Maputo, Mozambique - 2 of 2

Next, we visited Taverna Doce for pastels de nata (or Portuguese Custard Tart). We loved them in Lisbon where they were “invented” (actually made in the 13th century by monks in the Jerónimos Monastery) at Pastelaria Versailles where they have made them since 1920. We were so excited to “see” them again but that’s all we could do … it was Passover so we could only “see” them. As coincidences would have it, they also made homemade Macaroons (not the french type we have on the ship) just like we have had our entire lives on Passover. Not only did we both get the, with our cappuccinos BUT we bought a dozen hand-packed ones to bring back and share on the ship.

Then we weaved through the streets and observed the vendors and stores (many closed up) and made our way to the Central Market. Interestingly, beside the normal street fare of electronics, handmade gifts and souvenirs and other clothing, they must love their shoes. The Market build in 1946 in gothic romantic style, was quite large with many many rows of groceries, exotic and regular vegetables, flowers, fish, nuts, spices and herbs. But the most interesting rows were filled with HAIR. It seems that hair extensions must be very popular with African women as a throwback to look like their ancestors, and people come from all over Africa to get them here.

On the way to our next stop we visited Independence Square which was just outside the Beaux-Arts Central Railway Station built by the Portuguese between 1908-1910. The building is number 3 on the most beautiful train stations of the world list. The dome was constructed in South Africa and assembled in Maputo. A very beautiful train station to walk around and observe the layout and stores, bars, library that was located there.

Note: Sadly, less that 2 weeks before we were there, there was civil unrest and violent demonstrations when thousands assembled and 19 were injured as the people are starting increased uprisings against the ineffective government.Okumaya devam et