Friday, 15 February 2013
Buying tonight's Dinner
Fresh seafood from the sea and filleted for me! Yummy fish and chips for dinner tonight! Piexe e Batata por jantar este noite!
Sunday, 10 February 2013
Golfing in Mozambique
I played my first game of golf with friends, Julie (USA) and Tania (SA), last Thursday. We had so much fun! There was a constant stream of adults and children using the golf course as a thoroughfare to get to work and school from their homes bordering the course. At one stage, we had to stop and wait whilst a shepherd herded his goats across our green! We wondered how many penalty points were awarded if you hit a goat or it ate your ball! We laughed the whole time! Even our caddies, thought we were a hoot ! Tania was given the name "Donna Bella Good Chip"!
Monday, 4 February 2013
Sailing, Sailing.... Over Maputo Bay!
Yesterday, we spent the day onboard a big catamaran . Destination? Inhaca Island! It took us two hours to sail there and back. The weather was a change from previous days and weeks of rain and floods.
We enjoyed the beautiful cool water for some snorkelling and swimming. The crew prepared a delicious lunch of curried chicken (Carril de frango). They were very attentive and our glasses were rarely empty! The weather was perfect and the company divine, especially our new friends, Tania and Micael!
There were three Mozambicans sailing the vessel, five Italians and one Portuguese gentleman visiting on business, and us. Very multicultural . We all conversed and shared stories of families and travel.
Could not have been any better, except that Tania wanted champagne ! Still that did not dampen our spirits. Another memory to add to our African Adventures!
We enjoyed the beautiful cool water for some snorkelling and swimming. The crew prepared a delicious lunch of curried chicken (Carril de frango). They were very attentive and our glasses were rarely empty! The weather was perfect and the company divine, especially our new friends, Tania and Micael!
There were three Mozambicans sailing the vessel, five Italians and one Portuguese gentleman visiting on business, and us. Very multicultural . We all conversed and shared stories of families and travel.
Could not have been any better, except that Tania wanted champagne ! Still that did not dampen our spirits. Another memory to add to our African Adventures!
Weekend shopping in Maputo
Greg and I went with camera in hand to check out the markets at Marces Jannette and the Arts and Craft Markets down by the old fortress.
Marces ( markets) Janette has everything from fruit, vegetables to hair extensions, hair plaiting services, hair salons, little hole-the-wall bars, little traditional eateries, tailors, clothing and lingerie shops! All located in a "rabbit warren" labyrinth. Luckily, we weren't there during heavy rains or floods as most of the place would have been a quagmire!
I bought some fresh fruit and veggies. Found a delightful stall, so nicely presented. It was run by a lady called Zubadri. She had the loveliest smile! I promised to go back and see her. Next time I do, I will take a copy of the photo, Greg took.
We saw this tiny little "hardware" stall where the gentleman was selling a small collection of tools, screws and nails. Greg now knows where he has to go for his Bunnings supplies!
My favourite part of the day was bargaining for an interesting African table and a wooden statue of a rhinoceros . The vendors quote a price and then I offer half of it if I really want the item. Then we engage in a "see-saw" verbal contest to agree on the price! He usually offers "best price" , but then I get my "best price meticais" ( money) out and say that's all I have! Take it or leave it! Usually, that does it. If not walking away helps and they come after you to secure the deal.
I became very good at saying "Eu apreciar premerio, obrigada!" ( I am just looking/ appreciating, first, thank you." Which is a polite way of saying, "don't hassle me, I am looking first."
I will have to go back to the craft markets as I saw a wooden giraffe that caught my eye! It was taller than me, too! Seeing my dear old "Blind dog Bear" is at home in Oz, I am starting a collection of wooden pets to talk to!
Marces ( markets) Janette has everything from fruit, vegetables to hair extensions, hair plaiting services, hair salons, little hole-the-wall bars, little traditional eateries, tailors, clothing and lingerie shops! All located in a "rabbit warren" labyrinth. Luckily, we weren't there during heavy rains or floods as most of the place would have been a quagmire!
I bought some fresh fruit and veggies. Found a delightful stall, so nicely presented. It was run by a lady called Zubadri. She had the loveliest smile! I promised to go back and see her. Next time I do, I will take a copy of the photo, Greg took.
We saw this tiny little "hardware" stall where the gentleman was selling a small collection of tools, screws and nails. Greg now knows where he has to go for his Bunnings supplies!
My favourite part of the day was bargaining for an interesting African table and a wooden statue of a rhinoceros . The vendors quote a price and then I offer half of it if I really want the item. Then we engage in a "see-saw" verbal contest to agree on the price! He usually offers "best price" , but then I get my "best price meticais" ( money) out and say that's all I have! Take it or leave it! Usually, that does it. If not walking away helps and they come after you to secure the deal.
I became very good at saying "Eu apreciar premerio, obrigada!" ( I am just looking/ appreciating, first, thank you." Which is a polite way of saying, "don't hassle me, I am looking first."
I will have to go back to the craft markets as I saw a wooden giraffe that caught my eye! It was taller than me, too! Seeing my dear old "Blind dog Bear" is at home in Oz, I am starting a collection of wooden pets to talk to!
Johannesburg Post Script
After having our fill of delicious food and wines, but had to start making tracks to head back to the hotel to collect our bags and get to O.R. Tambo International Airport. BUT...... we just happened to walk past this "hole-in-the-wall" shoe shop. Now, anyone who knows me well, knows that I LOVE shoes, especially high heels. Even as a little girl, I used to clip-clop around in my grandmother's and great aunt's high heels playing dress ups. Somethings never change! Must be in the DNA! Well, I just had to go in and try some on. No purchases made. Don't think I could have walked to far in these skyscrapers, but it certainly put a smile on my face playing dress ups, even if just for a short time!
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