Hi!
I have been living in Luanda (Angola) for the last almost 4 years. I still remember the day when I first landed in Luanda, 20th July, 2014, when a refreshingly cold breeze hit my face & my fears, scepticism in just a moment dissipated. I come from India & July is really a hot & humid month there, so this change actually made me feel good. Leaving a cushy, well paid job back home, I headed with my husband who just took charge with a 1.5 yr old son to give me constant company. But to be honest with myself, I have had a good time. Good friends, a new home & the exposure have all made what I am. The horrible peak/non-peak hours traffic, the rains, the interactions with the house maid, guard, driver, gardener have given me immense confidence to put across my thoughts in Portuguese. I have also learned that here even when you have a back-plan you may not succeed. More importantly, have felt that this country has given me a lifestyle, which is kind of best of both worlds. You get money for the work & you also get maids, drivers, guards like in my country.
But there are distressing times too. Every now & then, people die here & the funerals go on & on. You have to go days on end without electricity, maids though the humongous generators give light but the noise is deafening. Then there are no good parks to go & sit or for kids to play. It is just kids play date when they go to other children's homes or they come over, they have fun. Socialisings are restricted to people's homes, restaurants, of course you have some of the best night clubs here. And last but not the least, the health care system here gives me jitters. I just feel so horrified even at the slightest instance here. Health care is almost non-existent here.
But overall, I guess, with the drawbacks & good things all around, Luanda is my second home & have every bit of it.
