Bom Dia
If you had told me a few months ago, that I would be working in Angola, I would’ve said you were delusional. But here I am in Cabinda, Angola, an enclave on the border of the DRC and Angola.
My departure was bumpy to say the least. When checking in at the airport, I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home. I almost missed my flight from Luanda to Cabinda, we were allowed onto the flight, but without luggage, which meant wearing the same clothes for two days, thankfully then got to shop for an interim outfit.
My work colleagues are delightful, helpful and generous. The apartment is kitted out with everything I need and more. The contrast of the way I live to others in Angola, keeps me grounded and grateful. I work and live in the same building. The apartments are on the 4th floor and my neighbours are South African, Portuguese and Indian. This changes from time to time as people come and go. The company that I work for is a logistics company and they service International Oil companies. Our offices are really world class, very convenient and comfortable to work in. The apartments are serviced daily and the ladies who service them are a hoot, I am teaching them English and they teaching me, Portuguese. A lot of laughter and gesticulating. At midday daily, there is a bus that collects us and takes us to a restaurant for lunch. This canteen/restaurant facility is not a complete representation of the food available in Angola. I have had some really delicious meals here. The food at the canteen/restaurant is not bad but a bit repetitive.
This week of orientation has been interesting and challenging. I assessed 100 students in 2 days and created with the help of my colleagues, a schedule for the coming week. This took a bit longer than anticipated because some of my colleagues went down with Dengue fever and typhoid! A reminder and a warning that I am now in the tropics! Thankfully, I am ok!
The weather is still quite mild, but we are expecting the rainy season and very hot temperatures with 90*C humidity- Gulp!
La dolce vida
