Location: Maputo, Mozambique

On the way to South Africa, we stopped for a few hours in Maputo, Mozambique. Mozambique is one of those countries that I was concerned about visiting as a tourist. Several countries on this world cruise do not measure very high on a democracy or human rights scale. I decided to give myself a “diplomatic pass,” but I still think about it.

I took a quick bus tour of the city. Mozambique was a Portuguese colony for hundreds of years, and there are some beautiful buildings. Just outside the port is a famous rail station.

We then visited the area around the city hall, and statue of the first president of Mozambique, Samora Machel.

A goofy building was the Iron House, design by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). It has no insulation, so is stupid hot in Africa in the summer. Of course, it would suck to live with in Europe as well (too cold). I like the Tinkertoy aspect of its construction, but it sure could use some insulation (inside or outside). Today some artists use the building.

The Natural History Museum resides in a colonial building.

We then had afternoon tea in the Hotel Polana, which was lovely.

100 Days

Silversea offers bonuses for guest who have sailed over a certain number of days, starting with 100 days. Well, the world cruise is for 132 days, so a lot of us guests were celebrated for passing this milestone. So, we get a 5% reduction in all future cruises, and free laundry service. I already get free laundry since I am taking the entire world cruise, but now I get that for any duration future Silversea cruise. Which is a big advantage in my eyes.

More Ship Design

The symbol on the right is the indicator for a ship having a bulbous bow, but I didn’t mention the other two, which are thrusters. The Silver Whisper has two thrusters in the front. You can really feel it when they are used.