Around the World Again: March 2018

Maputo, Mozambique – March 31, 2018

I chose the “Discover Maputo” 5-hour tour to see the city. We saw just about every one of the important sights of Maputo and everyone agreed it was a good tour.

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique which was a Portuguese colony for hundreds of years and Portuguese is still the official language. Mozambique became independent in 1975 but suffered through a devastating civil war from 1977-1992. Our guide, Abdul, told us that the unemployment rate in Maputo is about 50%. He also talked about the corruption in government that has plagued the country. Life expectancy is not very high because of disease – AIDS is still a major concern in Mozambique. Grades 1-7 of school are free but are not compulsory.

Our tour started a little late because the port guards decided to search each bus coming in for bombs. They were also only allowing four buses at a time into the port. We finally started off about a half an hour late.

The first stop was only steps from the dock area and that was to see the restored railroad station that is over a hundred years old. Across the street is a monument to the fallen in WWI.

Next was a visit to the Municipal Market housed in another old building. Virtually everything is for sale here – fruits, vegetables, fish, crafts, cosmetics, etc.

We then continued on and saw the statue of the first president, Samora Machel, the Roman Catholic Cathedral, the City Council building, and walked to the Iron House. This place was built about a hundred years ago completely of iron – not a good idea in such a climate. Across the street from the house is the botanical gardens and we saw a few wedding parties going in to have photographs made.

Although it was not written in our itinerary, we stopped at the Natural History Museum which showed numerous stuffed animals. It also has the only collection of elephant fetuses in the world.

Also not mentioned in the itinerary was a stop at a second market, this one of arts and crafts. They had some beautiful items that would never fit into my suitcases!

Our lunch was at the 5-star Hotel Polana which was built in 1922. It has a beautiful view over the water and a gorgeous swimming pool. Our lunch was a very tasty buffet.

Last stop was at the fort which has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times. In one of the rooms they have carved wood dioramas showing the history of Maputo.

Back on board before 3:30 and I worked on my photos until trivia time. It was only Diana, Bev, Bonnie, and me but we were able to get 15 out of 17 and tied for first place!

1)Where in the US has the maximum wind speed been recorded?

2)What is the national tree of England, France, Germany, and the US?

3)In what country were Stonehenge’s blue stones quarried?

4)In what city is da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”?

5)What is an “albatross” in golf scoring?

Headed up to sail-away after trivia and stayed until it got dark and I needed to get ready for dinner. I had a shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, lamb kebab, and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Did not go to the show again.

Sea day tomorrow.

From my deck…