Ilha de Moçambique

Ilha de Moçambique-

After our REDES handover in Nampula, Wendy, Olivia and I hitchhiked our way to Ilha de Moçambique. A 3km long island located off the coast of the Nampula province, connected to the mainland by a small bridge, wide enough to let one car go at a time.

We had to take a chapa out of Nampula city, to successfully catch a car leaving the city. From there, it took us 3 cars to make it to Ilha, successful, smooth and a beautiful trip. The North is something else, lots of mountains, sunshine, and different types of vegetation. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the scenery pass by.

(view from the back of a truck)

We rode into Ilha in the back of a truck, perfect for taking in all the sights. Once we hopped out, we promptly realized we had no idea where we were on the island, where our friend lived, or where we were going next! Haha luckly the island isn’t all that big, and we started wandering around, eventually meeting up with our friend who is a teacher on the island. We settled into our housing for the next few nights – a friend of the volunteer who rents our rooms for 300 mtz a night. With breakfast added into the price, and a water front view? I’ll take it.

We went for a swim off the pier, had some beers then showered and relaxed a little after our trip, to then met up with people for drinks and dinner at a – rooftop bar. That's right. . . . a beautiful, chique, rooftop bar. I had forgotten those existed. Cool seating, chique drinks, and a great atmosphere. It was quite the spot.

            Side note- sitting up there was incredibly enjoyable, a little taste of first world comforts, but then when one looked over the side of the building, and saw local’s hanging out at a local bar, the division was very clear. . . .it was a mixed bag of feelings for me.

The next morning, we had a later start, enjoying sleeping in a bit, and the breakfast that was prepared for us. Unfortunately, because we decided to be a bit lazy, it made the next part of our adventure that much more of a challenge. 

There are many beaches on the main-land of Nampula province, that you can easily get to with a boat from Ilha, so we decided to take one and see what these beaches were all about. Unfortunately, because we had a late start, the tides were not in our favor. We had to dock the boat on some random beach, and hike/walk for almost 2 hours, through bush, lagoon, and sand. It was an adventure to be sure. At first, I was not thrilled to be walking for so long – I was on vacation! But then realized that this was still an experience of a lifetime, and that walking through the bush somewhere is a good way to get to know how locals live, and see some really cool things. Which I did.

The beach we went to that day was FANTASTIC. I mean. . . my goodness. White sand beaches, turquoise water, and not a person to be seen for kilometers. We were the only ones there. Deserted paradise- we found you. The day was perfect. Swimming, napping, and just taking it all in. Fortunately we didn't have to walk back as far to the boat on our return trip, and the setting sun was spectacular over the water during our sail back to the island. That night, we had dinner with a bunch of volunteers who were staying on the island as well, and just had a really fun night with them.

(beach)

The next day, Wendy, Olivia and I decided to take a historical bike tour of the island. We rented bikes, and even had a guide who took us all over. It was very informative, very fun, and a great way to see every part of the island. There is an absurd amount of cool architecture on the island, left from colonial times, some has been restored, and while other buildings have become weathered over the years. The mixture of it all is a fantastic sight to see. Throw in the combination of people as well, and it's a regular buffet for your eyeballs. Beautiful people, a beautiful place, and a bicycle. . . what more could you ask for?

But wait, there is more! In addition to all of these great sights and sounds, there is the FOOD. Matapa de siri siri. You all remember me explaining what Matapa is correct? Well this dish, just takes it to a whole other level. Its seaweed, with cashew flour, coconut milk, and then raw cashews mixed in. Boiled and simmered to perfection, served with coconut rice, and a piece of amazingly grilled shrimp….. ughhhh. It's an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Needless to say, I had that Matapa a few times while I was there, and Olivia and I basically ate as much fish as possible. Grilled with lemon and garlic? Ahhhh… perfection.

(YUM)

Olivia and I decided to stay a third day at Ilha, feeling our time there just wasn't enough. So the next day (Friday) we took another boat to another deserted beach, and took in all the sights to see there. Again, at this beach there was not a person in sight, nothing to hear but the sound of wind and waves, and the warmth of the sun on our skin. It was a perfect day… again. Haha!

(beach day 2)

Since it was Friday night, the discothèque was the place to be! So we had some drinks, went to a local bar to meet up with some friends and dance a bit there, then there was kind of a mass exodus to the disco where the party continued well into the morning. This dance club was located right on the beach, had great music and a fun atmosphere. Olivia and I danced and danced and danced. Stopping only for some grilled chicken in a great marinade, haha.

The night was the perfect end to our time in the magical land of Ilha.

I don't know if I would want to be a volunteer there (a thought I had while there) because I do love my site, and my experience here very much. But it is defiantly a “must visit” place, and I have a very strong desire to return. See you soon Ilha… see you soon.

xoxo