Inhaca Experience 2006

Dear all,

Things at Mozambique have been very amazing and interesting.

During the first week I have been in my project meetings, finishing the first year report and stuff. During daylight, we have burocratic and scientific discussions, as well as some new ideas for future research. At night, I have been out with some European and African partners. It is amazing how different our cultures are, but how well they can combine when listening to music, dancing, drinking and of course enjoying the African “wild” life.

After this first week I when to Inhaca, the almost desert island 2,5 hours away from Maputo by boat. During the first week I was with 2 professors and another student, and together we manage to do our planned experiments as well as to search for other island potentials (publications and fun … of course).

Because it was a non-stop research week, the small breaks between sorting animals, and counting and analysis, it was time for taking pictures and to play with the kids from the island. This time I brought some football balls and those animation balloons and did a small party. The marine biology laboratory became a place where pirates, cowboys and ninjas were “fighting” with each other. (And nobody wanted a balloon flower… J )

At the moment I am getting back to Maputo, in a crowded boat with tourists and locals. While writing this small email I was listening 5 women and one man arguing (very laud) about the women rights, and it is amazing how everybody was laughing, even talking about their own problems. In these moments we remember that the ability to live happily with a smile it is not a question of money and/or social status, but of personal confidence and interior peace.

Hope to hear from you soon as well.

Hugs,
Gil