Today, Mams and Jan went back to Belgium, the end of 14 days in Zimbabwe and Africa. For mams, the first time in black Africa, for Jan, memories from his Congo holidays coming back.
Though it was short, it was also very intens and diversified. They got to see parts of my work and parts of what Zimbabwe has to offer tourists. They met people from all walks of life, colleagues, friends, blacks, Indians, Belgian and other expats. Most of them were impressed that they had come, despite the entire catastrophy image that is portrayed in the western media.
The first week, in Harare, it was really great that she could meet some of our partner organisations, see some of the tools we are developing for artistic self expression of the children, how street kids turn acrobatics upside down, play capoeira, and how we develop these activities... Since she's also strongly involved in the solidarity group that is supporting our work in Belgium, and she's genuilly interested in this field of work, this was an outstanding opportunity.
The second week was more of touristy Zimbabwe. This map shows how we travelled around:
- From Harare to Great Zimbabwe (Masvingo): where there are stone ruins from 12-14th Century civilisations.
- From Great Zimbabwe (Masvingo) to Antelope Park (Gweru): to get a taste of the wild life in Africa, a carriage safari.
- From Antelope Park to Bulawayo and Matopos: the second biggest city of Zim and where 4 of my partner organisations work.
- From Bulawayo to Victoria Falls: see the Smoke that Thunders, in the biggest waterfalls of Africa.
- From Vic Falls back to Harare: by plane, Air Zimbabwe.
Lots of kilometers, lots of different places and people, but Mams, always interested and talkative, Jan, always ready to lend a hand and give advice. Thanks for coming! Hope these posts gave an idea of what they did, and inspires others to follow their example.
And maybe see them back in 2010?
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