Because... this is Africa
"Because... this is Africa." With those simple words you can just about apply to any situation in Africa that requires an explanation. From why the lights don't work in the train compartments to why the police stop our minibus five times on the same road to why the Zimbabwe economy is in the dumps. Can you believe the capital city has run out of cooking oil and it can't be bought anywhere until the next shipment. Last time it was sugar.
I am traveling with a Japanese guy for a few days before he heads east and I, back down south. We have arrived in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, having passed through Bulawayo and Masvingo. Zimbabwe's second largest city, Bulawayo is neither congested or noisy, and although there really isn't much to see, it's easy going and hassle free. Bulawayo does have an affection for fast food and every block has a Mr. Chip's, Pie City, or Creamy Inn, Baker's Inn, Pizza Inn and of course, Chicken Inn with the motto, "Luv Dat Chicken!" People in Southern Africa really luv salt and pour it on their food. By far it's the favorite (and at times only) spice/ condiment.
The small town of Masvingo is a good base to see the Great Zimabawe ruins, the largest archeological stone structures in Africa next to the Pyramids. Built in the 11th to 13th century by the Shona people, the ruins are basically a series of walls and building made entirely of carefully placed stones wedged together without any cement or motar. There are two main complexes, one on a hill which overlooks the other complex, 'the great enclosure' in the nearby plains below. Some of the walls reach impressively eleven meters high and five meters thick, and are completely flushed. The soapstone bird which is dipicted on the national flag was also found here.
As for Harare, it's sprawling with wide avenues and streets and a compact city center, but dimly lit when it gets dark. And yet another African city you don't walk out at night unless you like getting mugged. There's definitely more hustle and bustle here, with men in suits, beggers, school children, all going about their business.
A very charming custom in Zimbabwe is the clapping of their hands to say "thanks." When you give something to a local, they clap and cup their hands together to receive it. I like it. For the most part, the Zimbabwians are good natured and always quick to smile or laugh. As one mini-bus passenger put it, "I don't mind (worry), as long as I'm alive." Depsite their financial difficulties, the locals do show spontaneous acts of generosity. An old woman missed her stop yesterday about 250 km away, and soon after, almost every passenger was contributing money to help her get home.
A good test of patience is riding the local bus or mini-bus in Africa. Don't worry about time tables, the buses and mini-buses only leave when they are full. And when I mean full, I mean not just the seats are filled but the aisle must be crammed with standing passengers as well. Yes, this can mean a hour wait at the station while you watch other passengers watching you and the constant flow of fruit, biscuit and drink sellers knocking at your window. A 24 km minibus ride took two hours with constant stops for pick ups and drop offs and a flat tire.
Another good test is using the internet in most of Africa I have seen so far, or what I call, "bushnet." Think of the slowest dail-up internet connection you have ever used... and double it. It can take up fifteen minutes just to read one mail. Add in the sudden power outage or occasional telephone downed line. And why you ask, "because... this is Africa!"
I am traveling with a Japanese guy for a few days before he heads east and I, back down south. We have arrived in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, having passed through Bulawayo and Masvingo. Zimbabwe's second largest city, Bulawayo is neither congested or noisy, and although there really isn't much to see, it's easy going and hassle free. Bulawayo does have an affection for fast food and every block has a Mr. Chip's, Pie City, or Creamy Inn, Baker's Inn, Pizza Inn and of course, Chicken Inn with the motto, "Luv Dat Chicken!" People in Southern Africa really luv salt and pour it on their food. By far it's the favorite (and at times only) spice/ condiment.
The small town of Masvingo is a good base to see the Great Zimabawe ruins, the largest archeological stone structures in Africa next to the Pyramids. Built in the 11th to 13th century by the Shona people, the ruins are basically a series of walls and building made entirely of carefully placed stones wedged together without any cement or motar. There are two main complexes, one on a hill which overlooks the other complex, 'the great enclosure' in the nearby plains below. Some of the walls reach impressively eleven meters high and five meters thick, and are completely flushed. The soapstone bird which is dipicted on the national flag was also found here.
As for Harare, it's sprawling with wide avenues and streets and a compact city center, but dimly lit when it gets dark. And yet another African city you don't walk out at night unless you like getting mugged. There's definitely more hustle and bustle here, with men in suits, beggers, school children, all going about their business.
A very charming custom in Zimbabwe is the clapping of their hands to say "thanks." When you give something to a local, they clap and cup their hands together to receive it. I like it. For the most part, the Zimbabwians are good natured and always quick to smile or laugh. As one mini-bus passenger put it, "I don't mind (worry), as long as I'm alive." Depsite their financial difficulties, the locals do show spontaneous acts of generosity. An old woman missed her stop yesterday about 250 km away, and soon after, almost every passenger was contributing money to help her get home.
A good test of patience is riding the local bus or mini-bus in Africa. Don't worry about time tables, the buses and mini-buses only leave when they are full. And when I mean full, I mean not just the seats are filled but the aisle must be crammed with standing passengers as well. Yes, this can mean a hour wait at the station while you watch other passengers watching you and the constant flow of fruit, biscuit and drink sellers knocking at your window. A 24 km minibus ride took two hours with constant stops for pick ups and drop offs and a flat tire.
Another good test is using the internet in most of Africa I have seen so far, or what I call, "bushnet." Think of the slowest dail-up internet connection you have ever used... and double it. It can take up fifteen minutes just to read one mail. Add in the sudden power outage or occasional telephone downed line. And why you ask, "because... this is Africa!"
posted by Louis at 11:51 AM
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