Culture Shock: what was so different about Mozambique

*disclaimer: all of these things, even if they sound strange or irritating, were wonderful.

*except numbers 5 and 8.

1. African time:
We had the honor of visiting a different church every week. The first week, the pastor said, be at the gate at eight am.

So we were.

Pastor came oh, about 8:45.
And we weren’t even late for church.

2. Chapas
We used a chapa every time we went into town, and it cost about 15 cents. A chapa is like our taxi. Except it’s a rickety white van that is supposed to hold, mmmmm about 10-15 people. On average they contained 20, and once we even counted 24…not including chickens.

3. Tea time
At ten o’clock every morning, we paused our work and went to the cafeteria, where the cooks had laid out big bowls of popcorn and peanuts (no movies), and hot tea with milk and raw sugar. Over this splendid excuse for a break, we got to sit around and chat with the Mozambiquan pastors, and try to learn some Portuguese!

4. Church music
I have to try really hard not to be biased here…but I’m failing. African church music is way better.

5. Malarious mosquitoes
At first we were paranoid to go outside after dark, like the first time I was in Chicago and was afraid of getting mugged anytime I stepped out on the street. Like Chicago, that paranoia quickly wore off. But it was very sobering to realize that most Africans were not on anti-malaria medication like we were, and I gathered that it is a fairly common cause of death in Mozambique.

6. Seven hours difference

And a whole different skyful of stars.

7. Mud huts
People in Mozambique spend most of the day outside. As a result, their yard (which they keep swept clean and clear of grass, weeds, and brush) is their playplace, their kitchen, their living room. I rather liked this.

8. LAM
(aka Lineas Aeras de Mozambique)
(aka Mozambique Airlines)

Two words:
Always. Late.

9. Markets
Could be a madhouse. Could be terribly charming. Could be a challenge to navigate, and could be very very cost efficient!

10. Sunset
Early, swift, and dazzling. In Mozambique the sun started setting 4:30 or five o’clock, drops quickly, and leaves you marveling.