Security first

We have two buildings in Luanda. Chicala and Lenine.  Security and detectors at each. At Lenine you enter a chamber to be screened then it opens to let you out in the building. It's like a Star Trek elevator door. 

Angola conference FILDA

I went to a huge Angolan conference today and represented medical at our Chevron section. It included all the major companies and sectors doing business in Angola.  Today was kids day do kids were running around all over. Lots of people and entertainment.  

Chevron has operated here 60 years and produced more than any other company.  We do lots of social investment and community support. 

Thousands of people attended but the only problem is u don't speak Portuguese. 

End of the day. Cabinda tomorrow. 

Bday in Angola.

Just another day.  Work, bit of exercise, dinner, TV and bed. Do it again tomorrow. 

My birthday meals. Could be much worse. Lucky to have good family and friends and something to look forward to.  

What can be balanced on a head?

I have seen about everything on women's heads here and I appreciate the  balance, strength and poise of them all. Often with a baby hanging on their back or front.  I have seen on heads: 

Crates of eggs, Tupperware, all types of fruit, buckets of fish, containers of pastries, laundry, trash cans, a chair and so much more.  

Winter hitch in July

It's winter in Angola. Typical dry, low clouds, 70's day, 60's night. People wear coats, hats and gloves sometimes. 

Cabinda-Congo

Travel day segunda-fiera.  

Few days in Cabinda and then drive to the republic of Congo. 

Stark welcome contrast

Florida beaches. Enough said.  

Bless the lounge

Hitching out now. Been a good one.  

Even better now that in lounge with my Cuca. 

Travels Muito

In the Congo and there were some pleasantries. They speak French, have lots of untapped resources and nice people.  

On the road to Congo.  

Many villages scattered along main road. 

The border. 

Checking my papers. They would not let me get out of van.  

These carts go in and out of the border hauling stuff. There was a line of them going into angola. 

My security 

2 in my car and 4 in the trailer car. 

Border area. 

Had to walk through gate with escort. I was waiting outside and then security told me to get in another van and its best not to be outside.  There was security in my van and four in a truck escorting us.  Always safety first.  

The baggage check. No plastic bags are allowed in the Congo. I guess they used to have a real trash problem so they banned them. 

On the other side. 

Guest house is on the beach. 

Back yard at guest house.  Pool.  I'm ready to move in. 

My bathroom. I want to stay.  

Dining at guest house.  Food was very good. 

Back yard view in. 

Local train station. 

City area. 

Chevron offices were nice. People were nice. I did a one hour presentation to the workforce while there. On health and stress.  

Local Flavors

At the Cabinda clinic today and they had a going away for one of the staff.  All local dishes. 

I don't know what all was but a few things were broiled bananas, chicken, chicken pieces in blood sauce, beans, some crushed leaves/greens cooked in palm oil, fish,, rice, yam type things and some deserts. 

Travel Week

Cabinda, Malongo and ROC-Republic of Congo travels.  

Should be an educational week. 

Daily life continued

They have ice cream trucks here.  You hear the song they play all around. 

Here is one. 

Daily bank drop off.  One of my national colleagues does not like standing near the banks when they do drop offs or pick ups.  Safety first.  It's good to see lots of security around. 

Good words to live by.  

Food

Mukeka- traditional fish stew. Had this at lunch. Lots of different random prices of fish.  

You see a lot of cooked bananas and plantains. This women sits outside near our office with her set up each day. 

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