photo gallery: scenes of cabinda
When we used to live at the Staff House, Kelli and I would swing by the “Church Bar” to have a few Super Bocks, break out the cards and play a little gin. Usually we’d pay a couple bucks for some cervejas and watch the sunset as mutant bats would take to the night. Parents, hold your children close. Those things could carry little Jonny away.
On our last day in Cabinda, we decided to swing by one last time to enjoy some beers and take our chances with a few cachuros (hot dogs with mayo and strange fillings). Unfortunately (or luckily?), we received vintage Angolan service.
That is to say, no service.
We were h’angry and after twenty minutes of inaction, we got fed up (pardon the pun). So we ventured over to one of our other staples: the Blue Room or FC Cabinda.
You might be interested to know that while FC Cabinda has surprisingly good—and reasonably priced—food, the restaurant is somewhat … how shall I call it … of a “John” establishment? We’d usually see Portuguese dudes sitting at tables with bedazzled Angolan ladies showing a healthy dose of cleavage and/or ass crack.
But who cares? They (the proprietors, that is) always treated me and Kelli with respect and good eats.
This time, when we walked into the restaurant, a server noticed us and gave us a wave. It’s been a long time! One moment, I’ll be there in a sec.
We ordered a few Super Bocks (não tem fino), some peanuts and a bife composto—which is fried steak with french fries and a fried egg on top—and enjoyed our last dinner in Angola.
As time passes and we look back at our time in Angola, it’ll be interesting too see which things we remember.
With FC Cabinda, I think of ceiling fans blowing cigarette smoke and mosquitos. Of blue-painted latticed concrete walls that look out to onto the street. Of a random crazy guy who would barge in and yell strange Portuguese obscenities. We couldn’t understand a word, but the locals would just point and laugh.
So while these photos might catch a glimpse of the things we saw and experienced, I know they won’t be all we remember.
Click on any image to zoom / view slide show, hover for a caption, click to move on.
Looks quite beautiful really. I look forward to dinner and conversation when you return. Enjoy these next few precious months. I’m sure they will also be memorable.