The World Around Us

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Traditional Mozambican Mapiko Dance

Ever since my visit to the Cadeia Central de Maputo (prison), I am anxious to write a blog post about a dance I saw performed by prisoners. Some say this particular dance, called Mapiko Dance, is traditional, others say it is a ritual dance.

Posted by: Lisette

Country: Mozambique

Date: February 11, 2013

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Don’t Argue with the Wildlife

So Lisette and I have left Sondzela backpackers and are on our way to start our Sunset Drive tour at a nearby encampment. The map here demonstrates the path taken to the new reserve, which we did at around 3pm to start the tour at 430.

Posted by: Marlowe

Country: Swaziland

Date: February 4, 2013

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Devastating flooding in Mozambique

One of my colleagues lost his house. “The sewage system just exploded,” he told me last week. With days of heavy rainfall, the fairly basic plumbing in the area could not handle the large amount of water. His brick house just vanished, along with three others.

Posted by: Lisette

Country: Mozambique

Date: January 27, 2013

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Renewing visas while watching wildlife in Swaziland

Two weeks ago we left for a short trip to Swaziland due to visa legislative rules. We chose the Kingdom of Swaziland because we had already seen Nelspruit (well, a little of it) in South Africa and wanted to maximize our opportunities of seeing different parts of Africa. And we’re so very happy we did!

Posted by: Lisette

Country: Swaziland

Date: January 25, 2013

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Review for “Herkenning” (“Recognition”)

Today I wrote a review for Gaby Sadowski’s book “Herkenning” which translates into “Recognition”. Gaby, whom I first met when we were eleven years old, has always been extremely communicative and able to reach out to anyone. Her latest, personal, project is using more than one kind of media to create a storyline.

Posted by: Lisette

Country: Mozambique

Date: January 23, 2013

O Ladrao (The Thief)

O Ladrão (The Thief)

Purse in hand, the thief bolted — and next thing I knew I was in hot pursuit. Nearly overtaken, the thief grabbed a rock and stood his ground, feinting to strike with it.

Posted by: Marlowe

Country: Mozambique

Date: January 13, 2013

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Human Rights in Mozambican prisons

In all prisons worldwide, many problems need to be addressed. What is often forgotten is that these problems are real human rights issues. This article focuses on human rights, HIV in prisons, female inmates and what actions we can undertake to achieve change, in Mozambique and in other countries.

Posted by: Lisette

Country: Mozambique

Date: January 8, 2013

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Scorching sun in Vilankulo

We were eager to get out of the city for quite a while, but work kept us here and visa restraints eliminated traveling options outside Mozambique. After spending an afternoon exploring options in South Mozambique with my dearly beloved Lonely Planet and accompanying partner Internet, I found several interesting options to make a 2-week holiday. Pristine beaches, diving and snorkelling options, islands to discover, and dhow safaris; who can say no to that?

Posted by: Lisette

Country: Mozambique

Date: January 2, 2013

Let no good deed go unpunished

Let no good deed go unpunished

So my mission to gain weight has worked too well and I am starting to get fat. To blame are the ubiquitous pastelarias (pastry shops) and my inability to resist […]

Posted by: Marlowe

Country: Mozambique

Date: December 9, 2012