So yeah, I know that’s its been a while since my last post. I was traveling for a bit around Nampula province, but the main reason I haven’t updated is because I’ve been pretty stressed out and I didn’t want to make a post that was just rants and raves about how Mozambique sucks. I actually did make that post a few weeks ago, but internet was down at the time and I cooled off before it came back. Fortunately, this week has been better. I’ve been planning a no-cost nutrition training with an org in town, for its members. It’s going smoothly (so far, anyway). I’m also just about done with my malaria project proposal. All that’s left to do is write up the pre/post test questions, and my supervisors and I agreed to do that tomorrow morning. So although its taken months to get to this stage, shit is finally getting done!

My travels through Nampula were great. First I went to Mozambique Island, which has nice beaches and is always relaxing. There were a ton of volunteers there for the JUNTOS handover meeting or just to hang out, and one night we all went out dancing and I danced for hours. Was pouring sweat, but it was well worth it! So much fun.

After Mozambique Island, I went to Ribaue, my friend Charlie’s site, for a few days. It’s always good to see him. We hung out, at his place, watching Family Guy, Futurama, and Indiana Jones. We climbed the mountain behind his house; I actually had proper footwear this time, and the hike was nowhere near as challenging as Mt. Mulanje in Malawi, so I don’t think I cursed at all on that climb. Mainly, however, Charlie and I sat around complaining about the heat. It’s getting so damn hot around here! I happened to be in Ribaue for Teacher’s Day, so I joined Charlie for the festivities; he’s an education volunteer and the holiday actually pertained to him. We went to a special dinner at his school, although the dinner wasn’t ready until 10 PM, and by the time we got our food we were exhausted and ready for bed. We ate, had a few beers, and then went straight to bed because we had to get up at 5 the next day to catch the train.

My next trip will be another trip to Lake Malawi in a week in a half. Actually, the trip is to Lake Niassa, because that’s what it’s called on the Mozambique side. This will be a goodbye trip for the Moz 15ers. I’ll be saying goodbye to quite a few of them, but I’m saddest to see Jama and Charlie go. They both leave in December, although Jama’s coming to Mecanhelas at the end of November, so I’ll be seeing her again. This trip will probably be the last I see of Charlie for a while though, so that’s sad. While it will be strange not having the Moz 15ers around, the Moz 19 education volunteers get to site in December…and one of them should be coming here to Mecanhelas!!!

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