We arrived in Harare Monday evening and it was wonderful to be 'home'. The next few days were spent catching up with mum and showing Chris around Harare.
On Wednesday it was mum's maid Agnes 50th birthday so we took her out to lunch. Chris, Agnes and I enjoyed a lovely fillet steak while mum dined out on chicken giblets! (yuck). Wednesday evening we went with mum to some friends for a bring and share Christmas dinner. There were sixteen or so of us and everyone was so kind and welcoming.
Shona, Agnes and Shirley
Thursday we ran the gauntlet of Harare city centre as mum had some official stuff to attend to. We also had tea and scones at Meikles hotel which is still has a lovely old colonial feel to it. The last time I was in Meikles hotel was for my school leavers dance in 1982!
Friday evening we went to the shopping centre nearby for the switching on of the Christmas lights and carol concert. It was a lovely evening although heavy rain brought out all the umbrellas (just to make sure we didn't feel too homesick - although it was warm rain!)
Sam Levy's Village
Saturday we ventured out of town to Lake Chivero (formerly Lake MacIlwaine) so that Chris could see our old haunts. En route we drove past our old house (No. 20) and school in Marlborough, both of which had changed very little in 30 years! (Even the tree that I used to climb, outside the gate, is still there!!)
No. 20 Harare Drive (was Salisbury Drive)
I managed to get us lost trying to find the road to the lake (thought I would remember but someone had stolen all the road signs!!). After a long detour on terrible dirt roads we finally arrived at Admirals Cabin overlooking the lake. We spent a lovely day walking around the bird gardens with over 320 species of birds. They were all rescued a few years ago when Larvon Bird Gardens ran out of funds and flooded. They were relocated to the Lake and the owners have done a wonderful job building aviaries for them all. We had lunch under the trees in the tranquil gardens before heading back to town.
Fish Eagle
Saturday evening we went to see Mike's daughter Karen and her family for dinner al fresco - boerewors and beef steaks! It was nice to catch up with them again and for Chris to meet more of the family!
Sunday we joined mum going to church and meeting all her friends afterwards at a bring and share tea. It is amazing to see the assortment when everyone is asked to bring something. A concept which would work so well in the UK and a great way to get together with friends without one person having to do all the hard work!
We had lunch in a nearby restaurant - t bone steak for me and HUGE prawns for Chris while mum had a lovely bowl of salad from the salad bar. The restaurant - The Butchers Kitchen - has a wonderful concept. It is incorporated within a butchers shop and deli and you pick your meat or fish from the selection in the shop and they then cook and serve it to your table.
Sunday evening was spent packing our bags for our two day 'expedition' to Sable Lodge at Imire Game Park the following morning.
What a good idea to make a blog. Have a wonderful time and make lots of memories!
ReplyDeleteThanks. One of our friends did it on their trip so gave us the idea. It takes time but will be a great record of our travels. Good team work - I do the writing and Chris does the technical bits and the photos! Its spasmodic though depending on internet access!
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