Birthday trip

This morning started a bit crazy. Bernardo, our driver, arrived 30 minutes too late. Then he rushed down the streets in stress, didn't yield and crashed the car into a Candongueiro, the notorious blue-and-white Luanda taxi. Bang!

Bernardo moved our car away from the crossroad. Curious passersby gathered quickly pointing and discussing the accident.



We had to wait quite a while to get a new car. This time we didn't hear Bernardo's  usual "Não tem problema".
Another car arrived and we could continue our trip. With another driver! Was this the last time we saw Bernardo?
We had to stop at the gas station first.  This is a place we would normally never go.  The view of armed security guards is not unusual here in Luanda but still doesn't give me any safe feelings.

Finally we could head to the south, to Tarpon Lodge at Barra do Kwanza, our today's destination.
We were about to celebrate Maarten's birthday since 8 years ago the happiest day of my life!
Maarten didn't want to have a party but he made his own program that we were eager to follow.



But because of the accident all just went different. We couldn't be at the river on time for our boat so they let other people before us.
We spent long time waiting but except of the heat it wasn't  an unpleasant time. 

Catching crabs, playing with the ball and exploring the surroundings, everything better than in the city!

We had lunch there on the riverfront restaurant and did our boat safari in the afternoon instead of early morning.

We didn't see many animals, no crocodiles, only some monkeys, colorful birds and many palm-nut vultures.  

But the nature was beautiful with its varied lush riverine vegetation.

 I only wish there was a different way to enjoy the scenery. The diesel engine was far too loud! Such a shame.

 

Surprisingly, Bernardo awaited as at the lodge with a smile.
He told us that the taxi driver was drunk and with no driving license and therefore he ended up in jail! I was shocked knowing that the accident was caused by Bernardo. I know that the Candongueiros are the biggest hazard in Luanda streets, they are ill maintained, their drivers are usually with no license and often drunk, they dart in and out of traffic with no regards for any others.
But still...

We've passed by here many times, but we never actually stopped at Miradouro da Lua (Moon Valley Viewpoint).  The fascinating landscape here is a result of natural erosion.

Bernardo said there are no mines around Luanda, not until the Kwanza River Bridge. So maybe we can do a little bit more of exploring here in the future. Also Maarten was tempted to descend down into the gullies among the sharp pinnacles.

Happy Birthday dear Maarten!
Your day was a little more adventurous than planned but no less fun and I hope you enjoyed it the same way as we did!