Ingwavuma is situated at the top of a mountain. In one direction are views over Swaziland. In another are views into Mozambique. The borders of both countries are only a few miles away.
On Wednesday night, after Mary had finished work, we took a drive a couple of miles up the road. We had been invited for ‘sundowners’ (drinks while watching the sun go down). The vantage point chosen looked over miles and miles of Swaziland.
Theoretically, we didn’t pick the best evening to watch the sun’s disappearance. A slight haze covered the land making it harder to pick out details. However, we still got to appreciate the amazing changes of colour as the sun slowly vanished. Sitting on rocks on the hill edge we sipped our drinks and toasted the beauty. At some point we will put up a picture or two to make you jealous (still having problems doing this). It was one of my favourite experiences here so far.
We had planned to visit both Swaziland and Mozambique. I have been particularly excited about visiting the latter. Most of all I looked forward to walking around singing, ‘I like to spend some time in Mozambique, the sunny sky is aqua blue, and all the couples dancing cheek to cheek it’s very nice to stay a week or two, and maybe fall in love just me and you’. The words come from a lesser known but highly commendable Bob Dylan song about the country (helpfully titled ‘Mozambique’ for those wishing to look it up).
Sadly all is not well in the country and we will have to wait and hope things calm down. The country is in the top 5 poorest in the world. After winning independence in 1975 it spent the next 18ish years in civil war. Since 1992 the country has become more peaceful. Nonetheless most of the people remain horrendously poor. Escalating food prices in recent weeks have driven people into protest on the streets of Maputo. Police clashes have led to deaths. The BBC carries more about the situation at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11173112. Fingers crossed, Dylan’s words will ring true again soon.
In the meantime, this weekend we visit Richards Bay. It gets a kicking from our guide book ‘there are better places to spend your time’ and has no Dylan song to defend it. However, it is the nearest city and we need to visit a garage to fix our car. We’ll let you know what they think of our mule.
Thanks yet again for such an interesting account of your lives and the progress you are making. I've read with interest and despair the plight of the Mozambicans. I look forward to your update when you do visit the country. Lots of love to you and Mary. Mum xxx
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