Things That Take Some Getting Used To...

Now there are a few things that take some getting used to here in Zim which make me giggle. One of the funniest, in my opinion, are hawkers. You know, those irritating dudes that patrol parking lots trying to sell you anything, and I mean anything. Take, for example, this old bugger the other day at one of the supermarkets. Mark and I were waiting for his brother at the car when old mate comes over with a rather ordinary looking flower in a pot, "Eh, Sista, how about a flower? Very beautious" To which I politely replied, "No thanks". So he kept at it for a while. Then he had a brilliant idea, he had something of much greater beauty that I surely couldn't pass up, and he came back with a clump of grass in a pot. I kid you not. It was a shovel-full of random grass dug up from the side of the road. Politeness went out the window and I couldn't stop laughing, even Mark had a giggle. Poor old mate. But hey, make a buck where you can, I figure... but I dont think he'll get anywhere selling "Mountain Grass". Merry Xmas everyone, hope you get something more expensive and beautious than Zimbabwean Mountain Grass ;-)

Rain Rain, Go Away... da da dah da

Who would've thought that Zim would have an equestrian scene?! Well let me tell you, they do.
For those unaware, I met up with a woman here that bought a few cats off Vee last year, and
she's very into her horses. So naturally I got a hold of her, and she is one happy hyper woman!
And thrilled to have a new face on the scene. They are a tad deprived here of new input and
she's quickly lined me up to give lessons and the like. Got my first one this coming Friday,
at a riding centre where the owner will also be eying me out to see if I'm good enough to
give some work too... all very exciting! I watched a lesson she had last Wednesday, and the
horse is lovely, so am looking forward to the ride! She's also hooked me up with another
riding school that has a woman who broke her back and needs someone to work her horses, as
she's paying her groom to do it now and obviously the horses aren't learning anything. So
hopefully I'll get in touch with her int eh next few days... great way to get out of the house
and make some quick dollars :) Other than that, it's been business as usual... made a few new
contacts regarding work, but as per usual, it's a mission to get a hold of people, especially
since Xmas is next week!! But having a blast anyways... Trying to get things organised for
Xmas, Mark and I put our hands up to be in charge of Xmas Eve, and in African style we're
having a Braai... so long as the rains stay away for one day. Normally the rainy season would
have finished by now, but it's been a late season (very late rainy season... normally begins
in October) and it's still pouring like crazy. Hopeing for some sunshine!! Heehee Mark's been
busy trying to clear the car he imported through customs, which has proven to be an absolute
nightmare... damn corrupt bastards, everyone wants a cut. Hmph... oh well, I guess its the
world we live in. Other than that, there's not a great deal to report. No dramas or anything
:) Have a good one guys!!! Till next time :)

Dumb moment of the month... I only just realised that people can leave comments on my blog posts...
doh! Hehehe

Update of the Week

Hello fellow world :-p Well it's been another week on the dark continent and yet I'm still alive... so disappointing, hehehe. I hear a few of you are concerned (what's new!) but things here are carrying on as per normal, if you'd believe it. Just last week the max withdrawal from the bank was 1 million per day, but they just raised that to 100 million per week. So although that's reduced the bank queues (only line up once a week rather than every day) they seldom have the cash to hand out, so people naturally get a little pissy. But its nothing that a few riot police can't control. But seriously, it isn't a drama... US$ is the way to go :-p But then the yanks aren't too happy that a whole country is dollarising the economy without their permission so I hear the embassy is trying to gather as much as they can and send back. But with people bringing it in left right and centre, there isn't much they can do about it. It's helping the people so what's the big deal... god forbid people should actually be able to buy food. Other than that things are groovy... cholera isn't affecting us, we've got our own bore hole and water... although a tad metallic. But I'm sure those in the outskirts who rely on municipal water aren't having the greatest of time. Maybe all the bad publicity will get something done about it, but then again I very much doubt it. Well that's it for now... time to carry on with the job hunt. I'm still having a great time... thinking of heading to Vic Falls for the new years... but we'll see, fingers crossed!! Mark sends his love!! Will update again soon. Take care boys and girls! Hehehe

I Am Alive! :p

Yes, I have arrived safe and sound and in one piece in the bubbling metropolis of Harare. Things here seem much better than last time I was here… no power cuts yet (knock on wood!), food is available (so long as you have US dollars) and everyone seems relatively happy. It’s taken a few days to settle back in, and there are a few things I have to get used to again, but other than that it’s all happy days :-) Will post another update when there is something interesting to report :-p Until then, keep safe!
PS. Max, get a hold of Butterfly Effect’s latest album… it’s great!!!
Cheerio chummies!!
J xox

The Final Countdown!

Well... this is my first blog, and I apologise ahead if it's really gay :) I hope to be able to post blogs regularly so that you can keep track of how things are going and rest your mind at ease that I havn't been assaulted by riot police, arrested as a spy or eaten by a lion :p I'll post pics up as I get a chance... or when I work out how to... otherwise there's always facebook where I keep my albums upto date. Sooo... I head off in officially two more sleeps!!! So excited!!!! Which means I should get busy packing... note to anyone reading, BUY VACUUM BAGS!!! Best thing ever invented, gives you so much more room for the less important things ;-) Until next blog, keep safe!! xox