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An Aussie Girl in Equatorial Guinea

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Week 2/Eve of Week 3

December 11, 2014 By monhutchy Leave a Comment

Week 2/Eve of Week 3

Well, this morning was my first trek into the city of Malabo.  Unfortunately, I do not yet have any pictures to show – I was cautious about the acceptance of photo-taking in town and as such, erred on the side of caution.

According to the husband, the restriction on photo-taking relates to government and official buildings – so provided I do not inadvertently capture something I shouldn’t, I will try again next time!  It is of course, also a question of courtesy in accidentally photographing locals who are just trying to do their weekly shopping, and also increases my “tourist” status which is already enough of a highlight given my albino disposition.

The lady who accompanied me to town (another “spouse” who has been here only a few months) booked the compound’s mini-bus and we proceeded to drive around to what I suspect was every supermarket in Malabo.  The product range within the supermarkets is more than adequate – they contain recognisable Western brands (much to the delight of the Americans) as well as some Asian and Middle-Eastern products not unlike that which is available back in Oz.

Malabo itself is busy – the sidewalks are raised and the beaten-up cars travel to their own tune (or is this just because I don’t understand the road rules!). There is an abundance of cheap “junk” shops around, selling the customary Christmas decorations, unbranded toys and knick-knacks.

I would still like to have the opportunity to walk properly among the buildings.  There are constant contrasts – opulent architecture behind high fences (presume these are the buildings I should avoid photographing!) pale coloured houses and apartment blocks, all within an abundance of green vegetation – growing among the tropical fruit trees.  For only the second or third time since I arrived here, I properly felt like I was in a different country!

It has become regularly necessary for me to remind myself of the privileged position the husband and I have found ourselves in.  It is a privilege for us to be able to live in and see this part of the world, so rarely seen by others.  The compound too and the company are privileges – although we do live in an Americanised bubble (even the power outlets here are US – which comes with voltage different to Oz – imagine my dismay when my hairdryer and even the rice cooker did not function at full power!) the bubble is a means of safety and provides Westernised comfort.  It is always a surprise to me when I hear complaints that a certain service or product is below standard…. when we are fortunate that such a service or product is provided at all. There are restaurants and cafes in town – many of which serve Western food.  In my view, it is enough that such food is even offered – and the standard should not be criticised.

Practising my atrocious Spanish in town was another story. It is of course a language which is muy rapido and as such it is difficult to quickly grasp, understand and respond. I will however, persevere!

We received our Christmas food delivery this week. The chopped pecans the husband included on the order form... just how many pecan pies is that??
We received our Christmas food delivery this week. The chopped pecans the husband included on the order form… just how many pecan pies is that??

Tomorrow is Friday (viernes) and my plans are minimal.  Gym, perhaps I will make la sopa using the cauliflower which is starting to rot in the crisper. And then I have a one on one Indian dance class with the British-Indian spouse that kindly accompanied me to town today. Given my flexibility (or lack thereof) it should be interesting!

You can still get sunburnt here! The husband's information has once more proved incorrect!
You can still get sunburnt here! The husband’s information has once more proved incorrect!

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