Having arrived in Bulawayo after a good chat with my new Zimbabwean friend Cyril on the bus, I was greeted by my friend Liesels brother Dale and his kids. I was invited to stay at Leisels moms house during my stay in Bulawayo and would meet Leisel herself when she arrived from Johannesburg the next day..Our plan was to spend some time in Zimbabwe exploring and sightseeing before heading to Joburg together where she lives. She had so many amazing plans for me that encouraged me to extend my flight by 2 weeks which meant I could finally have some time in South Africa too. I had met Leisel in Rishikesh, India and here we were in Zim together, such a small world!
Her mother was so welcoming and I had my own cosy bedroom in her lovely house which was such a luxury for me who had been on the road for so long. Her cooking was also amazing! When Leisel arrived we had such a good catch up and she introduced me to all her friends and family which helped me understand the Zimbabwean way of life better than I would have as just a traveller. We celebrated Mother's Day over a big feast cooked by her sister in law the next day and we all sat in the sun enjoying each other's company for the whole afternoon.
Leisel took me around town and introduced me to lots of people, took me to museums, national gallery's and we went on a 'tour' of her old house which amazed me. It was like something from MTV Cribs! I was spoiled rotten by all of her mothers amazing meals and hospitality and even learned a lot about the history of Zimbabwe and the huge economic crash through her experiences. Leisel planned to take me to so many more places and now that I had time, I could look forward to enjoying every minute. We went to the townships nearby and took some dresses to be altered which gave me a different perspective on the city compared to dining at some really lovely garden cafes in town. I began eating meat again here in Bulawayo and I was glad to have the chance to taste home cooking once again and especially here in Southern Africa.
I couldn't have had a better experience so far in Bulawayo and to be integrated into the lifestyle like I am. Tonight I look forward to sunset over the beautiful Matopos National Park and tomorrow I look forward to picking up my new dresses and enjoying a night out here in the city with a big group of new friends! Bulawayo - to be continued :) :)
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