Tony

Zimbabwe is actually quite surprising. The airport itself was luxury - clean, big...toilet paper! I walked up a marble staircase as I entered the airport. The place was empty except for our little plan that just arrived. On the flight I felt like I was in another world, vertigo perhaps? I felt weightless and dizzy.

This is a different place altogether; it's beautiful. The houses are big and beautiful as we drive out of Harare, but maybe that is to be expected of the capital city? It's sunday so I see lots of white robed people walking and groups of them sitting in the grass listening to the one who stands.

Lots of dark wood trees with vibrant green leaves, my favorite combination. Big rock structures randomly placed by God in the middle of fields and forest areas bring delight to my eyes. I love everything I see. The thatching of roofs in Africa must come from this place. Even the round mud huts here have glorious roofs!

Tony is a white Zimbabwean. He drives a flashy red sports car and smokes. My head presses against the roof of his car as he drives. His eyes are gorgeous blue and he speaks a big effeminately. He says that Zimbabwe is all about connections now. The political strife has caused the people to join together and rise in resilience.

Resilient...that is the word those on my flight used to describe themselves as we rode on the bus from the plane to the airport. Each of them carrying bags of flour, rice, and one lady with a cool box full of meat. They've decided to fight, to thrive regardless of their struggles, regardless of their leader. I admire them.

They have rock gardens here, filled with rock statues, beautiful, smooth figures protruding from rough stone roots. Shirtless men sit, sweating, forming, chiseling, polishing, creating. The richness and effort invigorates me.

Tony was mugged last night. He has a nice sized cut on his head and a bruised face. The guys punched him repeatedly until he went down and then took his cash.

Land of contrasts, Oh Africa, you contradict yourself. I see now that the dark wood bark is actually burnt wood bark. The tree survives with it's rich green, chooses to thrive.