BIG FISH

I.love.the.fish.market. I mean there are fish…..and then there are fiiiiish. A group of us headed over there one afternoon, and immediately became a bit overwhelmed. Once the vendors there see a group of Americans, they start yelling and rushing toward us trying to get us to buy their food. They really do have everything at the fish market – shrimp, lil fish, big fish, clams, like everything. I’m not a big seafood eater, but it was the first time I tried a piece of shrimp. It wasn’t like allll that but I kept on eating ‘em. I never say no to food. So anyway, the way it works is – you buy all the food you want, then go to the other side of the market where they have tables. You choose a table and have your food prepared. It’s a fun atmosphere – lil overwhelming if its your first time – but then you learn how things move. I’ve been there about 4 times now, and every time its something new, but ya know…I can’t complain! Once YOU come to visit me we’ll go there together

yummmy

I don't eat these but apparently they're amazing

us waiting patiently for our food....=)

and THAT's how we roll!


Random story

Mozambicans can be really nice – and I saw that on my chapa ride from Maputo back to Chongoene. So when the chapa driver stops at a busy “paragem” (stop) there’s people there selling snacks, bananas, and drinks. Me being the naturally always hungry girl, bought some cookies. I was sitting in the back row with three other young girls, and they wanted the same cookies I had……but I bought the last ones. I felt kinda bad, so I gave each of them two cookies. They were so happy, and just smiled at me. Ya know Nana loves the kids. About an hour goes by and I had taken a lil snooze, and right when I opened my eyes one of the girls says, “mana, queres comer?” – “sister, do you want to eat?” I mean she already had the plate with a chicken leg and pasta ready, so I happily said “obrigada” and ate it. It was just such a nice gesture, especially coming from kids that age. They were so sweet. So yes ppl – even though Mozambicans can get rowdy sometimes…there are some that really go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. And Im glad she did lend a hand bc I was dreaming about chicken anyway…..


What every American girl Needs in Moz

This is a list comprised of ideas from me and my hot mess friends living in moz. Take it from us – we know what every girl here needs!

1. Nail polish – they do sell it here but most of them don’t have OPI. So I mean definitely bring your favorite colors. When you first get to site most of you will have plenty of down time – so use that to paint your pretty toes.
2. Make up – I assume if you regularly wear make up you wouldn’t forget this one. Its important to have if you use it! Its hard to find make up unless you’re in Maputo or another big city
3. Jewelry – Don’t bring anything here that you wouldn’t cry about loosing – but definitely bring your favorite necklaces and bracelets, bc its what makes you, you! You don’t have to be as conservative as Peace Corps says you have to be – its really important you keep your personal style. No need to change who you are……walk the runway with pride.
4. Batteries – batteries……….
5. Leggings
6. Cute underwear – SOMEtimes its ok to wear the granny panties when you’re like hiking or something…..but its ok to wear your cute undies….you’ll feel good about it at the end of the day.
7. Leave in conditioner – (because Mona said so)
8. Tampons WITH the plastic applicator – PC doesn’t have those
9. Hair straightener – IF you have room, you’ll appreciate it.
10. Sports bras
11. A decent sized mirror – you will not find many mirrors here. They just aren’t used like that.
12. Eye brow pluckers

PACKAGES AND LETTERS

Ok this is just a QUCIK lil message to those back in America land – SEND ME STUFF. I know we all get busy and whatnot…..but imagine not having sunbelt granola bars, or sour patch kids, or a new journal to write it. And PPL I have down times on some days and would LOVE to read your letters. Some of you all don’t like writing letters but it means a lot to me….so pleeeeeeeeeeeease send more! And thank you to those who already have! Nana loves u.