Our four nights in Mozambique have been a time to recover. Our first tour was rigorous and we were tired, but the flu bug or gastrointestinal demon that attacked us both was worse. So, we slowed down, took it easy, but still did some casual exploring.
Our first guesthouse in the green part of the old town was not so great, but our second hotel up the coast, adjacent to a mall, had everything we needed. We didn’t make it out to Inhaca, but we could see Ilha Xefina Grande, and used our imaginations.
On our first day, we took a little walk and a Bolt ride to downtown…
The little harbor that might’ve been the departure point for Inhaca was adjacent to the old Fortress of Maputo, so we went there and had a guided tour. Interesting place and conversation with our guide. Confirmed the evils of Portuguese colonization, but showed Mozambiquan resilience and reconciliation in the face of injustice.
Particularly disturbing was the story of Ngungunyane, the “Lion of Gaza” (different Gaza) who was captured and taken to Portugal where he died in exile. Particularly interesting were the little wooden dioramas depicting significant events in the history of Maputo and Mozambique. (Can you fine the one showing the woman who gave birth in a tree?)
There were also a couple of art exhibits, with paintings all by one woman – Dora – who apparently is the daughter of the man who fired the first shot in the war of independence against the Portuguese back in the mid 1070s. The different exhibits depict different struggles for Mozambique…
Then, we went to the “Fish Museum” just adjacent to where the fish are brought in. Again, we had a designated guide who was great, but spoke little English. We weren’t supposed to take photos in the main gallery, but it was OK if we were in them – selfies only?! So look past the people at the exhibits. An interesting interlude, but then I got horrible stomach pains and we went back to the guesthouse…
That night at dinner, after I had recovered, Alan got sick (returning his eaten food to the same plate!). So the next day, we took it very easy – and moved to the “StayEasy” Hotel up the coast, part of a large shopping mall. While Alan rested, I took a storll, first through the mall…
…then out to the beach. While the pool was inviting, the water was too cold and no afternoon sun…
Out on the beach people were having fun, enjoying the view, playing in the surf or on the sand, etc…
I did some beachcombing with my phone camera…
I found a hidden, private restaurant. Then on the way home, found a natural wood furniture vendor, amoung other sights. Took Alan back to the same restaurant for dinner, since we were both feeling better…
The next day we had a particularly good Bolt driver on our way back into town, so we contracted him to take us to several sites: the cathedral, Independence Plaza, the old fashioned train station, a few statues, several prominent buildings, and then up the coast past our hotel. The last shot in this batch is of the United States Embassy…
After a large seafood lunch, we walked all the way back to our hotel, encouring a few sights olong the way – including a fish market and a couple of huge makeshift restaurant extravaganzas (not unlike an agglomeration of food trucks).
Finally back at the hotel, again we took it easy, but popped into the mall for some Mexican food! (The center pic at the end of the batch above are Mozambiquean chili rellenos!) Early tomorrow morning we are flying to Durban South Africa a couple days before our next Intrepid tour. So, I’ll post now, and start again tomorrow. Obrigado!!!