The Great Zimbabwe

Today, Oct 7th is hot 35*C and we set out from Bannockburn after an all night train ride. It sure saves time by moving the train during the night when we sleep and the rocking of the train is soothing (most of the time). We take the mini bus for a 3 hour ride through beautiful, but dry country side, past many strange sites (like the bus in the pics below) to the Great Zimbabwe Monument. It is the 2nd largest pre-colonial monument south of the pyramids. Our guide for this monument was Phillip, who is part of this great experience today. We walk with him up to the King's Palace about 300 metres elevation (Almost straight up!) The views are fabulous. We go through numerous rooms and walkways while talking to Phillip - most of the people with us are much slower than what Phillip would like and so Shirley & I walk with him and it's almost like having a private guide. Phillip told us a little about his life as we walked down into Queens Palace and the museum. He is educated through to high school, but very intelligent, and has studied history and geography. His parents were a nurse and head master who were accused by the present government of being sympathizers of the anti government forces or at least of against Mugabe. One day, only ten years ago while Phillip and five of his brothers and sisters were at school, his parents and his youngest brother were locked in their home and it was set on fire! Phillip is now responsible for the his brothers and sisters as well as his own wife and 8 year old son. He is a 38 year old man who looks like he is in his earlier 20's, probably because he walks up this mountain more than once each day!!! He has the intelligence and ability to be a great teacher, but he can't get any good work because of his family being considered as one who is against Mugabe. Think of how difficult life would be in Canada if those who didn't like Harper were set on fire or at the very least couldn't get work!!!

Long day but very interesting. Returned to the train after buying some craft items - we have a different view of why we should buy some of these crafts after hearing about the locals difficulties. Had a drink in our cabin and discussed the day with our new friends (Carol & Ron). Went for dinner and "Lucy" came out for the night and sat on the bar dressed with an Arab head-dress! All is good even Shirley's sore throat and ears are a little better.