A Glimpse of Luanda, Angola

When I was waiting for my transport from office to home, came the moment when I spotted this posting on a blog talking
Baia de Luanda about Luanda. He or she, whatever the gender of the writer is, was spending a week in Luanda. He or she, but let's say it is a "he" to make it simple, was a bit paralyzed to see the landscape of the city when his car was just out of the airport. He described in disgust how he could not even sleep for he was feeling traumatic of what he had seen, how he stayed in the best hotel in the city that is still very very low standard, how he did not even take any drink because he did not trust the water, how he could not believe the level of poverty and how on earth can human live there. He also described how suffered he was and that he rescheduled his departure back from Luanda to escape from the place as quick as he can. He also described how glad he was when he arrived back in London that finally he was back to civilization. Apparently he comes from that part of the world. The civilized part.
I am not here to judge his writing. I just can not believe how different my impression is on Luanda! And how his impression is actually just about all the warnings I got from people before I decided to go here. My husband and I were warned hundreds of times to think twice, three times, and hundred times before we decided. Still, my husband and I decided to go. And now that we are here for almost two weeks, not a single second have we regretted our decision.
Spending my second week in this nice sunny city of Luanda, I can only say that this is by far a nice place. Can also be because I am treated well by the company I work for, can also be that I am objective, I don't know. But to stay here for 2 weeks, so far I like it a lot. All the warmth in the weather, in its people, the nice beaches just near the center of the city, the nice cafés on the beach. I even like the mess. I have had enough with robotic atmosphere I found in subways or tubes where people do not smile to each other anymore. Where everything is taken care of and provided by the system. Where the words "people interaction" are such strange ones. In Luanda, it is like I am unique again, I am not a machine anymore... And that finally I am human again. Yes, there are some very poor part of the city, that you need to be extra careful to walk in the streets and that sometimes systems are extremely messy or even barely any system at all. But still, here, I feel like I am amongst people, not robots, and I am part of humanity again.
The most challenging is only the pace, to get things done takes a lot more time. But even for that, looks like just in 2 weeks, I slowly adapt to it. Believe it or not, I am getting used to the waiting time for transportation every day -on average 45min late- without complain. Hey, why not use this time to browse stupid stuff from internet, or reapply my make-up, or sitting doing simple meditation exercise, or write a rubbish posting like what I am doing now. To my surprise, I am getting used to enjoying the moment rather than catching up with my to-do-list of the day. It is like finding a new side of me that was never revealed before.
This place has huge amount of potential. I heard from people there are big changes you can see on the streets from day to day. Luanda a year ago looked different than now, things are quickly developed. I strongly believe that in 15years from now this city can be one of the players and I am looking forward to seeing its interesting development while I have the chance now.
I am curious if I would still be saying the same thing in 2 years from now when I know how it is like to have a life here. We'll see.. :)


Reader Comments (12)
We are really impressed about your Luanda-report and enjoyed your feelings about Luanda/Angola. Finally "this civilized part" was it, that left this country in the situation were it tries to come out now trying to create a better life for their people.
Proud to have such a daughter in law.
Loves, Luc and Jeane
I'd like to post some pics but the connection is extremely slow, I have to be more patient and limit my uploaded pics.... Will be temporary, until I get better connection at home... Finger crossed... :)
i've share your feeling about luanda. there are some good and bad places. but the restaurant and beach in ilha always call me there. and the mussulo is wonderful. i've spent one day on that paradise island. you should try barra do kwanza, quite a solitude and imaginative experience.
i am indonesian myself currently living in luanda since mid february 2007.
regards -
aris
I lived in Indonesia for 14 years and then moved down here to Trinidad. Trinidad is not such a great place so we are planning a move soon. My daughter's mother is Indonesian and in reality, our hearts are still in Indonesia.
I will continue to view your blog for updates on Luanda and if I am successful, perhaps we can meet up.
Thanks again for this great honest insight into the unknown.
Regards
I lived in Indonesia for 14 years and then moved down here to Trinidad. Trinidad is not such a great place so we are planning a move soon. My daughter's mother is Indonesian and in reality, our hearts are still in Indonesia.
I will continue to view your blog for updates on Luanda and if I am successful, perhaps we can meet up.
Thanks again for this great honest insight into the unknown.
Regards
I really enjoy your blog. I'll be moving to Luanda on the 1st of October. Are you still living there? If so, any recommendations for the most ideal neighborhood to live in?
All the best.
hi rozy, thanks for stopping by. i think i'll still be here by Oct, if everything goes fine. For your question, i'll contact you via email. Cheers! :)
Being Indonesian (and from your description I'm guessing from Jakarta) I'm guessing that you can compare Jakarta to Luanda, can you share your perspective on the pros and cons of each place?