Quick stop in Maputo

On my way to Blantyre, Malawi, I had to make an (un)fortunate stop in Mozambique. Unfortunate because it delayed my arrival, fortunate because, well, why not. Maputo has good potential. Is it beautiful? Debatable. By the sea, warm weather, nice people, an African city that is actually growing economically. Yet 80% of the city's population live in slums without basic human needs (thank you Wikipedia.)

Stepping out of the airport and witnessing a kid getting arrested by the police was just a small "Welcome!" to this country. To be fair the main roads are not too bad to be walking around in. You feel mildly safe despite the fact that every guard is chilling in the shade playing snake on their phone (yes, everyone owns a phone here. Some may not even have shoes, but they will have phones). So where is the real poverty in Maputo? It was only after a drive around Xicalene that I was taken back. A market for the locals, selling everything from empty water bottles to one paired shoes. This also happens to be nearby their slums, truly favela-like.

Although it is still Winter here, the humid 27º don't go amiss. I considered going to the beach, but apparently after 11am it gets too packed.