vilankoooooooolos

it's always nice to go on vacation with someone who you don't have to worry about trying to take care of. last christmas my friend brandie and i went to mozambique to 'get away from it all' (check out her blog on african inspired fashion and design here) because - well, neither of us had ever been. we spoiled ourselves silly until the last few days of our vacation when i was dealing with how to manage the political crisis that resulted from uncertain presidential election results in kenya (my home at the time). before all that though, brandie and i managed to travel from the capital city, maputo, to the northern end of the lower third of the country (got that?), vilankulo, with another friend. there we stayed at the most amazing little hotel called casa rex that was very economical for the vibe, services, and attention to details offered. the night view of the full moon, palm tree, and hotel still stimulate my imagination. i know gorgeous sunsets happen all over the world, but i'd never seen a pink like this before. we spent christmas day on a dhow, snorkeling on a nearby island, and ate a fantastic lunch. does one usually find chickens on a paradise beach during a christmas picnic? it was hilarious!