dfjordan

I left Rhodesia in 1977 and would like to take a trip back to see it all again even though I know it´s not the paradise it once was. I´ve read loads of scathing reports about the place but have also seen a couple of videos taken in 2010 of Harare that don´t look bad at all, in that it looks clean, people seem well dressed, the stret aren´t full of beggars etc, but I don´t like the idea that the police/judicial is so corrupt, whcih gives the impression that the rule of law doesn´t work. Are there any expats out there who could give me their opinion of how things are for tourists as against residents?
Thanks

kiwibok

Geez, 1977. Lots has changed since then..

ededed

A typically insightful contribution.

ededed

Some potential good news could be on the horizon...

http://www.news24.com/Africa/Zimbabw...pital-20120409

Although - one suspects nothing will change and his legacy will live on.

kiwibok

Doctor: We did all we could. But unfortunately...he's still alive

ededed

Alfresco

Pablo

Let us hope there is an end to his tyranny. But as you say, it's too late either way: he has wrecked the place and it will never really recover.

Note, by the way, that throughout the sanitised/censored SA version of the article lifted from the UK Daily Mail, the word 'tyrant' (UK version) has been replaced with 'president' (SA censored version)

rambler101

Hi, I've been to Zimbabwe quite a lot recently (last time was in February this year), and yes, there is extreme poverty, but the people remain extremely friendly, helpful, and full of humour.

You would enjoy visiting Harare, which is run-down, but you can get about, buy the essentials, stay in hotels, and so on, without any problems. I took the night train from Bulawayo to Vic Falls a while back, and while it is also falling apart, it was a memorable experience.

So go there, and see for yourself. Before the elections, when things will almost certainly become extremely ugly.

Sue

Hi rambler, welcome to BE. Pop by our introductions thread and say hi.

dfjordan

thanks for your input rambler101, but I think I will wait until our friend kicks the bucket before I make any plans as from what I've read, his nominated successor could be even worse

Fionamcdonagh

I'm Zimbabwean and my mom is still over there up nr vic falls.

Auld Yin

So, what does she say about conditions/situation?

Fionamcdonagh

She is running a fishing resort in mlibezi and of course it's not as full as it used to be but when we went over last march there were loads of tourists staying waiting to catch the ferry to Kariba. So much so some of them had to use camping facilities so I guess tourisim is perking up.cost of living is ok I suppose I send my mom £100 a month and she tops up her salary and is able to survive well on this. My brother is in mining and he earns a good wage he is able to rent house share with friends for partying in town at weekends mine is gweru so he leaves for Harare at tine off. Conditions...... Well everything is run down and that's typical across Zimbabwe but you are able to buy everything in shops and put fuel in your car. We flew out with our 3 month old daughter and had no concerns for our safety. Sometimes you have to keep your mouth closed when certain things aresaid and you will be fine. There is nothing like the feeling to me when I touch down in Zimbabwe it's home. Ask any questions and if you need to know Nything else I can call my mom and ask her to find out.

johnnybzw

Hi Dfjordan, I'm Zimbabwean - but been living in London for 7 years for obvious reasons... I've managed to get back once or twice a year for holiday and went back for Christmas recently. Honestly every year I've been it had got worse and worse - especially 2008 when literally every single shop was bare...like not a tin of anything on the shelves. I have no idea how anyone survived but they did. Now that they scrapped the Zim $ and are trading in US$ I can't tell you the change! Honestly the place is buzzing and so full of optimism I came back to London, lasted one day in the office and handed in my notice. I've just bought 2 cars to take back and leave June 1st for Zim!! And honestly everything there is absolutely fine...everyone is friendly - even the police! Just smile and you'll be fine. Fiona I can concur - we went all round the country and Harare and Vic Falls were by far the most affluent. Shame Byo is really struggling because obviously it's an opposition area so NO money goes into the whole province. Jordan you might be a little shocked at how nothing has been built pretty much since independance and there are no street lights or any luxurys like that anymore - they've also resorted to growing crops along main roads and in some roundabouts which makes it feel more like the rest of Africa but it still is exceptionally beautiful with wonderful people and tons more opportunity than here so I'm off! If you need a place to stay or anything or recommendations of where to go don't hesitate to shout. Fiona I love Mlibizi - we stayed at the Knox's place a few years ago - where's your mum working as I definitely want to head up to that end of the lake asap so having somewhere nice to stay would be a bonus! And contrary to the above I'm kind of hoping the old man will hang on for another year or so - it's relatively stable for the first time in a decade and the last thing anyone wants is more upheaval...anyway fingers crossed it all works out for Zim in the long run!