There’s only one restaurant in this town, right?

Friday Night

I moved into my new room. I opted for the single to save a couple of bucks. They gave me a discount for the 3-night stay as well! BOM!

KATEKERO

As I walked in, the entire staff just laughed and immediately brought over a cold beer. I made the same joke of “I’m leaving tomorrow”, but they weren’t having any of it 🙂

I had worked most of the day, so I didn’t get out at all, but it was nice to feel at home at this place.

I had the chicken bits, with some spicy habanero salsa and fries, of course. Each time I go to this place, the price goes down. The first night it was $15, the second $12, and tonight? Just $8. I gave them an nice tip and they all said “See you tomorrow”, like they already knew what was going on. Funny thing about this place, no one speaks a lick of English and they love hearing my mangled Portuguese. They are also huge futbal fans, so that’s our common ground.

Saturday

I woke up around 6AM. There’s an overflow tank on the roof that fills up each night and then a waterfall starts coming down first thing in the morning.

I checked my bike, and no new drips from the front fork, so at least the seal isn’t totally shot, just mostly.

I found the hotel lounge and some hot water, finally able to have some tea.

Went back to my room and grabbed some cash and hit the market.

It was mostly electronic crap, but there was one vendor with some dried fist. I asked if I could take a photo and she responded with “you don’t work for the government do you?” Ah, no. She let me take a photo, I bought some oranges (sorry, Lars) and some bananas from another vendor.

The wifi was no longer working at my end of the hotel, so I sat in the lounge and swatted mosquitos while watching FC Portugal… yeah, if you zoom in, it’s exactly the same time as I am writing this.

I decided I should get our and go for a quick walk to the beach.

This place is reminding me of Havana. Howard and I spent five day there two years ago.

Havana – August 2023

Found the spot where they tried to get me to pay the fee.

And the terminal I rode up to that night. The other side faces the water and what I pointed out from by window the first night.

I immediately started regretting my decision to find the beach. Most of the oceanfront is blocked by shipping companies, garbage, and corrugated steel walls.

But, I finally made it. Yeah, it’s so depressing.

Some other people were out walking around and kids were playing in the water in the distance. I always try to avoid taking pictures of children in foreign countries. Never sure what the parents might think given that kids are exploited around the world from these places.

Managed to get one shot without garbage.

Took another screenshot pointing back to the USA, with the whole family in scope!

I didn’t take any pictures of the living conditions, but they were awful.

Saw nothing but rat holes all around the buildings the people inhabited. Walked away from the beach, which was an adventure in of itself because the building occupy 100% of the street facing the ocean. Managed to follow two women who had a secret path to freedom.

Found the local club team’s headquarters!

And the Empire of Meats!

Passed by the local radio station near my hotel. The guy inside asked me where I was from. I told him and he said “do you have radio in America?” I said, claro! He laughed and said this one works 10% of the time.

I hit up the “only restaurant in town” and settled on some seafood. People are walking around town with giant octopus salad tubs on their heads, but I wanted to place it safe, so I gave theirs a try and the grilled fish.

I watched the futbal match and said goodbye to the crew since the place is closed on Sundays.

Sunday

Got a decent amount of sleep even with the music, back-firing motorcycles, shouting, and honking horns.

I did some work, and took a short walk. I wanted to grab some food, but most of the places that were open were packed or just had coffee and sweets.

I hit up the plaza, but was pretty disappointed by the smell of piss, drunks, and garbage.

Even the church in the plaza is being overrun by abandoned vehicles, dirt piles, and derelict buildings.

The faded ads on some of the pillars in the public plaza reminded me of scenes from Idiocracy.

I went back to my room and did some work. I decided I would head out around 5 to grab pizza before it got dark out.

On my way to grab pizza I passed this monument of tribal masks. Pretty awesome!

Got my “carne” pizzas – I bought two to share with the hotel staff. They immediately scarfed down a couple of pieces and then wrapped some up and asked me to keep an eye on things as they ran it home.

The bats were out again, but it’s almost impossible to see them from this far away.

Angola Soft-Furred Fruit Bat. You’re welcome.

Good night.