Cottage Industries

While our kids undoubtedly think that there is more to do in Zimbabwe than there was in Paraguay, there is still a sense that entertainment is not exactly abundant.  So one thing that occurs frequently are fairs - at schools or various properties here in the northern suburbs - which are mostly for small merchants to show their goods.

At one of these fairs (the one at HIS), I discovered that a woman I know runs one of these cottage industries.  When it came time to buy a gift for some pianists at our recital, I decided to try to patronize her shop.  When I asked her where it was located, it turned out that it wasn't her shop but rather a workshop where they also sell retail.   I went with a friend of mine and it was fun to see where they make the pottery from start to finish.  Here's one of the items I bought:

The funny thing is you can't ever find the info for any of these businesses on the internet.   Since the most recent phone book we have is 2006, I'm not sure where you can find out about the businesses unless you know the owners or go to the fairs.   

Messiah in the Southern Hemisphere

Last weekend was the 38th consecutive performance of Handel's Messiah here in Harare by the Marden Singers (local choir) and my second annual performance.  While the music is of course familiar the setting is a bit different - a beautiful 90 degree day with no air con (as it is called here).  It made for one sweaty performance!

The (mostly white) audience was highly appreciative despite the long first half (an hour and a half) and the firm benches they were sitting on.  Tea of course is served at the "interval" (I was told that drinking hot tea cools you off) and wine and cheese were served afterwards.

I was happy to see some representation from the US Embassy community this year - even the Ambassador and his wife were at the first performance.  Previous musical events have not had any embassy attendance so it was a pleasant change.  Hopefully there will be even more at the next big event - when Abigail will be a soloist with the Harare Chamber Orchestra!

UN Day

I've been falling a little behind here on the blog - in part because I'm starting to think that if I don't start publishing my photos in a different way the blog is going to be full.  The last post I wanted to do was all full of pictures, so instead I'm reporting on an event from yesterday while I sort out the photo issue.

The UN day celebration this year was special for me because it featured a lot of music.  Here are two of the violinists in their country dress:

Not only did the celebration feature music, but it was started off by a solo in the spotlight by Abigail, soon joined by two of the other violinists as they came down through the auditorium.  After they reached the stage, the curtain went up and showed the orchestra ready and waiting to join the soloists.  It was a great moment and Abigail did a great job.

Later in the performance I joined the girls in their string quartet since their cellist is on leave from school this semester.  I was especially happy about that performance because Arianna had a rather serious concussion the previous Saturday (after falling off a horse while jumping) and had been on doctor's orders to rest for a week.  The UN Day performance was the first real "back to normal" thing she did and I am incredibly thankful that she is recovering well.

The ceremony ended with the flag parade - which is always an impressive display of the many countries represented at HIS - and the national anthem (of Zimbabwe, of course) .  After the ceremony we once again enjoyed food from the many nations - a great end to a good day!