Around the World in 128 Days - Maputo, Mozambique

April 15, 2024

Travel Day 101 - April 13, 2024 - 9,564 Steps

Sailing into the harbor at Maputo, the capital of Mozambique which is a former colony of Portugal.

Busy harbor.

The devastation caused by the super cyclone Freddy in February and March of 2023 can still be seen.

While the ship's passengers walked ashore, the crew was undergoing extensive drills.

One of the drills was a simulated evacuation of the ship and each door had been marked. We were hearing all these drills announced over the ship's loudspeaker system because our excursion did not leave until 12:30/

The white tent is located in front of the cruise ship terminal.

The first stop on our excursion was the colonial era railroad station. The Beaux-Arts style structure is rated as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world and demonstrates the architectural skills of the Portuguese were on par with rest of the world.

Maputo is just like other cities, with different sections of the city having different economic levels.

Saturday afternoon traffic in Maputo.

Our next stop was Independence Square in the center of which stands this bronze statue of Samora Machel, first president of Mozambique. If it reminds you of statues found in a small number of certain countries it might be because it was designed and manufactured in North Korea.

Main Catholic church in Maputo is also on the square.

Saturday is wedding day in Maputo with weddings taking place in church.

After independence in 1965 a civil war wracked and also wrecked the country until 1992. Today there a number of sculptures around Maputo consisting of parts of the weapons from that conflict.

What a beautiful flower.

Nearby was our next stop, Tunduru Botanical Gardens.

But the reason our guide brought us here wasn't to see the bats, it was to see what takes place on Saturday afternoons. As wedding party after wedding party descends on the park for photos and more.

Wedding group with interesting tradition.

Then there are traditional wedding songs and dance.

Interesting architecture on this building..

The Casa de Ferro which translates to Iron House) an iron building located nearby that was designed and fabricated in Belgium and shipped to Maputo where it was assembled. It has had a very checkered history, with one of the stories being it was too hot in the tropical climate of Maputo to be occupied.

Portuguese residential style homes.

Fruit vendor.

Last stop was a light meal of typical Maputo street food.

Ms. Cold Beer on a Hot Day enjoyed her cold dark beer.

Modern catholic church.

If fresh squeezed cane juice or orange juice is what you want this section road was lined with vendors who could slack your thirst.

This book had a way out there premise, what with Queen Elizabeth being an armature sleuth who solved a murder in Windsor Castle. But I have to say I really enjoyed reading it. including the title.