Things You Don't See Everyday...Unless You're In Zimbabwe!

As I've mentioned before, Zimbabwe is one of the poorest countries in the world. In fact, a South African friend recently told me that Zimbabwe and Haiti are essentially neck in neck for being the poorest country in the world. Not exactly a battle that you want to win! Anyway, about 9 years ago, the President (aka Tyrant Dictator) of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, kicked most of the white farmers out of the country and gave their land to his cronies in the military, as well as to his family, friends, and loyal supporters. The result? Disaster. The farms ceased to produce crops and have literally been left to rust and rot. A country that was once known as "The Bread Basket of Africa" because it produced and exported a surplus of food each year, is now known for poverty and mass starvation. The Zimbabwean Dollar, which 25 years ago was actually stronger than the US Dollar, is essentially obsolete. For example, a taxi fare in Zimbabwe currently costs 30 trillion Zimbabwean Dollars. Now that's inflation if I've ever heard of it! In light of their collapsed currency, Zimbabwe currently operates on the US Dollar and the South African Rand.

You don't see this everyday. Zimbabwean Dollars litter the streets, as they have been essentially deemed worthless.

Dudes carrying around big rifles--also something you don't see everyday...unless you're in Zimbabwe!