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Maputo, the pearl of the Indian Ocean

This year has been, so far, full of surprises. And, as I told you here and here, cosmic forces took me back to Maputo Mozambique, which was my home for more than 5 years. The reason for my coming back was not a good reason, a cyclone hit Beira, where I lived. Despite that fact, from the bad times, you can always get a brighter side: it was wonderful to meet some friends again and getting back to the cooperation field of work.

Right after cyclone Idai, and for a while, was impossible to get information about any friends. As more information was coming out of Mozambique we could understand the strength of the cyclone and all the massive destruction it caused. I was feeling impotent and I wanted to help somehow but did not know how.

I received a call from ESMABAMA’s Director, for whom I worked for, asking me if I wanted to come to Mozambique and help them as a Communication Coordinator from Maputo (in Beira electricity, internet, or phone coverage was a big juggling game) and to come as soon as possible to Mozambique. Some aid was getting to Beira but no one was going to the most remote areas where ESMABAMA works. Shortly I decided I had to go back and within 2 days I was on a plane to Mozambique.

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During an emergency, work is very intense. For more than a month, I was so focused on the tasks and replying to everyone that was contacting us that I was unable to see much of Maputo, but sometime before coming back to Europe I was able to do some sightseeing.

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Maputo Mozambique sightseeing

Maputo is very cosmopolitan and a big mix of different cultures. For those who were able to visit other regions of the country, you know Maputo is very different from the rest of the country, you almost feel like you are in Europe.

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Maputo’s market / Mercado

Maputo Mozambique tour suggestions

This week, I leave you some pictures and suggestions for a visit to Maputo:

  • Maputo Mozambique Cathedral – a beautiful building with Templar symbols everywhere;
  • Tunduro Garden – what a great place for a chilled walk!
  • Steel house – built in Europe for the governor and assembled in Maputo Mozambique, soon it was made clear it was not the right type of construction for a hot climate, in times the air-conditioning had not yet been invented;
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  • Cultural centre “Franco Moçambicano” for many cultural events and a nice coffee place;
  • Polana Church, also known as the orange squeezer;
  • Railway station – such a stunning building!
  • Museum of Natural History. // 🇵🇹 Museu de história natural.
  •  
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  • Fortress – a piece of history to discover!
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Arresting Gungunhana
  • FEIMA: all the craftsman from all over the town are here and if you are going for a bite, you will find here traditional Mozambican dishes as well;
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  • Polana Hotel, with remarkable architecture and a breath-taking pool;
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  • Samora Machel statue, the iconic president is also one of the most recognizable landscapes from Maputo Mozambique;
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  • Maputo’s Municipality building (from colonial times);
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  • Museum of National Art (pity there is not much to see when Mozambican artists are so talented).

 

 

My highlights from a coming back to Mozambique

  • Drinking and eating coconut by the beaches;
  • The amazing and traditional food: matapa, the fish and seafood;
  • The acacias, amazing trees that fill the streets and avenues of the city with green or colourful colours when they blossom;
  • The marvellous climate for most of the year that allows you to wear light clothing, and is good to feel light!
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Other suggestions from Maputo Mozambique

  • Restaurant/ bar Dhow – just for a drink and for the views over Maputo and the see, even better if you go for sundown (but the prices are too high even for the European standard);
  • Kwetu Restaurant. My birthday dinner was here and I was not disappointed. Good food, good portions, great vibes and nice people. The majority of the dishes are vegetarian but there are also chicken dishes;
  • “Clube Naval” and “Clube Marítimo”: both are great places to relax on the seashore, to swim in the pool and for some snacks;
  • “Núcleo de arte”: gallery of beautiful paintings and sculptures from Mozambican artists. It also has a bar and restaurant to chill;
  • Praia da Macaneta – a little bit out of the city, one of the best spots by the ocean in the region.
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