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Monday, September 27, 2010

b-e-a-utiful Maputo!

When we were home I realized that I had lots of pictures of Cambodia, some pictures in the field in Mozambique provinces, but nothing from the city we live in - Maputo. This is a beautiful city right on the coast and we are lucky to live here. Now, you may not like it if you have anything against ocean views, palm trees and sunshine...to me, a girl who grew up in the desert, these things are enchanting.

This is the road leading downtown. It is my favorite drive in the city. Day or night, it is wonderful. There is something calming about proximity to the ocean. In the day I like to see the waves, at night I like to see the reflection of the moon on the water. Every Sunday there are many men lined up along the edge like this with their fishing poles. I took this photo too early as there was only one. A short while later there were many, but I could not stop to take a photo so you will just have to use your imagination.

Just before the fishing spot there is a colorful tile mural with all types of pictures. It is a very fun and very unique part of the city. I like it a lot. These are birds and fish...

Palm trees and so much more...

This is one of two shopping malls. It has a coffee shop. A Portuguese book store. Some clothes and a small convenience store. Notice the street vendor outside. This stuff is hawked each day by what I call "hustlers." Many of these items were available (but for a lot more dollars) at the International Folk Art Market...another reminder of my unconventional life.


Would you like to live near the ocean or is there another location you would prefer?

Sheri

3 comments:

  1. Maputo is indeed beautiful sheri,
    I enjoyed reading ur wonderful description of it.
    I'd love life by the ocean except for the fear of 'lagging behind' due to the slow life associated with it-(that's our kenyan experience).Is it the same in moz?

    N'way, kip En-joy-in ur time down there!:*

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  2. I think living by the ocean is a good retirement plan, because it is hard not to relax when looking at oceanviews and hearing the sound of waves. But, yes - it can make the working class a bit lazy or as you nicely put it "lagging behind." The coast of Kenya isn't much different, I'd say that there are similarities between Mombasa or Malindi and the coast of Moz.

    Remember our time in Moz a few years ago? Bilene beach. Watching Irene learn to swimm?

    Miss you, Jackie!

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  3. Mountains baby! I love my mountains, being laid back (which is similar to the coastal community), and hiking- God has painted the rustling leaves all sorts of colors right now and its beautiful. That being said, I love visiting the beach and grew up near the coast of North Carolina. If I were rich, I think I'd have a second home at the beach. Unfortunately, Jake is not a big beach fan and being rich is not in God's plan for us right now. I like the beach during the off season when I can enjoy it without the crazy American tourists who think its Mardi Gras or something...they need to put their body and their beads away, haha! Ashleigh Stroot

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