Harare to the Highlands

We cruised up to Harare trying not to feel too despondent about the obvious lack of farming and general deterioration along the way. However, the road was in excellent condition and after a quick stop at Shangani store for some sadza and stew, we arrived at Raye and Therese and Keiran early evening.

We leave here tomorrow morning and they almost have to throw us out! We have become entrenched in their household and have really enjoyed catching up with Rod's eldest sister and family. They have entertained and regaled us with stories of life in Zim - make no mistake, it is not easy here, but what prevails is an indomitable spirit of the people to make do and get on with the job of making a living.

We have been blown away by the creativity and ingenuity of the people, and the cheerfulness by which they accept constant change.

Rod could not wait to get his teeth into a "gortchered" mealie!

Gail and Necia - overseas traveling partners many years ago!

Gail took us out to Darwendale to see her son's tobacco farming operations on land that he is now able to lease.

Tobacco seed beds

Grading tobacco in the barns. The aroma is overpowering but so good in the raw state.

Happiest on the farm and in the bush.

We have been wined and dined and coffeed out - caught up with so many friends and our overriding impression of people here is that they appear to know what is going on in their country, are informed and opinionated.

A Sunday morning climb up Ngomokarira with Dave ( Rod's best man) and co. just outside Harare was exhilarating.

Rock art at the base of this cliff face. The hills that we climbed.

On the top and tea was had by all.

Looking back towards Harare.

Anything is available in this town at a price, in $U.S. Refreshing to see the shelves full after my last visit in 2002 when ' the cupboard was bare'.

Brick making kiln in the TTL

Harare Botanical Gardens - still has a beauty of its own.

We took a trip up to Nyanga Highlands and passed through Rusape, Rod's hometown until age 12.

His house.

John Cowie Junior school.

Campsite at Hidden Rocks - all to ourselves.	Cozy lapha and night time fires.
Awesome campsite.	Sunrise on the rocks.

Nyanga was beautiful, as always, even at the end of winter. We went for tea and scones at Troutbeck Inn and climbed World's View too.

Such beauty as the Msasas begin to show their Spring colors.	Seems as if summer is here.
Lots of ruins in the hills around.	Rod attempts to crawl through "the passage of the virgins". Some 'rock problems' for Ian.

We returned to Harare and spent Tuesday, Necia's birthday , with the family. Just another beautiful day in Mother Africa, really, but made extra special by being able to skype important people in my life! :) :) :)

Creative roundabout in Harare!

Chicken-man could not resist having his photo taken when we spotted these on the roadside on our way back to Harare!

A Richards Bay friend asked me "how is Rod? " Well, he is so chilled that if he goes any slower he will be almost " stopped"! Neither of us are fully aware of days, dates or times.We thought we were leaving this morning for Mana Pools but then realized we are only booked in from the 14th! Had to ask our family if we could stay a bit longer. We leave tomorrow Wed 13th Aug 2015 and look forward to being on the trek again and sleeping in our tent!

Our wonderful accommodating Harare family.