Category Archives: Origin and Identity

A to Z Challenge, Mozambique, Origin and Identity

M Is For Mozambique (Nostalgia)

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Mozambique, the land of my birth still evokes tightening of the heartstrings whenever I visit. It’s been too long…and I feel the call again. Here are some pics of some of my favourite locales…making me feel so nostalgic…

Considered one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, the historic Maputo Railway Station (Estação Central dos Caminhos de Ferro) connects Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. My great-grandfather was once its Station Master.

In 2009, the American magazine Newsweek ranked the station #7 on a list of "Train stations as grand as the journey", and described it as "probably" the most beautiful terminus in Africa. In 2011, the American travel magazine Travel + Leisure included it in a list of the world's 14 most beautiful railway stations. In 2016, the station was included on a list of nine beautiful train stations published by The Financial Express, an Indian business newspaper. (Source)
Isn’t it beautiful? The historic Maputo Railway Station (Estação Central dos Caminhos de Ferro) – it connects Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful train station buildings, my grandfather was once its Station Master.
©2018 Regina Martins

It was inspired by the original old central terminus in Johannesburg, but much grander. The original wooden revolving doorway into the train station, beautifully preserved.

Original wood revolving doorway into the train station, beautifully preserved.
©2018 Regina Martins

People and vehicles disembarking the ferry from Maputo to Catembe – this is the Catembe side. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes.

Disembarking from the ferry from Maputo to Catembe – this is the Catembe side
©2018 Regina Martins

Beautiful panoramic view of the city, as viewed from Catembe.

Beautiful panorama of Maputo
©2018 Regina Martins

Panorama of Maputo from Catembe, providing a good view of the Polana area.

Panorama of Maputo from Catembe, good view of the Polana area
©2018 Regina Martins

A popular venue for weddings is the iconic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Maputo, the pristine white of its facade blinding when the days are bright.

Many a wedding takes place at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Maputo
©2018 Regina Martins

Maputo is a mere 45-minute flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg making it easy to reach this popular tourist destination, and the gateway to the rest of the attractions in Mozambique, from beaches of white sands and azure waters to diving coral reefs to safaris at its many game parks.

I hope that you will visit it one day.

 

Gratitude, Learnings, Origin and Identity

Anchored

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Have you ever thought about what anchors you? The people, things, habits, thoughts, smells and tastes that make you think, “yes, I feel secure. I belong here.”

Yes, it’s important to move forward, to look ahead and not back. To allow the winds to fill the sails of life and propel you forward to new adventures.

And it is also important to know when it is necessary to drop anchor in a quiet cove, enjoy the slow pace, relish the security and recharge for the next adventure.

My varied careers have taken me to different places, many of them to other countries. It’s adventurous to be able to do that. With each new place I visit, I learn something new about myself. The things which drive me forward, the things which render me stuck, and what anchors me.

When the adventure is over I return home, to Che, to my family, to the familiar smells, routines and tastes of what anchors me. On deeper reflection, what anchors me is also what allows me to sail forward in search of adventure. I wouldn’t be able to do one without the other – the balance between forward-momentum and the sheltering coves of my life’s journey.