March 28 - Matupo, Mozambique

March 28 – Maputo, Mozambique

We spent today touring the capital city of Mozambique. Maputo is a city trying to improve its conditions.  There is evidence of new buildings under construction, but also many areas need a lot of TLC.  There are some lovely places to visit such as the Central Railway Station that was Designed by Gustav Eiffel (of the “tower” fame) in 1913, as well as the Steel House because of its all-metal structure.  Originally intended as the Governor’s home, it turned out to be too hot to live in and is now a museum. There is also a Museum of Natural History, a Cathedral, as well at the Fortress built in 1781 during the early colonial era and thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Maputo. There was also a beautiful Central Market that had recently been renovated.

Luckily, the day was overcast holding down the temperatures.  The past days have been hot and humid.  Tomorrow we will be in search of hippos and crocodiles when we visit Richards Bay.  Then we will be off on Safari, March 30 – April 2.  We will leave from Durban and rejoin the ship in Cape Town.  From Cape Town we will be at sea another 7 days in route to Montevideo, so I’ll have plenty of time to catch up on the blog then!

Enjoy the pictures.   Cheers!

The Railway Station is being renovated, but still has trains that operate between
Maputo and nearby towns.

Inside the train station

Another shot inside the station

One of the first locomotives

The Steel House also designed by Gustave Eiffel

The Natural History Museum

Museum entryway

A chance to see the Big 5, all in one room!

Happy Hippo Family

More of the Big 5

The museum boast the only set of elephant embryo's through full term. This one is 10 months

Quite a display

Statue of Samora Machel, the first President of Mozambique

Cathedral of Our Lady of Conception.  Pope John Paul II
visited in 1988

Inside the Cathedral

Inside the walls of the Fortress

Street cafes

Inside the Central Market

Beans & cashews

Peppers anyone?

I thought I might get some hair extensions while at the market, but they didn't have
them in grey!!