We arrived at Reina Hotel, our home for the weekend. Checking in was an experience in itself. The staff were welcoming and friendly, but the language barrier quickly became clear. Most of the communication was in Portuguese, and while we managed with a mix of smiles, gestures, and the occasional English word, it felt like part of the adventure.

Also read: My First-Ever Bus Trip to Mozambique

At reception, we were told something that immediately piqued my excitement , the hotel would be hosting three weddings that very weekend. The thought of witnessing Mozambican wedding celebrations made me eager to see how traditions here compared to those back home.

Later that day, the weddings unfolded right there at the hotel. To my surprise, the ceremonies were elegant and beautifully set up, but unlike what I expected, there was no singing or dancing. Coming from South Africa, where weddings are often full of vibrant music, laughter, and endless dancing, this was a cultural difference that truly stood out.

After the day’s excitement, we took some time to rest and settle in. The soft hum of the city outside and the comfort of our room were just what we needed to recharge. Soon after, we began focusing on the work that brought us to Maputo.

To be continued…