Saturday, June 28, 2014

Balancing Rocks


We have spent hours among the boulders of Africa.  Though I've posted oodles of pictures and though it is almost always out in the hot sun that we've explored them, no matter where they are these giants are an awe-inspiring thing I want to photograph more.  Inspiring the old currency of Zimbabwe, these balancing creatures have become a symbol of the importance of development within the country in partnership with the preservation of its unique environment.  

We recently made it to Balancing Rocks, a national park that sits on the edge of Harare. The formations are a natural occurrence, caused by the weathering erosion of softer surrounding rocks.  Though these rocks can be found all over pockets of Zim, the Balancing Rocks National Park houses some of the country's most famous formations.  

 



The park can be found in the neighborhood of Epworth on the south-east edge of Harare, a unique place in its own right.  In the 1890s, this segment of farmland was established as a Methodist Mission Station.  During the 1970s and early 1980s, the Methodist Church had such a hard time dealing with a sudden influx of squatters on the land looking for affordable housing near Harare, that it finally gave the land to the Ministry of Local Government in 1983, sighting an uncontrollable population increase.  Unfortunately, Epworth had never been planned as a residential urban area, and this spontaneous population increase to this day suffers from a lack of public utilities like water, electricity, and sewage lines.  Only the schools and other public service centers enjoy electricity there to this day.  In addition, crime, murder, a lack of street names, and tragedies that occur when the rains demolish many of the houses made from un-burnt bricks make this a difficult place to live.  And right in the middle of it all?  That ironically symbolic juxtaposition of development and environmental preservation: a quirky national park where the boulders have witnessed it all.


  



 


 

  


 



 


  



Sunday, June 22, 2014

Chimanimani


Okay, so I may have this thing about falling off the side of a mountain. Specifically, I don't want to.
The Chimanimani National Park on the border of Zim and Mozambique left me thinking about this a lot.  Situated in the very south-eastern corner of Zimbabwe, the Chimanimani Mountain Range holds a number of amazing views for the hearty hiker.  

Though it may have been ironic bringing our two vegetarian relatives to a place called Pork Pie Mountain, the views more than made up for the strange name.

The most famous view, a waterfall called Bridal Veil Falls, is well worth the drive alone. Had it not been for the picnic tables and garbage cans, I would have thought I was on a deserted island of paradise or a movie set.

Like most places in Zim, the vegetation is an interesting mix of tropical and deciduous plants.

 

 


I love that no matter where one is in Zimbabwe, one is always reminded about male circumcision...


Like a number of places in the Eastern Highlands of Zim, Chimanimani is known for its hiking, which is usually safe from most of Africa's large predators.

The famous African and Music Arts Festival is held yearly in Chimanimani, giving visitors a taste of the arts amidst intense natural surroundings.  

Chimanimani was created for the nature lover, whether they are afraid of falling off mountains, or not.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Really, Rice Krispies?

  
At least in America they pretend they fill the box up by providing a big enough bag... 
Yes, I shouldn't be complaining.  There are Rice Krispies in Africa!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Busing



A recently humorous conversation at a friend's party with a marketing major -about marketing concepts that simply do not follow suit in Africa compared to other places- has inspired me.  I was immediately reminded that it is time to post another bus blog.  If you haven't seen the amusing bus names of Zim, few of which market themselves well enough to actually make me want to ride a bus, click here to see the full collection.
Here are some more recent goodies: (No photography awards will be granted today.) 

"Slow But Sure"

 
"Grasshopper God Is Great"

"God Breaking His Silence"

Mada Boss

"Most High God Deliver Me, Pamzimba, Leap of Faith"

"God Reigns"

 
"Uncle" and "Supremacy"

"One Stop"

 
"Future" and "Avanti"

"Love and Scandals"

"Rock of Ages" (you can baaarely see it if you look at the right angle...)

 
"Papie" and "Double Punch"

"Good Girls Praise Him"

 
"God Given" and "Believe"

 
"Boss K's"

"Road Link"

 
"Hard Core" and "Kelvin Sharks"

 
"Arsenal Fan" and "The Invincibles"

"God's Voice"

"Resurrection Power"