2015/2016 Three Continent Tour: Friday April 29: second last day Harare

I didn't make a walk this morning. Oh well. I am too fat at the moment, and look forward to the make over in India in June!! I met Anette, Carrie's charming friend at her lovely condo just around the corner, taking her some goodies from Carrie. A very lovely lady indeed, really into the arts. Then I went to buy milk tarts from Willomead Junction. Carrie and I took off after 10 for St. Georges to see the Prince Edward Marimba Band. They played under the trees, and I was very impressed with their playing. Most were A level black boys but there were a few younger juniors too. Their playing was excellent. I have a video of them if anyone is interested when I return. I chatted to them. They are an award winning marimba band, and I will see if there are any arts groups in Edmonton that would sponsor them coming out to play for us. Excellent technique, dramatic touches, dancing while playing, excellent coordination, dynamic control. I love the buzz of the marimbas, so Zimbabwean. Marimbas originate in Zim, as far as I know. Wish they could have donned authentic African skins, body paint instead of the Prince Edward jackets. I am an old Prince Edward boy.

Carrie and I met Don at the Aroma cafe, a great Italian restaurant in a lovely garden with an impressive gum tree. Super food, super company. Zim has top quality food, make no mistake!! Great service. I will miss Zim!!!!!!!!!

Above: Yesterday Don and I waiting for the lawn tennis to begin. Johnny Anderson, where are you?

Above: 7 legged spider. Carrie said he last a leg in an altercation with a cockroach.

Above: the bass marimba, and below tenor marimba

Below: Prince Edward marimba band

Below: younger player

Below: marimba under the trees

Below: so informal. They guys posed for me. They are REALLY good!!!

below: the charming tree where Don, Carrie and I had Italian lunch

Below: Carrie with her new head piece, against a big palm tree trunk

Well there's more! After 4 pm Gillian Layard, an old friend I haven't seen for 47 years, arrived. What an amazing story of courage and survival she has had over the years of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. It is a story of achievement, and great success. My mom taught her piano many years ago. She is right now in the midst of dealing with her brother's illness. At 6 PM Carrie and I took off to Iain McDonald's art show. We had a good time, looking at art, socializing, eating, and I bought his book too. What a great day! Tomorrow I leave Africa, sadly!