I was once in Gaborone, the somewhat unassuming capital of Botswana. Just for a weekend, really. Everything was closed and the town was very quiet. My young self, well… younger self, was easily bored, so after a few days I hopped on a bus to much livelier Jo’burg across the border.
Gaborone jacaranda trees, photo by Tude e João
I was left with an impression of a rather dull town and had no particular desire to return. Then I read about Mma Ramotswe and can’t help but feel I just might have missed the more subtle charms of Gaborone.
These aren’t travel books in any traditional sense. Nevertheless, the author creates such a wonderful sense of place, and I always fall in love with the characters. Even the ones I don’t like.
Gaborone has come alive through the eyes of this inimitable, traditionally built lady detective who so clearly loves her country. I’m eager to return and have a fresh look: I want to sit on the terrace of the President Hotel, drink bush tea and watch life as it passes by. If I sit there long enough, I might see all of Botswana amble past. Even cows.
Botswana is cattle country. Photo by Smath.
I want to walk along Zebra Drive – and even though Mma Ramotswe won’t be sitting outside her house with a cuppa, who knows… another woman – traditionally built, maybe – will sit in her garden, willing to talk to a curious stranger walking past. Perhaps with jacaranda trees in her garden…
I’d like to window shop for shoes in Riverwalk Shopping Centre, thinking which inappropriate pair would appeal to the otherwise strict Mma Makutsi, associate detective. I’d like to bargain for souvenirs at the many stalls along the Mall, I’d like to meander through the tree-lined Village, the old part of town.
Cape Town and the Western Cape province is brimming with wonderful things to see and do. It’s also full of evocative experiences, of provocation and sadness. I’ve walked through the heartbreaking, but not altogether discouraging living conditions of Imizamo Yethu township, I’ve learned about canned hunting and I’ve seen the cell of the world’s most famous inmate, prisoner 466/64. I’ve also seen the spectacular scenery of the Cape Peninsula, learned of a worthwhile cheetah rescue project, and I’ve seen penguins. I’ll get back to all this when I’m back.
But for now, I simply wanted to talk a little bit about Botswana.
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Never heard of Gaborone, but you inspired me to follow Mma Ramotswe into the Ladies Detective Bureau. Thanks:)
ItalianNotes recently posted..A Palermo market taste of the Orient
Not the most famous of capitals, Gaborone.
oh those trees. So beautiful! Your post reminds me that not everything needs to be over the top to be amazing. Why do I always forget to savor the small things? I’ll have to pick up some of those books
Kate recently posted..The Swarovski Kristallwelten Museum – Like being inside of a giant crystal
Very true. There’s often a quieter beauty that sometimes take a little longer to discover – and appreciate.
I missed Gaborone as it was Maun I flew into (with a student pilot at the controls) and out of. But I’m like you and I love those books so would happily go back to try and absorb the essence of the place.
Leigh recently posted..A Photo Journey Through the Magdalen Islands in Quebec
Let’s meet and have tea on the verandah of President hotel, Leigh.
Nope, never. But I’d love to see those jacaranda tress in full bloom. I love them and remind me of Buenos AIres, funnily enough!
Ana O recently posted..Abridged travel guide to Montevideo [Uruguay]
Both nearing the Antarctic, so perhaps not so surprising there’s similar flora.
I’ve never been in Botswana, but you have given me cause to think about Gabarone, a place that has not really crossed my mind. Lovely post.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..A Sweeney First: Zip-Lining in Mazatlan
Thanks, Cathy
Those books really inspired me to want to go to Botswana too but haven’t made it yet. I love that they make the place seem “real” where people do the ordinary things you mention (even though they are detective stories!). So often what we see from Africa are the wonderful wildlife pictures, or, alternatively the stories of violence or famine, and it all makes the continent seem rather “unreal.”
Oh and that jacaranda – stunning. We have them here in the Canary Islands, but I’ve never seen them flowering in such profusion!
Linda recently posted..2012: Postcards to Myself
Beautiful aren’t they? Will definitely look for jacaranda trees when I’m in the Canary Islands next.
I haven’t been but loving those colourful blooms!
Andrea recently posted..A Day Visit To Philadelphia
Aren’t they gorgeous, the jacarandas…
Gaborone, Botswana is another place that I would like to visit thanks to Alexander McCall Smith. Love the first photo – I had no idea what a jacaranda tree looked like and that one is so beautiful – I can almost smell the blossoms!
Lisa recently posted..Kindred Spirits – Our Home Away From Home on PEI
We should meet there some time, Lisa: have tea, people-watch, and take it easy.
I know about the HBO series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, but I didn’t read the books yet. Unfortunately, I’ve never been to Botswana, but I would love to go there
Izy Berry – The Wrong Way Home recently posted..Where I Want To Go
The series is quite good and colourful, too – gives a good (although a more superficial) impression of Botswana.