It took me just five minutes being at home, to realise just how much I had missed the Bulawayo Birds...
and although we spotted a dreaded Mynah bird, our own locals were putting up a good fight against the interlopers. The Arrow marked Babblers were in full force defending their territory even in the dull light after sunset at 7 pm! We were also astounded to see the Brown Hooded Kingfisher eating from the bird seed feeder!! We always thought he ate insects, caterpillars and small creatures, even though he is called a king fisher!!
A visit to the Hillside Dams is always required, and we were thrilled to see the grass was mowed, the tea room was busy and there were many people enjoying the facilities. Sadly the lower dam was merely a trickle in spite of the good rains. Next weekend its the obligatory Matopos visit and hopefully Vors rolls at Pomongwe!!
Our next surprising find was the Sofa Hospital, a large warehouse full of new and preloved beautifully covered couches and armchairs. They came promptly to collect our chairs for recovering, and arrived in an ambulance!! Of course they would, after all, their business is named the 'Sofa Hospital'!!
Zimbabwe certainly has some hidden treasures, amongst them is the Amanzi Lodge in Harare. The lodge cottages nestle amidst the most glorious gardens, each lodge has its own particular identity. We were in the exquisitely decorated Seychelles Suite and their dining room is indeed exceptional.
Zimbabwe authors are indeed hidden treasures. Most are local but our Diaspora holds many amazing authors like Lionel Frost. The pandemic years have produced a plethora of brilliant full colour books on the Matopos, The Victoria Falls by Bulawayo Authors Moira Fitzpatrick, Rob Burrows and Paul Hubbard. Plus we have Violette Kee-Tui, Susan Hubert and Bryony Rheam with excellent books available in several outlets.