Hi all
In my last post I mentioned an upcoming trip. It’s done. It was fantastic !
Our dear friend AJS arrived from the UK at lunch time on the 9th of August and after a quick-lunch we got to packing the Bongo. Our equipment list had 72 items on it ranging from a freezer to a head-torch and matches. One item was food and another beer !! We left the next morning at a sensible 09h30, heading towards Bulawayo, via Mvuma to Gweru. Here we had a quick look at the Military Museum and I do recommend it if you can afford to take an hour out of your journey. We arrived at our hotel, the first of many surprises for AJS, in Bulawayo at about 15h00 and checked in.
The grand reception
The right-wing
The left-wing
Nesbitt Castle !
This amazing folly was built sometime in the 1930’s by some strange but wealthy Englishman. It was derelict for many years but has now been lovingly and fantastically restored by the Nesbitt family. Well done to them I say !
Time now for very welcome cold beers and cokes in the Trophy room.
The Trophy Room
Yes that is a real elephant on the wall !
That Croc is enormous ! Compare it to the Zebra skin !
We were then shown to our rooms. AJS had a huge room but the wildly scattered clothing and underwear preclude me from showing it to you. My room however was spotless !
Very comfortable.
The little brass plaque on the headboard read “C J Rhodes”. Was it his bed ? I forgot to ask.
My wardrobe was very ornate.
We had a very pleasant afternoon out in the lovely shady gardens and then changed for Dinner.
The dining room
All of the furniture is lovely and has been carefully chosen to reflect the period.
The table settings were delightful
We were joined for dinner by GJW, a Bulawayo resident, and a delightful meal it was. We chatted long into the evening about our plans for the following weeks and eventually retired weary and well sated.
The breakfast room
The breakfast was magnificent. It is a communal affair as I guess the hotel only has nine or ten rooms. AJS had the full english version and I did well on the kippers and poached eggs !
Maybe I need to explain that AJS is not a birder but is passionate about the history of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe – a passion he has had since a boy.
We will get back to birding eventually – I promise.
Thanks for listening.
I will be back soon with the next episode
Cheers
Tony
