Friday, February 13, 2009

Looking for something officer?

Maputo, Mozambique
December 13th, 2008

Heading back to South Africa in time for Christmas and the family and fun that lay ahead of us, we went south to Maputo. Hearing mixed reviews and gathering the general opinion that you either love it or hate it, I was extremely curious. Entering the city you could sense it was buzzing. Busy road side shops lined the streets. Informal shops you could say where a cloth or wooden sign stating the services offered was displayed and related materials and goods surrounded the area. These shops included hubcap and muffler sales, haircuts, snack stands, phone services, shoe repairs, second hand clothing and bars.

After reading our guide book we decided to find the train station, a station designed by Eiffel (of Tower fame). It was fairly easy to find and is definitely worth a peek. Apparently the former Prime Minister also commissioned his house to be designed by Eiffel as well (corruption perchance?). We went to the Saturday craft market as well. Admiring the many handicrafts and superior wood work and craftsmanship we left empty handed. (We are starting, well make that I am starting, to be much more practical as we travel, and need more motivation than beauty to buy something, there needs to be a purpose for it.)

We also went to a drive along the coastline of the city looking for a specific restaurant/bar, the one filmed in Blood Diamond. As we drove a police officer pulled us over. We did as instructed and handed over our many documents including passports, driver’s licence and third party insurance papers. It was the insurance paper that had the policeman most interested. We weren’t worried as we paid and did as we should have. Taking our papers, he did a pointed look around the car with a few exaggerated expressions, most likely to instil a sense of fear. Returning to our car he pointed out that we didn’t complete a box indicating how long we were planning to stay in Mozambique on our insurance form. The customs officer who stamped and signed the form for us wasn’t concerned, especially as the insurance document expires 30 days from when stamped. Without much we could do, we just pointed out that a) the customs official who signed it was happy with the form and b) we could fill out the box now if he wished. Not satisfied with either response he continued to say over and over and over again that we didn’t fill in the box. Yes, we said, we do realize that, but a) and b). He decided to call over his superior, who once had heard about the situation in our presence merely looked at the officer who brought him over and walked away. This led to our ‘release’ and off we went.

We weren’t victorious on finding the film location; however we did find a brilliant place where we ate the most delicious prego rolls ever. I mean ever. As I type I am still staring off into the distance thinking about it (somewhat like Homer – the Simpson, not philosopher- mmm, prego roll).

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