The Open Road by Melanie Mostert
(shared courtesy of Mel Mostert at Vayeni. com. The original blog can be found at this address – http://www.vayeni.com/blog/. The article is about Norma Jeane’s Lakeview Resort in Masvingo (Great Zimbabwe) near Lake Mutirikwe located in south-eastern Zimbabwe.
When you travel a new silence goes with you and if you listen, you will hear what your heart would love to say.” – John O’Donohue
This quote perfectly summarises the feeling I have on a road trip. There is something about driving to a destination that allows you the time to disconnect fully and gradually have the environment you’re going into to wash over you. That and allowing your body the time to adjust to the change in temperature.
This past week, I had the opportunity to travel to Great Zimbabwe. It IS October and, therefore, hot (!!!!) and dry. There is beauty in every aspect of this land even when she is dry and barren, the promise of tomorrow’s greenery is just below the surface. Although there were security checkpoints en route the police officers were friendly and actually provided humorous relief on the 4-hour drive to Masvingo.
A pitstop in Masvingo reminded us all that we were famished and as this was an adventure, we stepped into a local establishment to try out authentic Zimbabwean fare (sadza and chicken) and walk through their town square which is decorated with antique tractors and train engines.
The drive into Norma Jeane’s was a welcome relief simply because she presents herself as an oasis with lush green lawns and abundant flowers. Being gorgeous in her simplicity and unpretentiousness, this was a delightful beacon at the end of the road.
After a quick freshen up, I braced myself for the tour of Great Zimbabwe Ruins. The time of day, I believe was perfect, 4.30ish – sunset over the ruins what more could you ask for? The climb was quite arduous. The view from the top of the King’s Kraal breathtaking! I was struck by the ingenuity and industriousness of the people that constructed this city. The sun began to set and I stood (for a moment taking on the mantle of royalty) as I survey this kingdom of year’s gone.
On our return, to Norma Jeane’s a welcome and refreshing shower which I very quickly followed up with a sumptuous dinner. The almost full moon shone down on the path as I walked back to my lodge. A magical ending to this day.
Mel Mostert was born in Zimbabwe and raised on a cotton farm in Shamva until she was 8 years old. She immigrated to Switzerland where she primary schooled and returned to Zimbabwe as a teenager. Prior to leaving Switzerland, Mel and her family traveled the entire country. Upon returning to Zimbabwe, they embarked on the same kind of trip to re-familiarize themselves with their country. It was these adventures that gave birth to her wanderlust and also her passion for her country.
Mel has worked in and around the tourism industry since she was 20 years old. She joins the Vayeni team fresh from being Reservations Manager, Camp Hostess for VIP groups and Temporary Camp Manager at a luxury safari camp on Lake Kariba. She continues to still have the same enthusiasm and love for Zimbabwe and the region as she always has had.