A New Volunteer 

So there we were Charlie my new volunteer and I sitting round the table at the Green Coucal in Mutare sipping creamy cappuccinos. It was my first trip back to Zimbabwe in a very long time. Although the shops were empty and the basic necessities very hard to come by everyone was in high spirits. It was so good seeing so many old friends and familiar faces. I listened open mouthed to the latest gossip thoroughly enjoying myself when a car pulled up. A boot was flung open and there was a rallying cry of Soap Powder! I watched in astonishment as everyone dived for their purses and to my amazement our table was evacuated leaving Charlie and I looking at each other bemusedly. "Where has everyone gone?" Charlie asked in bewilderment.

Soon everyone was back possessively clutching packets of soap powder and showing off bottles of green sunlight liquid, a look of triumph on their faces. As everyone settled down tucking their possessions into bags and baskets another vehicle drew up, this time the call was Salt! There was another mad scurry for purses and Bridget Holland led the pack. On her return slightly out of breath with a packet of salt clutched to her chest Bridget's blue eyes glowed with success. "You know Mandy" she confided "We have reverted back to being Hunter Gatherers". I had to laugh. The euphoria of this rather unexpected booty called for a celebration so bottles of wine were uncorked and glasses filled. As the afternoon sun lengthened and empty wine bottles lined the table, the music was turned to high volume and we all danced with gay abandon. Snaking our hips and pirouetting to the beat of the music it seemed so very strange that a bag of salt could make us all so very happy.

Charlie and I stayed with the Cleggs who proudly showed me their five daschund puppies fathered by my Daxie Mickey Retzlaff. Mickey had moved in with the Cleggs when he became very ill and was diagnosed as having an eroded pancreas. Jane restored him back to health by feeding him pig's pancreas He loved his new home and looked very fit and healthy. I congratulated him on his virility as proud mothers do. Jack, Jane's elderly Jack Russell had just returned from the vet having had a tumour removed from his penis. He was attractively adorned in a plastic bonnet to prevent him from licking. I am not sure if it was the romantic glow of the fire which Bill had to hastily light as there was no electricity but Mickey was so taken by Jack's appearance he became slightly confused. Much to Jane's horror and my amusement he quietly crept up to Jack from the rear and proceed to frantically roger the poor fellow. As Jack's bonnet bobbed up and down Mickey was hastily removed by the scruff of his neck and the object of his desire retreated to a far corner in utter disgust. 

Sadly it was time to leave so Charlie and I crossed the border. We caught a shappa back to Chimoio and managed to get a seat. Charlie’s face was an absolute picture as more and more people were squeezed in. The conductor must have been a contortionist he arched his back and hovered over our laps in a horizontal position. We arrived back safely and suddenly Mozambique seemed the land of plenty but not nearly as much fun as Zimbabwe. I think Charlie thought the same!!

If my emails make you smile please pass them on.

Mandy
Chimoio
Mozambique