We woke up earlier today (leaving at 6.15 rather thank waking up at that time) because it was spray day, and spraying waits for no one!
Meeting at the spray point, dressed like ghost busters, we paired off and began our journey through the community.
The first house me and Nadia went to spray was huge. She had 3 bedrooms, all with double beds and a living room filled with furniture. This proved to be difficult because not all of the things could be removed which meant we got in some tricky positions to make sure we reached every corner.
The reality of doing a good job of the spraying hit me when we finished our first room. No one else was coming in after us to make sure it was done properly. No one was returning to go over it or anything. We were the only spray in that house til the next season of spraying. Thankfully we had an experienced sprayer with us to ensure we reached every corner and every ledge!
The second house was a shock, it had a small bedroom, literally enough for a blanket on the floor, a small kitchen with nothing but shelves for her pots and a tiny room for storage. The only light in the house was in the kitchen. Outside the house she had made a garden and fenced it off using bottles as an edging.
Actually seeing the houses that was in the community really opened my eyes, and set a reality within me. Being in these peoples homes showed a level of trust and responsibility but it also made me thing back to the interviews with the farmers and I could now visualise what they would call home, and the conditions they lived in.
The spraying lasted for about 3 hours and in that time me and Nadia only managed to do 2 houses. Not even due to speed, but because we found out that people actually refused to have their house sprayed, the community chief said it was cursed and as tradition would have it what the chief says goes.
This experience was real eye opener for me because I expected to go in and everyone to be welcoming and thankful – because we are helping – but the harsh reality is, not everyone does want the help. Not everyone believes it will benefit them. And as hard as that is to accept we just have to say okay and move onto the next house.
It is a hard wake up call because even though you think you can help and make a difference, some people are against that and believe that you will do more harm than good, therefore the fight against malaria is much harder than we thought.
Mama Gloria
After the malaria spray we were told we were visiting Mama Gloria’s for lunch. The woman, the myth, the legend. Now In Nando’s UK Mama Gloria is a big deal, so finally being taken to where it all happens was so exciting.
When we arrived Mama Gloria was on her grill, doing her thing and welcoming us all with a smile.
I decided whilst here I would at-least try a 2M beer, I’m not a beer person but .. when I’m Mozambique you can’t not try a doyshem (at least i think that’s how you spell it!), I managed half a pint before swapping to a coke and passing the rest to the group! As i’ve said… not a beer person..
After food the all awaited moment, a picture with Mama Gloria! She was more than happy to go around taking selfies, photos and giving hugs!
I must admit, after spraying all day and sitting on the beach with the wind, I do not look at my best.. but it’s Mama Gloria so how can I not share the picture!
One of the best things about the trip was learning that she speaks English with a french accent because she only speaks English with Laure and her favourite phrase is
“FACK OFF Malaria”
We then went back to guesthouse to chill and get ready for going OUT OUT (insert everyone doing their own little dance moves)!
We went to dinner, which again was exceptional. Laure proved another skill, anytime someone was stuck between two dishes she would be able to recommend which of the two they would prefer (and she was ALWAYS right!). We mixed dinner with plenty of drinks (typical Nando’s night if we’re being honest) Yvonne and Laure organised a bus to drive us around that night so they could also relax without worrying about driving on the way home! This proved to be an interesting night.
Trying to find a karaoke bar in Moz is not as easy as it seems! However it didn’t spoil the evening as me, Jess, Yvonne, Percy and Nigel found another bar…
Getting in the bus we wanted to go to Valare but the bus driver Misunderstood and took us back to the guesthouse – where Percy and Nigel tapped out (lightweights). So, me Jess and yvonne decided it was best to set up camp on the top deck with a bottle of gin until 1.30 am (achievement!) and spend our time perfecting the 147 playlist! A serious job by the way.
However I feel like we are going to pay for it tomorrow…
Provided below is the spotify link to the Moz Top ‘147’ the soundtrack to our trip!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5MLFBP8ZipER6FdjA6Lpy1
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