are being confiscated. The build up to another election is being felt.... Even now I am feeling uncomfortable typing this - so will stop. However, with the US dollar inflation is stable at around 4%, the supermarkets are full, and hope is returning. Tourism does seem to be bouncing back too. Fingers crossed. The people here are so friendly, and there is a sense of excitement about Zimbabwe. I love it here

So, on the first night we ended up camping miles out of town, and I was desperate to visit 'Des', my mothers cousin who I'd stayed with when I was 11yrs.The first act of kindness was a business man who owned shares in the campsite who drove me 35 mins into Harare central.

Other great people:
-Brother Francis for organising with contacts to sort out some of our traveler cheque exchange woes (literally nowhere in Africa will take them)
- Father Reymond for driving some of the group round to a charity of personal importance to a friend, ensuring we met up with the rest of the group safely (which was a hairy 4 hour taxis ride) and even phoned us to recommend the best night spots to go drinking (surreal).
- A man called Issac who drove us around for an entire afternoon to a Jesuit orphanage and training centre for disabled ppl..
- The two (very respectable) cars/ people that stopped to give us a lift into town as we walked in.
- The bike shop owner who is lending us bikes for free to cycle around for an afternoon since all the bike hire places folded during more difficult times.
-All others who we've met with amazing sense of pride for their country that they really love.

Running out of time on internet.....

Walked with Lions this morning. Scary and calming at the same time.

Would love to write more. Sorry for spelling errors, sure there are plenty. Photos too time consuming to upload. x