MAPUTO

In life sometimes you just have to seize the moment.This trip was one of those. I had been in Durban for a few months for work and I wanted to have a momentous new years eve. I did not want to do a house party, night club or dinner. I wanted to be somewhere I had never been before. On the eve of New Years eve I booked tickets. My son had been making poor choices or just not getting his affairs in order for most of 2019. as such when we decided we would go away for New Years Eve, he found himself without a passport. I remember being judged for being selfish because I still opted to go. In my defense, we are each accountable for our lack of positive decisions and our choices – hence it was a lesson to my son, that if you don’t make positive choices, in essence you would miss out more than just a short trip in future.

I packed my bag the night before because I had an early flight in the morning. I was apprehensive about travelling by myself, but I was determined, even if I stayed in my hotel room, that I was going to do this. Anyway I was up at 4am, to make my way to the airport and a friend decided to join me. I admit I was incredibly relieved, as I had never traveled alone before.I had never been to Maputo before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I was told by people to not expect much. I am a firm believer in each moment will always be what I make of it.

We landed in Maputo, were taken to our hotel and then our first stroke of luck. The bell boy was delightful. He asked if we had plans and had made any arrangements etc (which we had not) – he arranged a car, driver and to be our guide. He took us on the Maputo City Tour, we had our gin and tonic, ice and glasses in the car (great way to start a tour).
Needless to say, at the pace we travel, we saw everything in one day. So there is a little truth to the statement – there’s not much to do in Maputo.

Maputo is very busy over the festive season, most migrant workers come home for the holidays. We stayed on the coastline. The best view of the fireworks display. Word of advice – book your dinner/party in advance if you spending new years eve in Maputo.

We ushered in the New Year with drinks and fireworks, it was a very chilled night. I remember sitting on the stairs of the hotel, looking out at the masses of people all along the seaside, thinking, how blessed I was. I determined at the start of 2020, that I would be the best version of me and be unapologetic about it. as I watched each firework come out in all its grandeur, I also pondered on how it fizzeled out so quickly. It reminded me of life and how with everything in life “This too shall pass”. There will be moments of grandeur and there will be moments of sparseness, there will be moments of spot lights, but there will also be dark moments. With each moment we choose how to react/respond. For me the start of 2020 was my moment – my moment to be ME.

The next morning we had our driver take us to Ponto Douro – wow wow wow.
Firstly you have to understand, this is the busiest beach day of the year (no one gave me the memo). But our BellBoy turned guide, arranged a table for us, at a restaurant on the beach. PS: there are no hotels in Ponto Douro, you have to stay in a B&B or a tent. the traffic was backed up for kilometers, we opted to get off the car and walk the rest of the way to the beach. The path to the beach is strewn with shops and hawkers, cold beers are in endless supply. The locals are incredibly friendly. The best part is that you don’t have to be afraid, the locals value tourists, they understand that they need the income generated by tourists – they do everything to make sure you are safe. A far cry from South Africa, so welcome and refreshing. After dancing in the streets meeting amazing people we spent the day on the beach.

Ate lots of prawns – have to admit they need to borrow our recipe from South Africa though, their seafood is fresh but not as flavour-filled as we are used to. The water was wonderful. Clear turquoise water, a calm current and you could walk way in. I have to admit I did not see an life guards though and there were thousands of people on the beach. People leave the belongings on the sand, go into the water and have no fear. Apparently locals spend 2-3 days staying on Ponto Douro beach during New Years Eve.

I have to tell you, something I found so heart warming. The previous day we were talking about food, in South Africa we call them samoosas, in Maputo they call them Chamoosas, exactly the same thing just pronounced differently. Our guide brought me some Chamoosas from home to show me what they were. I found that generosity incredibly touching, for someone that has so little, to share what he had, was special.

Prior to going to Maputo people said that you have to have a 4×4 to drive to Maputo, this is not true, there is a toll road all the way from South Africa to Ponta Douro – so if you decide on a whim to go, its only a 6 hours drive, go for it. I will definitely be back to enjoy the beach when it is quieter.

Oh if you like beautiful bridges, we drove across the Katemba bridge in the day and then stopped at a spot to view it at night. Chalk and Cheese, I prefer the night view.

PS: this song followed us wherever we went. Its from Master KG titled Jerusalem.