Most of the first week was been taken up by the annual workshop for the project that I work with, which was held near Hwange National Park. Whilst we were attentive to the agenda and lots of good discussion took place, our meeting venue afforded sweeping views of a popular waterhole. So at times it was impossible to stay focussed when either a herd of buffalo or elephants came for a drink. We were allowed the occasional 10 minute break to (literally) refocus: to observe the wildlife at the waterhole and then back to the discussion. The panorama shots show both the lodge and the waterhole; the latter after the night time rush is over and before the day time activity begins. I hope you can appreciate the challenge to stay focussed! 🙂 Distractions aside and from my study perspective, the meeting was hugely encouraging as the critical issue of young people’s work opportunities (or lack of) received attention and I have plenty of contacts to follow up with.
parrygraphs 
Good to hear a productive few days but I can understand the temptation to focus elsewhere!!
We were very, very lucky to see the quantity of wildlife that we did. Aided by how dry the area is and the importance of the waterhole and the mineral licks. At night the elephants were mere meters away and such a privilege to see them so close. On one evening when I’d left a few colleagues viewing several elephants ‘out the front’ I went back to my room to find one right below the balcony of the second floor where our rooms were. If I’d jumped off I’d only have had to drop 1 meter to land on its back. Whilst the front viewing area had a big ditch to separate humans from the wildlife, round the back elephants and a group of impala were just wandering freely around the car park. Along with who knows what else … including lions. Marvellous opportunity and productive too. xkx
so happy to see you start your work happily and seems all going well. its great to be so close to wildlife. i can imagine how exciting to jump on an elephant just one meter land distance.lol. good on you.our amazing sister.work safe and enjoy your very special journey.lovexxx
Having read the above comments, yes, you were right amongst the elephants and buffalo. I understand now how hard it is to concentrate on the task at hand. Amazing! xx
We did our best, Lois. And we did get a lot of work done. I did not get any night time shots but the elephants were much closer at night. Just brilliant. xkx
Thanks for the emails glad to hear you’ve swung into meaningful business so soon. Looks fascinating & very different animal scenes. Keep the stories coming I’ve been thinking of you often.
You know me and my cross-cultural research anxieties!! But I feel genuinely welcomed at the project officer/government official scale with several going so far as to say that an ‘outsider’ is a useful position. So that is very encouraging. Of course, at the farmer and youth level there may be a different reaction but, overall, the Zimbabweans are welcoming and with a great sense of humour.
There are plenty of interesting first names eg Honest, Beauty and … even Anxious. I kid you not! So given my propensity for being the latter, I’m wondering if I should choose this as my Zimbabwean name? I hope the reno is going well. Some photos by email, please. xkx
but where are the people? and I agree with the other posts!
Behind the fence and gazing absorbedly at the wildlife … but not in field of view. You are right though, I’m less of a people photographer and more the scenery. xkx
How rewarding an experience this is going to be not only for you but also the young folk you interact with. Have fun xx
Thanks for both your comments. Yes, I expect it will be a rewarding experience and I certainly hope it will be useful for young people. The economic constraints are so tough for Zimbabwe that it is a bit of struggle to see where your research might make a difference. But early days yet and I will start interviewing next week. xkx