I can transdanzzzz better than you (with a little help from Tipo Tinto)

Upon exit from the three-storied Johannesburg airport we ventured to find a bus to Maputo, Mozambique with fortunate success. Arriving in Maputo we ate well (fish markets are a new guilty pleasure), slept, and headed to Tofo. Turn-around time 22 hours. Neglecting sleep, odd hours, and lacking in hygiene we arrived in Tofo, Mozambique-paradise.

After sprinting into the Indian Ocean, soaking up the salt and sand and clear blue water, I took in my surroundings. The curved beach transcended into the saline sea of pure blue and in shoulder deep water I could still make out the details of my feet. As you walk along the sand it squeaks and shade is a coveted luxury. The 10 yard dash from my towel to the ocean was the extent of my exercise for the week and a pure act of survival. By 8:00am the sand was ablaze, radiating heat (now I know how the gentlemen who walk on coals feel).

Tofo is known for its diving, snorkeling, and its adolescent male whale sharks (say that 10 times fast). Before the mad rush of New Years traffic, we booked our spot on the ocean safari. Cruising out to sea on an orange boat we soared and sank with the swells. Safari spotting: dolphins, manta ray, the reef, and one 5 meter whale shark! Snorkeling for the first time in my life, let alone alongside a whale shark with spots like a leopard, the swagger of a gangster, and the personality of chilled out surf bum I was able to coast parallel to his pathway exploring his fins, tale, spots, and overall rhythm of life. Still a skeptic of their docile nature the experience was nothing short of surreal and mesmerizing.

The rest of the days were spent sleeping in, walking to get coffee, reading and writing, sitting in the sun, sipping cocktails, dancing, swimming, starring, and meeting the most eclectic and joyous people alive.

New Year’s Eve is a spectacle in Tofo. The crowds pour in from the surrounding areas and mayhem ensues. I almost got squashed by an ATV about 20 times. Running around the beach, toasting with Tipo Tinto (the mozambiquen rum that runs $1.50), dancing, and admiring and dogging the many fireworks that were lit…all in all a lovely night filled with good friends, stars, and a fresh new year.

Leaving Tofo was a somber moment. Excitement for getting back home mixed with a sadness of leaving the relaxing feeling of vacation colored the exit from Mozambique then to Johannesburg (yes, again) and finally to the Lusaka International Airport. Home.