MY ZIMBABWE DIARY XII: SANGANAI DAY 3 (AWARD NITE & CLOSING CEREMONY)
June 18, 2016…
I got out of bed and went downstairs with my camera, knowing most of the other guys in the group were leaving Bulawayo this morning. Aminata and Peter had left the previous day, while the rest of the group were going to the Antelope Park at Gweru on their way to Harare, and then to their various destinations.
We still had business to do in Zimbabwe. We would be heading out of Bulawayo tomorrow on our way to Masvingo, the ancient city. It felt somehow awkward watching the guys outside with their luggage and getting on the bus. We had become family over the course of two weeks or their about.
Lizzie was now in charge of Michael and I, since Belinda had introduced us to her a couple of days before. She was to take over today, while Belinda led the rest of the group to Gweru. Everywhere just felt empty as soon as they were gone. Lizzie wasn’t around this morning. We were to meet her at the Expo grounds.
Michael and I went to the ZITF Grounds around midday and took a look around. It was not as rambunctious as it had been the previous days. Those still around were looking forward to this evening – the closing ceremony.
We hooked up with Lizzie and took a ride downtown to explore the Khami Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and had to leave without completing the tour because we needed to be back at the hotel to freshen up and get ready for the Award night and closing ceremony of the 2016 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo.
The Award Nite and closing ceremony was a grand occasion which was brought to a befitting close by the legendary Zimbabwean artiste, Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi.
