As previously mentioned we crossed into Zimbabwe with
some apprehension of corruption, theft and scams. Heightening our trepidation
is that Bronni is reading aloud as we drive along, the book “When a Crocodile
Eats the Sun” which recalls the historical atrocities not 10 years old.
Travelers tell us of the many police road blocks and others
talk about the corruption of the police force and the cheapness of life.
Impression 1; You
don’t see many white people
Impression 2; There are few Tourists.
Impression 3. The Zimbabweans recognize the need to
encourage tourists and we traveled through the country in a protective bubble
to encourage us to return and bring others.
Impression 4. The country reeks of an affluent bygone era that
has had little done to it in the last 20yrs.
Impression 5. Times are tough for many.
So yes you are asked for the shoes you are wearing, or your
tee shirt on your back.You do get stopped by the police 12 times a day on the road
and provided you do have the white stickers on your bumper, the fire
extinguisher in the back no problem.
Neil did get 2 speeding tickets but both were fair. US$10
each. Actually the price was US$20 but the policeman beat himself down and said
that he doesn’t want to take all Neils money.
Many of the farms are returning to bush and the amenities in
the parks and camping grounds are tattered and badly in need of a refurb.
The main roads are good. We could buy fuel and the shops had
an adequate but limited range of products.
Things were not cheap ……. At least to us .
The paper which is owned by the government has selective
news and editorial comment.
While Zimbawe is not everyone holiday destination we enjoyed
ourselves and could easily come back.
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