Day One In Mozambique

After 30 hours of flying we finally arrived in Maputo, Mozambique.

 

Immigration was a piece of cake, surprisingly.  It must have been the Blue Unicorn who was my travelling companion.  

Customs was another story. 

 In addition to Khi, the Blue Unicorn who I was transporting, I was carrying approximately 300 lbs of luggage that included 3 ultra sound machines and the associated impedimenta plus other strange medical devices and 30 lbs of paper for the ultrasound print outs.  Sierra had ensured I had all the paper work but the customs men wanted to see the actual invoices before they would release me and the baggage.  Apparently even though the equipment was donated they still wanted to tax it so many "I's" needed to be dotted and "T's" crossed for this to even happen long before my arrival.  

Not surprisingly for those who know her, Sierra was late to the party but arrived just in time bearing the necessary invoices and with her knowledge of Portuguese we were set free an hour later after a surprisingly polite discussion, none of which I understood.  Interestingly none of the other stuff I was carrying (including the two large jugs of maple syrup) was even questioned.  

By the way, Qatar Air is the way to go.  Again, the Blue Unicorn helped but cleanliness and kindness seem to be the norm for the airline.  And they had showers in the Business Class lounge when we arrived in Doha!!!

Waking Up Today

This is the morning view from my bedroom window.  That is the Indian Ocean in the distance with a Papaya tree below and palm trees down the road.

I must say after living in Canada where litter along the roadside is rare it is the first thing I noticed upon arrival. Plastic is ubiquitous.  When I become Queen of the world I'd do what they do in Rwanda and have one person from each household  pick up litter for a half day every month. Solve that problem.

For the good news, Maputo looks really interesting. In some regards it reminds me of cities in Mexico or Costa Rica. A mixture of colonial architecture and urban sprawl. Roads are good, city appears to be functioning, people are busy, traffic is chaotic.  I'll post a photo of  the city later - I was too stunned to take one yesterday.   

Sierra lives right along the ocean as one can see.  There is a road below which can be busy, at least in the morning, and a dirt walkway for bikes and those who walk.  Yesterday afternoon we walked to a park with playground not far from the house, adjacent to an ice cream place.

For those who live on or know Saturna, this will be especially poignant.  There is help here to do just about anything one could want or imagine, and they are happy for the work.  This morning, in addition to Marisella who is the Nanny and Household Manager, I met the gardener, two carpenters who are helping repair items for the house, the guard for the compound and Khi's Capoeira"s teacher who arrived bearing the coolest tiny boom box I've seen.  It's definitely a different world here, one where day is literally night at home and the living must be challenging but seems luxurious as I watch it unfold around me.  That said, Sierra was off to the Emergency ward at 8:00 a.m.  which is what keeps this show running. 

Khi and his teacher doing the moves...

The COVID Update

Covid numbers rose with the Delta variant but are dropping again n Mozambique. Why?  The country doesn't have the infrastructure for rapid vaccine roll out but there is the requirement for mandatory masks  with fines or a least an unwanted hassle from the police if caught not wearing one. Beaches are closed. Schools are temporarily closed. Restaurants close at six with last call at 5:00 p.m. No liquor is sold after 1;00 p.m. Markets are only open on specific days.  No movies or nightclubs either.  And enforcement.  It works!

Stay tuned.  Love from Africa