We have made the lonnnng journey from Livingstone to Bulawayo. We left ZigZag last Monday morning and safely made it across the Zimbabwean border. It was amazing to walk across the adjoining bridge between Zambia and Zim and see a glimpse of the Falls!
When we got to the other side we had originally planned to take a nice comfortable coach to Bulawayo but we discovered that they only ran on Tuesdays.eek. So instead we had to travel African style in a ‘commuter minibus’ or as the locals say “a chova”. Quite an experience! Never seen so many people crammed in the back of a minibus for nearly 7 hours!! We were a bit nervous as our luggage was thrown in a trailer on the back with a flimsy covering on. Others had warned us to keep an eye on our luggage. When we arrived luggage was all intact but everything soaking wet from the rain!
When we arrived we were met by Jona’s Uncle Des and Aunt Mercia- they’re such a lovely couple and so welcoming and hospitable! They had set up their spare room for us and we immediately felt at home J
Since being here we have visited Jona’s childhood home (which the family still own but rent out); it was great to hear all of Jona’s memories of growing up there.
We also visited his secondary school (CBC) and heard more stories. He says that things are much the same but just a lot more run down than they used to be!
We have visited Jona’s school friend; Ben De Klerk who still lives in Bulawayo. He is married now with 2 kids and it was great to stay a night with them and also attend their childrens christenings.
Last night we visited friends that Jona used to go to church with. A lovely family who told us a lot about the struggles they had experienced here in the tough years.
Overall we're having a great time here in Zim. We are travelling back to Victoria Falls this Friday and plan to stay there for 2 nights and then straight back to Zambia for Christmas with friends at Amano.
We wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS :-)
Jona and Kerry xxx
Lovely to hear you are having a good time in Zim. Have a safe journey back to Amano and may you have a very blessed Christmas. Miss you guys. The Doyles xx
ReplyDeleteWOW! Great to hear you're making the most of your holiday time. We've got friends in our church from Zim and they're back there now for Christmas with families but we've no idea of their whereabouts...just Zim somewhere!!! You guys have a wonderful Christmas and may 2012 be a blessed in every way. Love you loads..Scott and Cally x x x
ReplyDeleteGlad you having such a fantastic time on your travels. I love reading the updates and seeing pics of where and what you have both been up to.
ReplyDeleteHope you both have a loverly christmas and a great start to 2012.
Love liz and Ray x
oh, makes me miss an african christmas!
ReplyDeleteWow what an adventure african style in a taxi! At least its a proper story to tell the kids one day!
Thinking of you muchly, Milan still remembers Barney and often includes him in his prayers (and sometimes you both)!! note the name "JonKerry"
From a stormy cold FAreham
xxxxxxxxxxLara and Michiel and Milan and ???
Hello Kerry and Jona
ReplyDeleteI love it - you are really going for it and experiencing Africa the African way! So glad you are able to touch base with Jona's family and see the real Zimbabwe and feel at home out there with the friends and family. Great.
lots of love, take care, Richard and Sabine
AwwwwW it's so cool to hear from ya and it does sound like you're having a good, spontaneous random time...there's nowhere quite like Africa! It must be really lush to be with some of Jona's family and im sure it was worth the travel. Keep enjoying the holidays!!! sending much love and hugs your way XXXX helen XXX
ReplyDeleteI like turtles.
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