Bulawayo
2 April 2008
Reporter: Martin Bondi
I am sat here in Bulawayo's most luxurious hotel. They tell me that it is the place that John Simpson and Bishop Lower Second stay at when they're in town. (No suggestion from the natives that they bunk together, though!)
The atmosphere has changed since yesterday. Things seem more optimistic. The election results that are coming out indicate that the MDC have done well and that Mugabe's grip on power is weakening - the fact that the 'papers are reporting this is, I am told, significant. The media here, we must remember, operates under a certain amount of control from the authorities.
I have to confess that I'd been hoping for a bit more action in the way of reportage, but it's been pretty tame so far. Fortunately, MB's being leading the charge on the fun dept. as per
The drive down here was sensational. All you could expect from a Rhodesian road trip and more! Bumpy bumpy roads, crazy sod behind the wheel and lots of Johnny Walker!
Another good thing is that Cindy and I seem to be getting on a lot better! It's a bloody relief, I can tell you. I'd had visions of icy silences in the car on the way here but there was none of it. I suspect the fact that nothing happened between me and the Italian filly had something to do with that. Not going to say too much, given that you're probably reading this back home, Bridge, but, well, let me just say: wild cat! Wasn't just those roads going bumpy bumpy - I sure that our driver, Randolph, poor bugger, didn't know where to look half the time - he must have kept his eyes on the road, as we got here in one piece!
I've heard that the roof top restaurant here serves up some pretty good game, so I'm heading down there with Cindy (steady on boy!) in an hour or so. For now I'm relaxing with a cigar, a bit of tapping on the old 'top (working okay now) and, of course, sipping that old Black Label.
Best.
MB.
