"Let's Go Surfing Now..."

Everyone told us that Mozambique was a lot different than South Africa but as Ponta d'Ouro, our final destination, was only 8 kilometers over the border I didn't really believe it could be that different.  Boy, was I wrong.  We arrived at the border on a tar road and crossed through into Mozam onto hills of sand reaching as far as you could see.  [Thankfully, our guide had a 4 wheel drive vehicle as you aren't even allowed in the country without one].  A short 8ks and 30 minutes later [yes, it takes that long due to all the bumps - picture an amusement park ride - understandably, I loved every second], we arrived at Kaya, Kirsten and my home for the next week.  Despite our "rough" accommodations, we were actually staying at the nicest place in town which had hot, running water - a luxury.  The town itself looks exactly as I would expect Africa to look - small huts, sand roads, wild dogs, but with an absolutely beautiful beach.  We walked everywhere barefoot and Kirsten laughed often at my obsessive compulsive need to brush the sand from the bottom of my feet every time I got into bed.

We quickly made friends with many of the locals, becoming known as the "two blonde Americans", and went with them to a chicken dinner in the "shackland" one night.  [Notice the little huts above, they actually go really really deep and each is a different shop, restaurant, bar, etc.]  We were in for a treat.  A group of about 15 of us sat around a large picnic table while two women prepared our meal - very very fresh chicken (killed just before they cooked it), pap (sort of a mix between rice and grits), chips (french fries), and tomatoes with onions.  We were laughed at for trying to use utensils and quickly switched to our hands.  Definitely not the dinner we're used to in Cape Town but thoroughly enjoyable (both for us, and the locals laughing at us).

[Our view of the kitchen from our table - note the chicken cooking right on that pot.]

Despite a bit chilly weather, we spent the majority of our days in the water, learning to surf, or buried in our books.  Surfing is HARD.  I think we both expected some sort of technical teaching (i.e. stand up on the board when the wave reaches X angle) but instead, we got a much more laid back approach - "just stand up when you feel the power".. awesome.  Regardless, we both managed to stand up on day 1 and by the end of the week, we were paddling onto our own baby waves and standing up like pros (kinda - at least we looked the part).

[At least I'm still laughing, right?]

[End of the week, Kirsten's up!]

[Pretty sure my arms aren't supposed to go that way but hey, I'm standing!]

We also made friends with (and named) many of the wild dogs - the poor guys are so hungry they always followed us home from the beach, hoping to get fed.

["Bert" and "Lucy" behind him, snuggling up next to us as we laid on the beach.]

All in all, we had a great trip and it is definitely an experience we'll both remember.  We're back in Cape Town now and only have three more days here before we head back to the States.  I can't believe how quickly the summer went - already looking forward to planning my return trip to Africa.