No Side Trips for YOU!

Thursday - July 28, 2004

Besides making a few updates to some of the databases that I keep track of here, today was a real snoozer. The Democratic convention continues to go well. John Edwards gave a fantastic speech to accept his nomination for the vice presidency. It struck me as having equal parts of compassion and toughness on terrorism. Just the right balance. I especially loved the part where he told the terrorist that they could not run, they could not hide and a Kerry Administration will destroy them.

It becomes less likely that I will be able to go anywhere while I’m here. I’ve pretty much given up on the notion and am trying to make peace with it. I know it’s shame to come here and see nothing: no safari, no Vic Falls, no Great Zimbabwe. Well, if this damn place had the ability to accept credit cards, we’d be fine. If there was a way to get the hell out of Harare, that would be fine too. But neither one is the case, and I did not come here prepared to pay CASH for my pleasure trips. Everyone is harping on me for not seeing anything while I’m here. I’ve TRIED, people! Tried and failed! Leo says why not just extend your trip, or re-route yourself through Vic Falls on the way home. Easier said than done. Also, psychologically, I’ve prepared myself for a return on Aug. 20. I did not think I would need to extend so that I actually GO somewhere while I’m here. Had that been the case, I’d do it. But I haven’t, and I will be ready to go home three weeks from today. It’s not like this is luxurious Western Europe with easy travel and wide acceptance of credit cards. I would love to see Vic Falls at the very least and go on a safari, but I don’t see how that is possible. It’s not safe to go into rural areas alone, and I can’t find a tour or a group to go with to save my life. I frankly don’t WANT to extend my time here, and I will be more than ready to go home when my time arrives.

Eddie came at 4:30pm to pick me up since he had to be at the doctor’s at 5pm. This was fine by me, especially since I’m supposed to get off at 4:30pm anyway. I stay until 5pm to make a good impression. The feedback so far has been good, so it must have worked. I had dinner with Morris (Pet was working late) and then went into my cabin. Pet came home and said to not leave her alone. She then said to get dressed (I was in my shorts and T shirt for the night) and come inside and we’d go for dessert. So I did. We went to a dessert shop/coffee bar. I had a nice piece of chocolate cake with hot chocolate to drink. I came home, called Richard around 10 pm to see how his exam went, but I think he was still taking it. I’m sure he did well, but I do feel nervous for him