Harare -- Day 6

Battled the snail-paced Internet connection for most of the morning and found out I burned all of Paul's 500MB daily limit in doing so! After getting through work emails, left the house around 1 and headed to the Dune Estate for lunch with Simon's best friend, Richard, and some shopping (much to Simon's chagrin). Along the way, we stopped at the local Apple reseller to charge Nina's Macbook Air -- she left her charger at Impinge and the folks at the store were kind enough to charge the computer for her while we were at lunch. Ended up missing the turn into the store's parking lot and instead turned into the neighboring complex that looked like a delapidated old office block. As we were turning around, a plain-clothed guard approached the car aggressively and asked Simon "where do you come from" through his open window. Being a tough Zimbabwean, Simon quickly explained he'd made a mistake and was turning around. And despite the guard's apparent interest in continuing the discussion about Simon's lineage, we proceeded to quickly exit the lot. We all found the guy's aggression odd for such a rough looking facility. When we went back in to fetch the charged computer, I asked the receptionist what went on next door. She smiled prettily and said "oh, that's the CIO -- did you drive in there and have a hassle? it happens quite a lot" CIO is the equivalent of the CIA in the States. Close call, I'd say. Sure am glad I wasn't driving!!! The American accent would've likely caused a bit more tension (though I am practicing my Zimbabwean twang).

Joined Paul later in the afternoon for a visit to the local gym, Triton, and an hour-long training session with his personal trainer. Dashed back to the house for an incredible dinner and visit from Simon's grandfather, Des.