Day out with the girls

Rumbidzai Mbewe Showbiz Correspondent
THE gathering of women in a confined space is generally perceived as a recipe for disaster due to their competitive nature and clashing attitudes. However, this isn’t always the case as ladies on their own can bond and have fun without the overbearing males being involved. We all know the classic girl’s night out (think dinner, drinks and dancing), but sometimes that night out at a loud bar (with ogling men) doesn’t make for the best conversation or bonding experience.

For that reason, my seven friends and I last Sunday set out for the scenic beauty of the Matopos, a destination we chose to celebrate our friend’s birthday.

The birthday girl, Chele, is proud of her tall, slim body, so she asked us all to wear the shortest jean shorts and white tops.

We met in the city centre at 10AM to buy some charcoal, meat, tomatoes, drinks and ice blocks which we would use at the Matopos Sailing Club. Since there were no men involved, we had agreed that each one of us would prepare things like salads, isitshwala and sauces.

Because of our dress code, all male eyes were on us when we got out of the two cars to buy drinks as we prepared to embark on the 36km journey. Many asked what the occasion was and eagerly wanted to join, but we politely responded with a “It’s a female affair”.

We got ourselves organised, we bought meat and drinks which we loaded in a cooler box, we each had to contribute $10 towards fuel and embarked on the journey. The different types of music played in the car, from the latest, Kaylow, Black Motion, Nathi, Zahara and Winky D was enough to get us into a partying mood.

From time to time, we took recesses along the way, not to relieve ourselves, but to dance.

We soon arrived at the Matopos Sailing Club. Entry into the venue is quite affordable, just $5 and you are in. We were charged an extra $5 as we had brought our own meat and drinks. If you are not in the mood for self catering, worry not, the guys there have everything.

We drove through and were met by a picturesque scene of the Sip and Confess dam. Amazing scene it was with the rays of the afternoon sun shining brightly on its calm waters.

Personnel at the club made us feel at home as they greeted and welcomed us. Since we were attracting so much attention, probably because of our irresistible outfits, one of the patrons who was parked close to us approached us and asked if they could prepare the fire for us. With our stomachs grumbling, we agreed and decided to give our firewoman, Robin a break.

While the fire was being prepared, we took our smartphones out and started taking selfies. We then went closer to the water because of the magnificent view. All that could be heard was the snap of the camera and the photographer telling us where to look and how to smile. We also used this time to catch up on our various business ventures and families, of course some gossip here and there.

Time was ticking and the meat was getting ready and all we cared about at that moment were profile pictures so we needed to get the perfect shots. There were not many people fortunately, so we personalised the venue.

For those who are into fishing this is a great spot for you. Some of the people there were busy with their rods concentrating on catching the fish. I hope our loud noise did not chase the fish away. If you are not into fishing, worry not, there’s so much you can do, well besides taking selfies of course. Canoeing is one of the many activities which we gladly partook in.

Eventually, our meat was ready. The chakalaka some of the girls had prepared was yummy and the meat well marinated, better than Nandos and Arizona Spur.

Suddenly, there was silence, everyone was now dipping in their plates and licking their fingers. The few words were “Can you pass me some salt” and “Who made this Chakalaka?” Fortunately there was no “Who burnt the meat/isitshwala?”

We spotted more cars making their way into the club as the sun was setting. After eating, one thing was left, boozing and dancing. Music was played at the venue and we danced along though we preferred to dance to our own music. Yoh!!! The dance moves caught the attention of a couple of guys who had just finished their cruise. With water dripping from their bodies, the men headed straight in our direction as they wanted to join the party. As they drew closer, they somehow seemed intimidated, probably thinking some men were with us. They chickened out and chose to watch us dance from a distance. For those who want to party after 6PM, it’s advisable you carry a torch with you as there’s no lighting outside. Fortunately we had some torches which we put to good use as we played games such as spin the bottle. Truth or dare and confessions were the order of the day. It got intense as everybody was throwing deep questions. Some could be spotted holding onto their glasses as they really hoped that the bottle doesn’t come their way.

Leaving the destination was difficult as we enjoyed each moment. At around 8PM we started packing, preparing for the journey back to Bulawayo.

Like us, the BMW Club will be celebrating their first anniversary today and they have chosen to go to the sailing club. So if you have a BMW, you may as well join your colleagues.