We are docked at Maputo in southern Mozambique, today. Mostly cloudy today and a pleasant 79 degrees. This is a very poor country and take my word for it, you need not come visit here. I seriously doubt it is a very safe place for whites during the day and especially at night.
Historical/Background Info:
Another
new port for us. Maputo is the capital
of and located near the southern end of East Africa’s Mozambique. Maputo is a port city with a population of
just over a million. Its economy is
centered on commerce. Maputo has a
vibrant cultural scene, with many restaurants, music, performance venues, and a
local film industry. Its economy is
centered around its port, through which much of Mozambique’s imports and
exports are shipped. The chief exports
include: cotton, sugar, chromite, and
hardwood. In addition to trade, the city
has a robust manufacturing and service sectors.
Interestingly, all land is legally not for sale as it is all the
property of Mozambique.
LAST EVENINGOn our way to the church service in the theater we saw the culinary staff about to have their photo taken so I snapped one to. Then we discovered the service had been moved to the card room. Glad we had not heard the change of venue because I would have not gotten this photo.
Bernalyn gave me this shinny new soup spoon for my potato soup. We both had the deep fried pork cutlet for our entrees.
John and Paul's (Beatle show) was another great one.
TODAY
As approached Maputo we sailed past many cargo ships waiting to get into the port.
We will be docking this side of the nice bridge.
Our dock is just to right of the building. Very close to the bridge.
Our parking spot
Getting close to pier.
We were docked shortly after 9am. After the ship was cleared they offloaded the guest's luggage for those going on the 4 day overland excursion. It was nearly noon however before the excursions left.
After I did my hour exercise I changed and walked off the ship to see a little of the town on my own. The vans with luggage carriers were arriving when I left the ship at 10:30. the vans were very nice.
It was a long walk down the pier to get to the cruise terminal. I passed by this huge fishing boat on the way.
Lots of other boats further down the pier.
The terminal was large and basically empty except for some handicrafts for sale.
Colonial era buildings from the Portuguese 4 centuries of ruling. The country gained its independence in 1975. Here are some buildings of that time.
I could see the dome of the train station from our suite and knew it was close by. So I headed there to take a photo of the station. To my surprise there were thousands of people marching around in front of the station. I did not know if they were protesting something or what. I later discovered it is Labor Day here and they were celebrating.
I walked past this mosque while heading to what seemed like main street.
Main street full of people celebrating Labor Day.
I only walked a few blocks and realized being a white person I stuck out like a sore thumb. Although only one guy made a comment "FU", the rest were ok. As I walked back towards the cruise terminal a guy was trying to sell me a red cap. It looked to be of very good quality. He walked with me for a block and a half not taking no for an answer. He want $10 initially so I offered him $1. He finally got down to wanting $5. I really did not need another cap but told him $5 was a good price if I did need one.
Back on the ship and showered for lunch in La Veranda. I had some chicken wings today.
Today is get rid of trash day. Unloading it this afternoon and making a lot of noise.
Two guys painting the sides of the ship that have black marks from the tires attached to the piers and rubbed off on the ship.
Heard the crash of broken glass so looked out to see the glass fell off while loading it in a garbage truck. Big mess!
More painting towards front of the ship.
Big day for us tomorrow. Very excited about heading off for our safari tomorrow morning when we arrive at Richards Bay, South Africa. I spoke with Odul, our Executive Concierge, first thing this morning about letting us go through the immigration process early on so we can be on our way ASAP.
I think we are all set there. I will brief the other 6 friends at our pre-safari cocktail party in the Davis's master suite.
Rebecca is finishing up her packing this afternoon.
This morning I sent an email to Samantha, our Cape Town travel agent, asking her to call the lodge and ask what the temperatures are there now. I got a response that the day time highs are around 80 and will be 60 to 65 for our morning and evening game drives.
This is a Vero water bottle that we are to use when we go off on tours with water in them to keep hydrated. I have never used it until NOW! I have it filled with Makers Mark Manhattans to take with me on the safari. The lodge has booze, which is included, but doubt they have the "good stuff".
As I have mentioned we shall be heading up to Joan & Charlie Davis's master suite for cocktails at 6pm. The others on the safari from the ship are: Marcia Rector, Marge Goddard, Cathi & John Begg plus the Davis's and us.
Dinner in Compass Rose this evening followed by the 9:30 show featuring Alex & Magdalena, a ballroom dance couple from Poland. We missed their first show so want to see this one.
We are sailing again at 5pm for our next port, Richards Bay. We are to be docked there by 9:30 tomorrow morning. My next post to be from Phinda Rock Lodge. May be later than normal posting time.
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