Arrested at Sukubva

A quick goodbye before I embark on my journey to foreign lands. I have survived an arrest. My charge was dangerous parking outside the Sakuba Clothing Market. It entailed a journey to the Sakubva Police Station accompanied by a policeman. I was in the company of the Divine Sarah Johnson our new agronomist who they took special interest in, saying that she should be married. While I was taken in for questioning the Divine Sarah was able to sit in the car. She phoned her parents to say her guardian was now in Police custody. I must say my legs had turned to jelly because I thought I might be in the cells for the night. Sarah's great nightmare was not that I might be under arrest it was the fear of having to drive the Landrover home by herself, which of course is older than her by years, and not being to double declutch. I was charged for Parking dangerously it seemed appropriate because we are in the year of living dangerously. They asked me if I was a farmer and was I British. I am neither I was able to answer truthfully I have been deprived of both those assumptions. I paid a 25,000 dollars fine and signed an admission of guilt. This took ages because they could not find the actual charge in the their handbook and thank god I had not spent all my money at the market, but I was eventually released much to Sarah's relief. 

So for Sakubva shoppers make sure you park off the road. We have had the greatest fun today at an Indian luncheon to raise funds for two African Students. It was just the most divine meal and the best day ever. We finished off at the Baines house drinking Irish coffee and dancing to The Rocky Horror Picture Show and yes I believe we are in a time warp. Amazing that we still have such fun times under these most terrible conditions. I am so looking forward to this new adventure and I can't wait to tell you all about it. From somebody who was nearly imprisoned we have to think of Spero Landos who is still waiting for bail. While we are tucked up in our warm beds this extremely cold winter it is hard to nod off without thinking of Spero. Love you all lots and take good care of yourselves while I am away. For all the wonderful people of Mutare and let me tell you, you really are wonderful look after the Gorgeous Kate and Pat while I am away.

Mandy Retzlaff
Bvumba
Zimbabwe