Screensavers I've Seen: Angolan Beauty

ANGOLA

Dec 15, 2023

Miradouro da Lua, Portuguese for “Viewpoint of the Moon” even had a frame ready!

This trip has had epic moments. Full stop.

I’m beyond grateful that I’ve followed curiosity to these lands where such beauty and opportunity exists.

Getting in and out of the airport efficiently in Luanda required a team and while there are ample airport adventures to report, even with its glitch, this was quite smooth - after all, managing to get visas and having a special escort team was no small feat. The stringent entry requirements are due to let up and when they do, this hidden gem may actually (slowly) rise to the top of the continent’s destinations.

Our Special Security folks who helped ease the entry into the Angolan experience

Almost immediately we were treated to a traditional East African homemade fried fish, spicy potatoes, eggplant, daal and rice feast. Though the tastebuds were treated to other tempting plates and venues soon enough too.

From traditional East African (top left) to other Angolian, Portuguese and world fare offerings, the palate was prancing

Touring the 7km strip of Ilha do Cabo seemed like a first stop, but quickly became the social staple that we saw in syndicate. A well curated cul de sac at the end of Luanda’s manicured bay, this narrow belt is home to several chic and vibing restaurants and cafés. Having the backdrop of even a sliver of beach with the blue hues in tow signals me from my toes to the tip of my head, that like Bob said, everything is gonna be alright.

It seems to me that when bustling cities build on/around their natural strengths, the built environment is optimized. Urban planning where green spaces and waterfronts are maintained as highlights allow us to leverage and learn from the land, and our connection to it.

Luanda’s boardwalk “Marginal” (or Avenida 4 de Fevereiro) runs along the south shore of the Baia de Luanda

As we retraced our steps on the land strip, Cafe del Mar, Local and Malibu Beach Club each had their own design elements, but common to all was that Calm Down vibe, somehow streaked with a simple luxury that left me wondering how it could be to live life having access to this scene incessantly. Of the very many screensavers I’ve seen, each one houses and holds its unique charm - and I’m just delighted to see and be amidst this diversity of beauty.

Ilha do Cabo aka Ilha de Luanda abuts the Atlantic Ocean and offers up many treats, talents and tastes

Against the backdrop of semicircular booths with tropical table touches, open to the Ocean yet protected and private, the food flowed as did the convos.

Dining with a (tropical beach) ambiance sets the ultimate stage

What ingredients are needed for us to have heart to hearts so quickly, where we disarm and let details and doubt join in like welcomed and needed guests?

Yes indeed she was a contact with a reference point, but still, like so many, just a soul who’s path I happened to cross that day. I remain humbled and honoured by these one-offs where, not only am I provided for in the moment, but somehow too, there’s a carry over of care and concern born out of a simple intro.

Human connection will never cease to amaze us - this complex yet simple formula of mutuality mixed with the MO of mundane and magic.

Continuing our stories of scandal, spontaneous sentiments and serious elements, we moved to another hot spot on the strip. Popping candied peanuts and coffee, we played board games while digging deeper - our toes in the sand and our sharing of spirit.

While most folks stayed on deck, my toes were excited to be exfoliated by the elements

Always aiming to live the balanced life, volunteer work was followed by exploring rooftop dining and beach side clubbing. While the passion fruit mousse melted in my mouth by night, the continuous coastline amazed me by day.

As the seventh largest African country, Angola boasts 1650km of coastline - and some delightful passionfruit mousse!

While we visited the main touristic monuments, mausoleums and museums, the temptation to venture to the outskirts was real.

Left: Monument of the Unknown Soldier, Middle: Agostinho Neto Mausoleum (taller at 393m than the Big Ben and Statue of Liberty) Right: Marginal Boardwalk

Adjacent to the National bank of Angola (left) with a peek-a-boo view t) between the palms (on the right) is Museu da Moeda Luanda that showcases the history of money from the Zimbo to the Kwanza

So, alongside the driver and body guard, we snaked our way to Miradouro da Lua where rugged landscape resembling the Grand Canyon offered a photoshop opportunity, insta frame included! I’m reminded by a guy I met at a conference once who intrigued me by saying, ‘Angola’s gorgeous, you should visit’ … little did we know.