9th Dec: Touchdown

Back To Southern Africa After An 18 Year Hiatus



Sunday 9th Dec.11.00am

You know you've arrived in South Africa when you discover that one of your suitcases is missing and after politely but assertively launching your complaint, the Afrikaans baggage retrieval manager says casually  "Doen't wurry seur. Ert  happens all the tarm. We'll just send forert" taking your details with half open eyes and matching pace ....Africa time has well and truly set in.

Simmering, we just managed to squeeze the last of our excessive luggage into the boot of our ride, and set off, each passenger with a sizable bag on their lap, only to find that the boot kept flapping wide open on the motorway. The driver stopped at the dusty roadside unperturbed, and dug out a length of wire from the ground to 'borpa' the boot shut with. As I watched the dazzling heat haze shimmering in the distance, I was overcome by the dawning realisation that we were only an Oliver Mtukudzi tune, a mattress tied to the car roof and cage full of chickens short of the perfect picture of Africa!

Passing through a stretch of  "informal settlements', set on dusty sandstone ( they comprise mostly of tin/ zinc and plastic shacks with the odd small bricks and mortar contraption), I am reminded of the film District 9, an allegorical satire of  apartheid, but I presently draw parallels with the plight of economic migrants. The rest of the route is hilly, green and beautiful. A noticeable contrast.

2.00pm that day; Outdoor swimming for the kids on an idyllic island in the weekend home- boat owning community where we will be renting a cottage near my brother's in-laws.

8.00pm The braai is served. See pics for the perfect Southern African cuisine. Cooked by my sister-in-laws mum. 

Despite turning in at midnight, we would have to set off at 4.00am and face the ugly giant that is Beitbridge boarder, to begin our Zimbabwean escapade.