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Day 1
I certainly haven’t got any better at this sleeping on planes lark. Can’t understand how anybody can sleep when you can’t possibly lie down flat and the noise of the engines reverberates around your head. I’m looking around the cabin, and almost everyone is asleep. The powers that be won’t let me use my laptop, I’m dying for a drink and I’ve begun to read my book without taking in the words on the page. I have entered the zombie state.
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One day prior to departure
Today started rather well. On friday I went to an interview at the National Air Traffic Service for an information systems job, and this morning the personnel lady called to tell me I’d got it. Obviously my new suit had the desired effect. That means I can leve knowing I have a job lined up when I return. After receiving this news I went to buy some presents for Basil, his wife, and his personal assistant Pam. I’ve got a pocket-watch style desk clock for Basil, and some fragranced soaps for the women. Hope they like them.
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Seven days prior to departure
Finally the mystery surrounding my trip to Zimbabwe has been cleared, at least partially, with the arrival of a travel itinerary and a brief email from Basil about what I’m to be expected to do. The story begins about three months ago (March 2001), when a business contact in Zimbabwe asked me if I would like to spend some time with his company. I had never met him, and our only connection was through my mother, so I thought it remarkably trusting of him to assume I would be of any use to his business.
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Zimbabwe 2001
DayLocationSummary1LondonPlanning2HarareArrival, welcome, dogs3HarareFarmers’ meeting, factory tour, political debate4Harare / Reapers OfficeDealmaking, tour of office complex, requirements gathering5HarareLion park6Nyabadza VillageChurch service, meet the family7Rusape / HarareShelling begins, lunch at Basil’s farmhouse, withdraw cash from bank African-style10HarareWorking in the office11HarareWorking from home12HarareShopping, Cinema13HarareRestocking Simon’s shop14Harare / Reapers officeWorking at the office48Harare / Reapers officeWorking49Victoria FallsRiverboat tour, traditional dance show50Victoria FallsElephant safari, black-market trading51Victoria FallsWhite water rafting52Victoria FallsSwimming, trying to recover from sunburn53Victoria FallsHelicopter tour, flight back to Harare54HarareBack at work