The Beginning

Four years ago, we had just left Zambia and arrived back in Bulawayo with no jobs and nowhere permanent to live.  We happened to bump into a friend of ours who mentioned that he knew of a house that was coming up for rent soon.  It was a large, rather unusual house in Hillside and was currently being rented by Alliance Francaise.  After viewing it, we liked it, although it was far too expensive for us.  Set on three acres of largely indigenous garden, it comprises of the main house, two cottages and what is euphemistically referred to as 'the studio'. The original thatched part of the house dates back to 1925 and is a feature in itself.  We personally believe it was a barn that has been converted into a house!  The doors come in all sorts of sizes, as though someone knocked them together one day with little idea of, or regard to, building specifications.  As was typical of many of the early settler houses, the kitchen and one of the bathrooms were once each separate buildings. They were joined to the main house in the 1960s when another two bedrooms and a bathroom were also added.

After deliberating for a couple of months, we decided to go for it.  We would rent the property with the idea that we would rent out the cottages.  However, we did not want anyone permanently on the property.  We did not want to be stuck with people we did not like for years on end or to have to put up with their friends and family coming to visit.  We still wanted our privacy, but needed to make some money.

The idea required a certain investment from us: we bought beds, furniture and kitchen equipment.  We wanted the cottages to be simple but not basic; there is a subtle difference between the two.  As we are both lovers of antiquities, we wanted to create a certain 'vintage' appeal.  We have never installed television, although we do offer wi-fi. At first, we only advertised locally, but now we are also on booking.com and AirBnb.

Our lives, and our attitude, has changed considerably since we first started. We used to bend over backwards to accommodate people and their various whims; nowadays we adopt more of a take it or leave it attitude.  Sometimes, I have to admit, we are happier when people don't come and stay than when they do!  Having people stay is often restrictive and, even when they are not demanding they are still there.

We have met a very interesting range of people since we started.  Some we have been very glad to see the back of and others have become friends.  For the most part, we have enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and sharing a part of their story, whether it be a holiday, a business trip or a family visit.

I have started this blog for two reasons: one, because I feel the need to put some of these stories down on paper and, two, because living in Zimbabwe is not easy.  Every day brings a fresh battle, another thing to overcome.  It is easy to become depressed and pessimistic about the future and I don't blame anyone who does.  However, a sense of humour can help lift that gloom and there is always something to laugh, or at least smile, about. I see this is as a form of writing therapy and I hope that any readers will find, if not comfort, at least a moment of laughter.