Last week Cathy and I flew up to Nacala in N. Mozambique along with Allan, Mercy Air's CEO and Dave, an electrician. We routed up via Blantyre in Malawi but returned direct. The trip involved over 12 hrs of flying, 2200 miles (3500 km) and a number of diversions. The one flight on the way back was 5 hours alone.
As usual in N. Moz we got to fly past some pretty spectacular scenery.
We flew in support of Martin and Simone Schumann who have been working for Globe Mission for many years now.
In the past we have taken consignments of Artemisia tea, used in combating malaria, as well as solar powered MP3 bibles. This time we were tasked with wiring plugs, sockets and lights in a new building but we also took up a few thousand bibles...
...and a plane load of other supplies that they find hard to obtain in the bush.
Good job he had a 4x4 and a big roof rack!
Before the electrical work could start we had to put the roof on.
Then the cabling could begin.
Many of the light fittings had to be 'adapted' to make them work properly.
As in many places across Africa water is an issue and many people wash certain items of clothing in the sea.
The Schumann's do everything they can to collect and conserve water and every roof surface is plumbed into giant plastic tanks or stored underground.
One of the things that needed fixing was the pump that transfers the water to a tank on the roof so that they can have running water in the house. It did actually almost take three of us to get it going!
Being miles on questionable dirt roads from anywhere takes its toll on vehicles and so we had bought up some spares to help keep things running.
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| Oil change |
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| Brakes |
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| Even the motorbike got some attention |
Cathy got bust with a number of things including a few trip to town with Simone to see lady's who were ill. First she had to dress up 'appropriatley' for the culture which wasn't so pleasant considering the immense heat all the while. She didn't take a camera so no pics - sorry.
As the beach is only 30 metres from the house we did get o col off in the sea (if you can cool off in water that is 30 deg C).
It was interesting to see the locals fish which at this time of year is about the only food there is. They would row out in their boats...
..drop a net...
..and then guys on the shore would pull it in.
The only other food that seemed readily available were mangoes.
So we ate quite a few of those!
Then it was back to fixing things. here I am mending a sewing machine foot pedal.
And then a generator for when the power goes off - again!
On the Sunday we took a little time off and walked along the beach to a little cove which was also a little short on shade. Towards the end there were some amazing Baobab trees.
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| This path was far too hot to walk on bare foot. |
Meanwhile back at the ranch, red or yellow is about to win - but I can't remember who's go it was next.
Then before we knew it it was time to leave and the two hour bumpy ride back to the airport. Nacala used to be a military airport and there are still some Mig 21's in a hangar.
So once you have got to 12000ft, driven round some storms and checked that all the dials and guages are still pointing in the right direction, what else is there to do on a five hour flight in a little plane - look out the window of course!
Thank you
Paul and Cathy
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