June 2 - Luanda, Angola

Here we are in Luanda, Angola. One of the first ports, where I didn't feels so comfortable venturing out on my own. So I talked Dion, 6'4", into accompanying me into town on the complimentary shuttle. Well, Sue, Craig and Randy all thought that was a good idea and we all headed into 'town'. 

The Locals welcomed us

Town ended up being a bunch of pop-up tents, local market. Remember, it was Sunday. Dion got off the bus, saw there was plenty of armed security and then got back on the bus and said we were on our own. You got to love Dion, not so much a people person.



 The market had some great local art, which we admired.

After looking over the local artwork and getting my Keychain and post card we headed to the Hotel Presidente, across the plaza. 

Where we found some high quality local art.

 

Craig tried to buy a nativity scene and I was going to buy the second one. However, things got a little lost in translation. We decided on a price of $25,000 Angolan/$29 USD. In the mean time we found out a bunch of the ship folk were on the 8th floor bar, enjoying a beer. So Craig said, to box up the art and we would be back to pay,  after a beer.


Sue and I only had one beer so we head out early. We got down stairs and the nativity scene was not ready. Now, I looked at it closely and realized it was missing a Wiseman and I had 2 Josephs and no Mary. So I passed. 

 Plaza Buildings

Cool structures

Local Beaches

I have since heard stories about independent travelers that had to pay bribes to get back to the ship.
Glad I stayed with RC sponsored travel.

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