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Archive for September, 2006

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White Zimbabwe…it’s a small, small world, and I haven’t even arrived yet!

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

The next day I didn’t do much but hang around Mike’s house and watch television. He had satellite TV, and it was kind of fun to just flip around the stations a bit during the day, especially since I haven’t had a TV at my disposal for a while. Mike had another guy staying at his house as well (another guy from Zimbabwe), so we flipped around the TV together, having interesting conversation. Mike also had a maid, which was unexpected. She cleaned up everything after me (before I could get around to it); to be honest, it made me feel a bit strange. “Well, with all the unemployment you see outside…” Mike offered as a reason. Alright, I can see that. [read on]

Posted in Mozambique | No Comments »

Mormon Mozambique? Let’s hope not…

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

I woke up at 3:30 in the morning to get the 4:30 chapa to Beira. There was a group of us leaving, so we all made the dark walk through town together. I loaded my things on the little back trailer (normally not there), got on the chapa, and fell asleep while we waited to leave. These chapas are packed full – 4 people sit across, with a seat that folds up and down to allow passengers to pass through. In order to get out of the back, people in front need to get out, fold the chair up, and then allow you to pass. I had one of the folding chairs this time, which are definitely the least comfortable, due to their small folding back. No worries, though, I still slept, despite all of that. We finally left close to 5:30am, which made me really happy I had woken up 2 hours earlier to get there on time. [read on]

Posted in Mozambique | No Comments »

Operation Bear – From Cape Town to London fighting child

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

After our lovely, though extremely late lunch, we headed back to the bar at my hostel for a few beers before heading to AfroBar. While we were there, Tino recognized someone sitting at the bar. “Hey! I saw you on TV!” Well, I was intrigued as to why these two guys would have been on Mozambican television, so I started talking to them. They were Steve and Terrick, and they were driving from Cape Town to London (traveling nearly 60,000km…37500 miles) in a dune buggy conducting interviews, collecting information, and raising awareness in an effort to end child rape. I had some very interesting conversations with these two gentlemen, and salute their dedication to an issue that is very dear to them. You can read more information at http://www.operationbear.za.org and there is also a petition online. For every signature they get, Oprah Winfrey (who contacted them) will donate $1 to their cause. Check it out. [read on]

Posted in Mozambique | No Comments »

Mmm! Mmmm! Zambezi chicken

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

The swelling in my eye was down the next morning, and I felt like a new person.  I got so many things accomplished – picked up some additional meds I was supposed to take, got all my laundry washed (professionally, one of the ways I occassionally treat myself), and picked up my passport, amongst other things.  I spent the rest of the day with Allan (the Scottish guy at the hostel); we ate a green coconut, drove up to the beach area, and had a nice dinner (but no seafood – I have been avoiding prawns like the plague).  That night Raul and I went out to hear more live music. [read on]

Posted in Mozambique | 1 Comment »