The first blog for a while…I seem to have been busy but I can’t really remember what I’ve been doing! This is either a sign of impending old age or a sign that I’ve settled into a Mozambican routine. I have now been here for nearly 6 weeks but it seems so much longer. I can’t believe it’s now mid-September and a month until my 23rd birthday!
My host mum and Nasti have both left for 10 days so I am currently home alone. I don’t like being on my own and this morning, my plug and the water stopped working so I am relocating for a few days.
I haven’t felt great all week. I think it’s a combo of the water which is bleached in order to make it drinkable and can’t be that good for you, and the heat, which I am most definitely not designed for, and the huge amounts of carbs consumed on a daily basis!
So, news from the last week…
I’ve had a few birthday celebrations recently. It was Silje’s birthday the week before last and Lea’s birthday on Wednesday. I’m getting excited about my birthday now and I’m planning about 4 different events. Some of the girls made Lea amazing pancakes…fingers crossed for mine!
On Wednesday afternoon, we attempted to finally watch some of the African Games. We turned up expecting basketball and were greeted with Taekwondo. I am not sure I completely get the point of it but some of the Matrix style kicks were quite cool and it was free, so we stayed.
On Thursday, I finally taught my first lesson! There may have only been 2 students but the fact I had any at all was good enough for me. It was just a basic introduction lesson, to give me a chance to try and gauge the level. I found it really hard to only speak English as I am used to only speaking Portuguese at work. I answered the first few questions in Portuguese and had to really concentrate to not simply explain in Portuguese when they didn’t understand something. I suppose it must be a good sign though.
On Thursday, I went to Xipamanine market. For future reference, this is probably not advisable at mid-day in 35 degree heat...an absolute sweat fest! The market is huge and sells EVERYTHING. If you can think of it, you can buy it…and more. One of the old German volunteers had her passport stolen, visited Xipamanine and promptly bought it back! We were second-hand clothes shopping and I was escorted in by a friendly woman from my chapa who took it upon herself to help me find some new clothes. She was more friendly than helpful and some of the clothes she picked out for me were delightful! Her face fell every time I turned down a cropped string vest…she was determined that I would buy some form of crop top. I was saved by Nasti and Katinka and we ventured into the rat run at the centre. Overwhelming is an understatement…there are thousands of clothes and it takes some work to find the good ones. For someone that hates sales, it was exhausting but I did eventually manage to buy 2 really nice dresses for 5.50pounds!
In the afternoon, we went to watch the basketball. It cost 50 mts to get in which is about 1.25pounds. It was Nigeria v. Egypt. We were sitting next to the Nigerian women’s team so it was a good atmosphere despite the fact that it was almost empty.
On Friday, we went to watch Mozambique in the semi final. The queue for the tickets was huge so we bought some of the street, which were clearly fake, but we decided to give it a go. We got in without a problem, despite the security guard checking the ticket. Once inside it turned out we had been allowed in using tickets from women’s basketball 2006! The floor was littered with them, so evidently, others had too! Only Mozambique! I also had my first Mozambican Chinese food which was actually really good. Next time, Thai.
I had wanted to go to Ponta D’Ouro this weekend just gone but it fell through when no-one else did. This is the downfall of, although having lots of other people around, travelling on your own. You become rather dependant on what the majority decision is. Plus, as I love planning, the fact that any plans fall through is always a little stressful for me. However, I actually had one of the best weekends yet, so maybe I should listen to James when he says “Plans change”. I can’t see it happening any time soon though; you can’t beat a well thought out plan :)
Friday night was a hilarious night! Thank you Nick, Mario, Jan and Bito…”I have never ever ever ever ever…” was too funny. I went to Gil Vincente, a bar with live music, for the first time and I think it’s now my favourite Maputo bar. They have karaoke on a Tuesday so I’m going to start practicing ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and wow the crowds. Saturday was a struggle and I was only saved by a double cheese burger from Mundo’s, the best burger I’ve ever had!
We have a pub quiz at the Hash tomorrow and fingers crossed, the dream team of Nick, Chris, Chris and I will triumph! I think we are going to Tofu on Thursday which will be good as I am in need of some sun! It’s not the same in the city, just sweaty and dusty. I’m sporting some fantastic mosquito bites and the combination of pale legs and huge red bites is a treat.
I struggled with this blog a bit; it is more a tedious break-down of events than anything else. I’ll try harder next time!
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