Whilst journalists like the Guardian‘s Chris McGreal were reporting from inside Zimbabwe in June (Zimbabwe’s voters told: choose Mugabe or you face a bullet), others were getting a more – well – ‘considered’ view.

According to the Herald in Harare, a couple of British travel writers managed to evade the political violence ripping the country apart to see the ‘real’ Zimbabwe:

At a Press briefing in Harare…two British journalists based in Dubai, who arrived in the country yesterday morning, said they felt safe in Zimbabwe…

“I feel pretty welcome in Zimbabwe. I was greeted with smiling faces and I’m interested in seeing what the situation in Zimbabwe is like.

“This is not my first visit to the country as I last visited the country eight years ago,” said Kate Hazell of ITP, a media group with over 200 publications.

She was at first reluctant to come to Zimbabwe in view of the adverse media attention but she said she was aware of how the truth could be manipulated.

Speaking at the same briefing, Adam Wilson of AMG media group said they had been given an opportunity to see Zimbabwe for themselves instead of relying on what they read in the media.

“I am looking forward to the time I will spend in the country. I would like to see the day-to-day life of the people of Zimbabwe and I am sure the memories of the seven days I will spend here will last a lifetime.

” Zimbabwe is an amazing country with friendly people,” said Adam.

I’m sure they’re very embarrassed.