Harare

1 April 2008

Reporter: Martin Bondi

I don't have much time. I have to be out and on my way to Bulawayo. Randolph, my driver, tells me that the roads between here and there are pretty dodgy, so I've decided to write this now, as I figure the journey's going to be uncomfortable.

Today there is a sense of hope and frustration.

Hope, that the long days of the Zanu-PF are about to come to an end; and frustration, that the result is slow in coming.

Frustration leads to worry, so, last night I as I dined alone and had only the passing conversation of the waiters for company, I spoke to an imaginary Zimbabwean that I am going to refer to here as Mosphotali, which means "Hope Flowering" or something.

Martin Bondi: Mosphotali, thank you for joining me this evening.

Mosphotali: It is no problem, Mr Bondi.

MB: What do the elections mean for you.

M: They mean the possible end to Mugabe and is misrule. They mean a light at the end of a long tunnel.

MB: Thank you. Do you know where the toilets are?

M: They are in the lobby and then off to the right.

MB: Thanks.

[MB leaves. Returning 10 minutes later.]

MB: That's better. So, where were we? Where's my steak?

M: There is also frustration that the results are taking a long time. I do not know whether this is because they are trying to rig the results or whether they are trying to work out what to do. Maybe they are trying to make the results seem less rigged that usual.

MB: Mmmm. Can you believe my wife, Bridge? I mean. Christ. I only tried it on with the Italian and she goes spiritual on me. What's that all about? I need a whiskey.

M: Are you listening to me, Mr Bondi.

MB: Mmmmm, you see we've been together for ages but she knows that I'm not a one-horse type of guy. I was with her sister when I met her for God's sake.

M: It is time for me to go.

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Okay so, I have to get going. I'm taking my 'top and some supplies (cigarettes and that god-awful Johnny Walker) oh, and fucking Cindy's coming too.

Best.

MB.