Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Back down the Beira Corridor


Dear Friends,
Hope you are all fine.

I had to go back to Zimbabwe for a Residency Permit...so it was back  down the Beira Corridor, over the car eating potholes , through the flooded areas, through green, green fields, and into Zimbabwe!  There, the country seems to be recovering from the worst inflation known on earth. The shops are full of goods and full of people shopping. That was wonderful to see.

But there are a lot of extremely serious political and social issues brewing and I pray things remain calm in Zimbabwe.  For a dissident view, if you are interested in the country, you can google Zimbabwe Situation. I did have a wonderful morning shopping and chatting with the ever friendly people.

Here in Beira there is a worrisome lack of rain. It’s hot as can be. We are eating avocadoes, mangos, pineapples, guava, and a lot of shrimp and octopus.  I visited the house of a local “Traditional Healer/Witch Doctor”. (Many people tend to go to a traditional healer before going to clinic) or hospital). Her brother had been working in Germany , so we could chat in German! There are many Mozambiquans who worked in East Germany before the collapse of the East Block and they all speak German.  It’s so much fun to meet them, as my Portuguese is a big struggle and English isn’t an option!

I am reading A Complicated War, the Harrowing of Mozambique, about the horrendous war that took place here in the 80’s and into the 90’s. I really recommend it if you are interested in Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is horrifically spell binding.

Now Mozambique is brimming with exuberance, projects, schools, all trying.  Let’s hope for peace and forward progress in southern Africa!
Sending all the Best and take care!!
Emily