Sunday May 29th

Greetings from Harare Zimbabwe!

I arrived with very little difficulty and even had the “ghost” in the middle seat from Atlanta to Joburg South Africa. The flight was quicker than usual due to strong tail winds and I slept 7 of the 14 hours. FYI if you are flying coach in a 777 which is configured 3 – 3 – 3, chose an aisle in the middle section. The middle seat of the middle section is the least desirable seat, so will be filled at the last.

The airport at Harare is quite modern; immigration required $30 for the visa; and my checked bag arrived promptly. Waiting for someone to collect me, the airport cleared completely as the South African flight is the last to arrive. Decided that a taxi made sense so off to the hotel.

Zimbabwe was a former British colony (like Tanzania and Malawi) so most of the population speak English. Signs are in English. For several years, the currency has been the US dollar. I was told to bring $1 and $5 bills. I should have brought quarters also. If the purchase in a grocery store is not a whole dollar amount, I am given a receipt for the change. There is no problem using it, just another form of currency. All of this makes getting around much easier!

The Bronte Hotel is a very gracious and modern hotel. It has an old and new section. My room is spacious with a good bed, hot water, and a view of one of the park-like courtyards. There are many stone statues throughout the property. The breakfast (included) is served in one of the two restaurants and includes a vast array of fruit, cereals, rolls, and hot dishes. There is a pub and Zimbabwe has local beers. I have tried Golden Pilsner. Internet is wireless.

As some of you may know, I broke my right foot pinky on Monday night as I was stumbling in the dark at my home. I continue to wrap the toe to the rest of my foot with an Ace bandage. The colors are magnificent….green to blue to purple to yellow. It is much less painful now but does limit my explorations somewhat.

I have walked to a nearby grocery store which is fully stocked. In fact, it carries 14 flavors of instant soup; in the US, I can only get 3! I purchased Coke Zero and a small piece of excellent feta cheese to complement my split pea with ham soup. The only item that appears to be missing is a brand of savory crackers; fortunately, I brought my Triscuits with me.

On Sunday, I walked the mile to the downtown. With few exceptions, the stores were closed for the day. There is a semi-pedestrian walking street so I will enjoy going back during the week to see if the Chinese merchants are present as in other African countries. Two large churches – one Anglican and the other Catholic – appeared to have full houses for the late morning services. Everyone was in Sunday best clothes and singing as they left the church.

Off on Monday to the CNFA office. I have already had one meeting on Friday where I met the Sales Director of Seed Co., the largest seed company in sub Saharan Africa. More later.

Remembering all of the men and women who have served or are serving in our armed forces. It is their effort which helps to keep us free and safe.