Saturday night

Big treat for wild Saturday night in Luanda.  Went with a couple other expats to pizza and beer.  Best thing I had in a while. 

Far different than the staff house meals. 

But we got a good crew and stories at dinner. 

Upgrade

Sunday BBQ is back on at staff house Luanda - at least every so often. 

Major upgrade to BBQ.  It's all we got.  Good group of about 7 guys provides good laughs.  

More Realities

A bit more education. 

Angola: Yellow fever outbreak

An outbreak of yellow fever is underway in the town of Viana, in the province of Luanda. Since early December, over 20 people have been infected, with several fatalities. The Ministry of Health will hold a vaccination campaign in the affected area. Yellow fever risk is persistently present in Angola. The viral disease is transmitted by mosquito bites. Symptoms range from a mild flu-like illness to a severe haemorrhagic fever with liver failure. There is no treatment. About half of all serious cases are fatal.

Life realities.

I receive weekly news updates of things going on in Angola.  It's always interesting to see what the Nationals deal with. 

A couple examples: 

 

Africa currency crises spark diverging Central Bank stances     

An oil-triggered crisis in Africa has its biggest economies taking opposite approaches on monetary policy. Angola

and other African countries are set to announce their first interest-rate decisions of the year this week.

Bloomberg

Banks with historic lows of dollars

According to the National Bank of Angola (BNA), the sale of foreign currency to Angolan commercial banking continues to

reach all-time lows. The sale of foreign currency amounted to $55.5 million last week, 70% less than the previous week.

Diario de Noticias

Strategic Plan for yellow fever control launched

The Provincial Government of Luanda is meeting with social partners to present the strategic plan for control and eradication of

yellow fever, which has been spreading through Luanda since December 2015.

Angop

A bit of peace in the jungle

Week in Cabinda.  Got a few good walks in at least.  Enjoying some nature. 

Domingo

One of the few times I have gone out in Luanda.  Nice open place to eat. Food was good, on the water, good company and a nice change. 

Hitch 9-10?

5 January begins 2016 hitches. Smooth enough on day one with too much to do. 

Cool morning view as began our descent.