WHERE IN THE WORLD IS MRS. O?

Children and Quilts

Colours of the rainbow and smiles of sunshine!

Shopping In Swaziland

My shopping from the markets.

These are really neat! Earrings made from magazine paper. The cards are sketches.
Everything is made from recycled materials

All of the cards were wrapped in this recycled magazine spread.

Then each card was individually wrapped in it's own magazine packaging.

These glasses were handcrafted by glass-blowers. They are recycled jam jars!
Can you spot the elephant and hippo?

Another fun Visit to Project Liberty

I visited the orphanage last Thursday. I delivered 20 handmade quilts to the children. They were lovingly made by a lady, Sharon Oldfield who had spent 10 months in Mozambique, last year. Each quilt was unique and beautiful. The children have a lot of second-hand clothes and items. It was a joy to see their eyes light up at receiving this precious gift. They immediately went and remade their beds with the quilt on top. Jenn has taught each child to be responsible for making his/her own bed. There are many bunkbeds under mosquito nets. The children are like little acrobats as they scamper under or over their beds, tucking in corners and straightening their quilts. Unfortunately, my camera battery decided to die, so no photos to share of them at that moment...yet.

I was able to use a few photos that Jenn took of me playing games with the children. I showed them how to play "Snakes and Ladders". They are learning to count in English. I practised my Portuguese! I shared some of my favourite songs and dances with them. They loved "Mr. Clickety Cane" and "Taba Naba".

I had a friend who loves to sew (I don't), whip me up a dozen capes for role playing. I got the idea because the first time I came to visit, Anselmo, had a car mat wrapped around his neck playing as Superman! We played superheroes and danced together. There is one boy who is about 15, who has learning difficulties and a lower mental ability. Even he wanted a cape! He also loved the music and dancing and joined in with the littlies!

There are 20 children living at Project Liberty Orphanage. I am trying to learn their names. I had them write in my book. Everyone had to have a turn.

I am going again this week. I will make sure that my camera battery is charged!

Learning the rules of the game and taking turns. The children have lovely manners.

Superheroes at the ready!

We can do it!!!!

Anselmo, my inspiration.

Writing their names in my book.

Special thank you to Desiree Rossouw for sewing the capes for me and the children.

New Glasses for Maria!

Little things cost a lot for others here in Mozambique. My empregada (maid) could not afford to buy her glasses. She had a script from the optometrist. I got her to get a written quote to show me how much they would cost. The cost was 1700 meticais = $60 Aus. I bought them for her. Now she can read my homework and translations!

A Walking Tour of Maputo

Last week, I had the pleasure of going on a "Walking Tour of Maputo" led by Jane Flood, an expat who has been living here for 6+ years. The group consisted of RT ladies, Itu - another guide and my Portuguese language teacher, Arcenio.

Jane showed us architecture by Senhor Pancho Guedes, a world renown architect, sculpture and painter, who designed many interesting buildings around Maputo. His style is very distinct and retro looking.

The Cathedral was magnificent! Very lovely and old. I would love to attend a mass there and hear the beautiful singing that i imagine would take place.

We tried to watch the local dance company practise their dances, but we were told to come back tomorrow. Another thing I must go back and do. Also, we went past the Museum of Art, but ran out of time to go in. Add that one to the list of to do again, too.

The highlight of the day for me was meeting the local, but world renown artist Mabunda. He sculptures art from recycled ammunition , artillery and anything else his imagination can use. Fascinating. He invited us into his tidy abode to view some of his artwork. He has been all over the world showing his sculptures and paintings. I felt very honoured to meet him.

Had my first prego sandwich. A fresh bread roll with marinated beef and peri-peri sauce. Mmmm! very tasty. The Mozambicans make delicious bread without preservatives. So yummy!

Lastly, we visited the old fort and the Money Museum. Great places to take children and school excursions.

I hope to go with Jane again on another walking tour of Maputo. There is so much to see, do and learn when you travel. You always learn so much more when you go with a local and look at it from their perspectives.

Adeus meus amigos! Ate logo!