I went to the Fair today! ...Yes, I went to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, an annual event that used to be the highlight of the year here in Bulawayo. I remember walking around the grounds and in the halls collecting every useless brochure (usually from mining companies and random foreign airlines) and sun visor I could get, eating loads of ice cream and candy floss, and topping it all off with a visit to the Luna Park. (In case you're quite confused, this would be when I was in junior school). I later became too cool for the Fair- teenagehood- and then moved away to university... But in the meantime the Fair was overtaken by changes in the Zimbabwean economy, and the general madness that came to be plastered on newspapers and tv screens everywhere. In fact, when I made the decision to go this year, it was because of the positive changes that are gradually happening in Zim. I thought that would be a good place to take the temperature of the economy, to see if things are really improving as much as I think.

Well, we went in early, and one of the first things I noticed is how small the crowds were compared to what I remember. By the time we left at lunchtime, things were a little better. (I think some people were probably twiddling their thumbs at home, and finally decided to check it out). The problem, I think, was the cost of entry; most ordinary people could not afford the $5 ticket (for adults). Still, I did see harried adults with streams and streams of children flowing behind them, so I guess some people made the sacrifice.

The second thing I noted was that there were not as many foreign exhibitors as I remember from my childhood. It seems to me there were many banks, NGOs, government departments and medical aid societies. There were some local manufacturers, and many, many SMEs. That seems a really good snapshot of the Zim economy right now. There are also many universities in Zim now- there were a lot of stands representing them. There were also a few countries represented, but it seemed to be mainly the SADC ones, and Iran.

I also saw a guy parachuting into the main arena- and people rushing towards the arena, attracted by this sight- so some things don't change, I'm happy to report :) Oh, and the interesting painting of the President- sorry, I didn't get the name of the artist :(

All in all, it was a good day out, and it brought back memories. I also did a bit of shopping, which is always the best part of any outing- right?

Images: The Coke Fountain, the Fair Spire, a painting of the Pres, the ZRP stand.