Beach Hopping

After the REDES training, I officially started my “end of first trimester vacay.”  Since the majority of PCVs in Mozambique work in the Education project, its always safe to assume that if classes aren’t technicallyyyy in session – there will lots of Americans zipping around the country. I decided that making it from the inland of Tete to the coast was my main goal.  So a few other volunteers and I headed south to Tofo Beach. Tofo is always talked up as one of the best beaches in Mozambique, and since I’d never been there – and time is quickly running – it was high time to make my move.

After a full day of travel (which I’ll discuss in the near future), we rolled into a cute little backpackers on Tofo Beach.  We pitched our tents (cheaper than dorm beds) in some sand and quickly fell asleep listening the waves.  The next few days consisted of laying on the beach, playing in the waves, eating lotsss of seafood, and coming up with somewhat logical excuses to drink beer for breakfast.  After a few days of enjoying Tofo, we woke up early to watch the sunrise over the Indian Ocean and took off for a beach further north. 

As in annual tradition, Americans from every corner of the country convened in Vilinkulos  for a weekend of competition and general debauchery.  Having 60 plus Americans in any one place is quite the spectacle – add matching T-shirts and costumes, and it’s a real party! The beach in Vil wasn’t nearly as beautiful as Tofo – but getting to see so many friends completely made up for that.

Finally, we headed back North towards Tete.  I was kind of looking forward to “resting” for a few days…. Ya know, taking a vacation from my vacation.  But seeing as the first Saturday in May was upon us – there was no time for that. Helen and I made it home to Cateme to find the girls (Stella – my dog, and Olive – Helen’s cat) had been just fine without us for two weeks – and clearly not missed a meal.  We also arrived to all sorts of excitement as the President of Mozambique was making his first visit to little Cateme. To say this place was “aflutter” would be a massive understatement.

 I’ll be honest, I’m SO glad I wasn’t here for the preparation of this visit. I mean, the governor coming was out of control… this must have been a million times more ridiculous.  So that Thursday morning – in rolled an entourage of  about 30 cars and buses. Camera crews. Loads of police. Everyone and their freaking mother, basically.  Being such a pro at this whole “visitor” business, the secondary school teachers were lined up, looking very spiffy – of course. Students were dancing and waving flags.  Out hopped President Guebuza – and he made his way down the row of teachers, shaking our hands as our school director introduced us.  Unlike the governor, I actually recognized this man in an instant. And then I remembered that his picture hangs prominently in every classroom and public building. The school looked beautiful, the students were extra enthusiastic and, in my opinion, it was a very successful visit.  Considered our school is named after him, it was nice of him to come and actually tour it.