Zimbabwe is rich in minerals: there are gold, diamonds, chrome and coal, among other things. This is mainly mined in the area around Hwange; and that’s what the surrounding area looks like: black and desolate!

However, Zimbabwe is also a very fertile country. And not just in relation to the children who meet us at every turn and happily wave at us. No, Zimbabwe also has very fertile soil. This is particularly true in the Eastern Highlands. The earth is red and fertile, as pretty much everything that doesn’t grow in Switzerland grows in it: tea, coffee, bananas, cashew nuts, avocados (as big as small footballs!), oranges and nectarines.

You buy these foods at small stalls along the street. It’s always entertaining to see the salespeople (mostly women) rush towards our car as we approach. This was also the case on October 26th, 2023, in Hauna. As soon as we stood, we were surrounded by sales women. Some offered bananas; the other avocados and coffee packed in a plastic bag. You don’t even have to get out of the car to go shopping – where can you do that in Switzerland?

And then the prices! Whatever you buy, it costs $1! (The locals don’t want to know anything about the local currency «Bond») Another good news for smokers: Pacific Storm cigarettes, an American blend with the best tobacco from Zimbabwe, cost exactly the same!

PS: If you want to know more about fertile Zimbabwe, read here.