rainy days in the big city

Written Thursday, January 24, 2013

Rain, rain, go away, come again some other day.

That has been my internal theme song for the past few days here in southern Mozambique. This past Sunday, I made a trip up to Inhambane City (about 3 hours north of me) for a meeting with ICAP, my international ngo that I am partnered with through the hospital, on Monday morning. When I left my house Sunday afternoon the sun was out, it was dry and hot, standard Africa weather. I decided to leave my windows in my house open, seeing as I was returning the next day directly after our meeting.

The travel to the city was no problem. I caught a great free ride “boleia” up to Maxixe, stopping along the way to pick up my colleague in Inharrime. We waited in Maxixe for our other friend, and treated ourselves to some market food – a heaping amount of bean stew, rice and a cold coca-cola all for 30 Mtz? . . . doesn’t get much better than that.

After lunch we took the small boat over to Inhambane and headed to our friends house. I stayed with her that evening, while the other girls stayed in the hotel in town. We had a relaxing movie night, and went out for pizza a bit later. Tough life in the big city right? I love my home, and my town – but it is sometimes nice to escape to an area that has some of the western comforts of home. . . who knew that pizza would be such an incredible thing?

That night, the rain started. And boy did it rain. So much so that my friends ceiling started leaking, and the town of Inhambane itself was flooded. There was water in the roads up to our knees! The ICAP car had to come pick us up to take us to the meeting. The meeting itself was “productive” by Mozambique standards. . . a lot of unnecessary things, but we also got some good information, support, and ideas for the future. Stay tuned.

All throughout the meeting the storm continued to rage, so much so that the boats across to Maxixe stopped running, and roads were closed. There is one highway in southern Mozambique called the “EN1”, it stretches from Maputo to central Mozambique, where it splits off into two different highways. . . for a total of I think 4 or so main “highways” in the entire country. . .kind of makes me miss I79.  Anyway, I I digress. . the transportation options were a bit limited so we decided to stay one more night – at this point I called a friend here in Quissico to run to my house and close windows etc. only to get a response back that my house had flooded. . .awesome.

So Tuesday morning was spent at the post office, trying to argue for my package that arrived there, and not at the postal box in Inharrime. Shout out to Auntie Maria Casciato for sending me a “Daily February” care package – you are the best. I adore and miss you so very much! Needless to say, the postal system here can go suck a ___. Fill in the blank yourselves with whatever noun you choose. I know which one I would use. There is a happy ending to this tale though, we were able to get our packages (Jasmin, Maddy and I all had one) without having to pay the ridiculous customs fees. It only took 3 hours Monday afternoon and another 3 Tuesday morning of convincing to make this happen. “sigh”

So with our packages in hand, the three of us headed over to the ICAP office to figure out our transportation situation to our respective homes. I also really wanted to buy a refrigerator and since I was getting a free ride in an organization’s car, I figured this would be the best time.

We find out that the road is still closed, in some places water up to peoples knees, if not higher. Sooo we packed it in, and prepared to stay yet another night in Inhambane City. We took full advantage of the free internet at the ICAP office, watching all of the Inaugural celebrations on YouTube, and other news sources. I thought Obama’s speech was moving. Forceful, informative, and inspiring. Hat’s off to you sir, I look forward to these next 4 years.  

We had a relaxing movie night at the hotel, between the three of us, we had two rooms, and four beds. . . it only makes sense that for most of the evening the three of us were in one bed watching a movie on a computer screen. . .  Peace Corps volunteers, they are a little strange I tell ya.

Wednesday morning we were finally able to get out of the city! We took the car down to Lindela, and then over into Maxixe so I could buy my refrigerator – oh happy days!!! My life is about to change for the better. I can now have cold water, have leftovers, make cold salsa, ice tea, etc. ohmygosh. YES!

It even has a small freezer in it, so I could make (wait for it….) ice cream!!! Ahhh!!

So I got my fridge, had a free ride home and all was going well! Get back into Quissico, to my home, to find that my house had been flooded. . . not the best thing to come home to, but I suppose its only water, and slowly its drying out.

I’m happy to be home with my new fridge, a package from the states (that I am waiting to open until each day in Feb as assigned) and a puppy dog who greeted me with the biggest tail wag and slobbery kiss.

Off to a meeting today with my community organization. . . going to talk about future projects with them. Then onto the hospital to chat about my meeting on Monday and future plans with them.

X’ and O’s from a slightly soggy place in Moz.