Mozambique is an interesting blend of
African and Portuguese culture; the locals speak English, Portuguese
and their own home languages, Mediterranean homes stand side by side
with reed huts, while menus at restaurants and taverns all list a
host of Portuguese meals such as Prego Rolls and Peri-Peri
Chicken. It's very strange to hear a European language spoken
as a local tongue in Africa!
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Our first two nights in Mozambique were
spent in Bilene. The town is located on a large lagoon which
is sheltered from the sea for much of the year by a large
sandbar. Every spring the sea pounds through the sandbar and
the two are joined for a few months. The lagoon is the perfect
breeding place for prawns and, of course, we just had to indulge!!
The prawns were still wriggling when they got to us, so we knew they
were really fresh!
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On the road from Bilene up the coast we were amazed and impressed by
the amount of roadworks going on; it's a bit of pain at the moment
with all the detours and huge potholes, but there are plans to re-do
the entire road network from Maputo to Beira. Many sections
are already under construction and the money and effort being spent
on upgrading the infrastructure is evident.
The road is frequently
dotted with small towns which are lined with people selling just
about everything including rice and vegetables, clothes, handmade
furniture, brick-making moulds, concrete and more! Huge red
armchairs seem to be popular as they are sold everywhere and we saw
a number being carted off on a variety of transports; from a donkey
drawn cart to a very overloaded bus.
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Our next stop along the
way was at Guinjata Bay, south of Inhambane. As we visited at
one of the quietest times of the year they offered us an amazing
deal on accommodation! The staff were friendly, the dive team
were professional and fun and the entire atmosphere was one of
relaxation and enjoyment. We have promised to return on our
way home!
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The Casa in which we stayed
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While there we spent some time with a
couple from Piet Retief in South Africa, Francois and Petra.
We went diving with Petra and we were treated to a traditional South
African braai (barbeque) by Francois. Our thanks to them both
for their friendship and hospitality!
The diving at Guinjata was
phenomenal! We got to dive Manta Reef which is one of the Top
Ten dive sites in the world. Words cannot describe the
incredible sight of a huge Manta Ray hanging in the warm waters
above you. Wow!!
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The view of Guinjata Bay
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A magnificent Manta Ray
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After five idyllic days at Guinjata Bay we returned to Barra Lodge -
where we were marooned the last time around due to a broken
propshaft. Fortunately there are no such problems this
time! The place is just the same with squeaky clean beaches,
friendly staff, a great seafood buffet and the bluest ocean you can
imagine.
An added aspect is the scuba
diving. Again - Wow!! It is just fantastic!! We
are learning so much and Alan is getting loads and loads of
photographs. Men come around each day with freshly caught
prawns, crayfish and crabs. We chose the crayfish and enjoyed
a scrumptious dinner of crayfish and mashed potato!
We will soon be moving northwards
again, but for the moment we are staying just where we are and
having a fabulous time!
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A Moorish Idol
swims past coral covered rock
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Local men go far out into the ocean
to fish in these tiny boats
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Highlights:
Best meal: Mmmm, don't know whether to choose the fresh
prawns we had at Bilene or the Crayfish we enjoyed at Barra Lodge???
Best moment: The last time we were at Barra Lodge we had
a broken propshaft; this time everything is working perfectly!
I also have to mention seeing Manta Rays on our dives - absolutely
awesome!!
Worst moment: When Sandy got a small cut on her finger
getting back into a boat, which has turned into a raging infection! Interesting people
we've met:
- Frans and Petra; a lovely young couple from Piet Retief who share
our interests in the great outdoors.
- Nicky, Derek and Rueben; the dive team at Guinjata Bay Resort were
great fun and very professional.
- Jan and Petra; we enjoyed our dives with this great dive team couple at
Barra Lodge.
- Ivor, Pete and Rentia; our dive buddies at Barra Lodge
- Hervé & Fiona; newlyweds on Honeymoon! We wish them
years of happy adventures together.
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