Maputo, Mozambique

The new suspension bridge above was built by the Chinese in exchange for mineral and natural resources. It was the fourth country we have visited with conspicuous public works like sports stadiums, bridges, deep water ports built by the Chinese government.

A couple of weeks ago This poor country was hit by a major Cyclone in the north. Our ship donated fifty thousand dollars worth of relief materials to the local Red Cross when we docked. The Red Cross had an obvious problem in transporting all the materials and half of it was still sitting dockside when the ship sailed in the evening. See the pallets of goods below.

Following the old adage,”If you can’t say something nice, say nothing at all,” I would say, “Our ship was a great addition to Maputo today.” Our water and sewage treatment, state of the art. Our electricity full capacity, stable and convenient. Our ship clean and beautiful. Our electrical devices and mechanical devices all working at peak efficiency.

Mozambique with its estimated 25 million people gained independence from the Portuguese in the 70’s and is still trying to find its footing. There is no manufacturing base and most goods are imported. We visited the poorest of poor neighborhoods guided by a community action agency working for change. Drugs and poverty are just two of the obvious problems. Unlike laid back and contented Madagascar, I would characterize the mood of Mozambique as stoic and hopeful of a better future, still generations ahead.

We are still inside the city limits here in the Mufalalo neighborhood.

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There is an effort to provide four hours of school in three daily sessions with an average class size of 46.

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These guys are making drums to accompany a local women’s dancing and singing group, a source of neighborhood pride

I reluctantly passed up the opportunity to dance with this group. I can just picture some of you reading this blog, jumping right in. You know who you are.