On my way to Angola

I’m on my way to visit family in Angola… it’s been a few years since I’ve been in the place where I was born, so I’m really excited about this trip.  I will for sure also see some old friends and who knows make a few new ones.  My mom’s cooking will for sure derail my attempt to permanently loose a few pounds (-6 thus far this year), but weight control is not a priority when you visit your mom, right?  I’m actually bringing a request list which I will hand over to her immediately upon arrival... Muamba de galinha, Feijao de oleo de palma, etc.

I would love to share with all of you a bit about one of the places where I grew up before moving to the US and this is a perfect opportunity.  I’ll probably post on twitter and facebook, so be sure to friend me up if you haven’t yet.  Internet access might be difficult, but if I do get online I may post a few things as they happen.  Otherwise, I will just have to report when I get back in two weeks.

Is there anything specific that you would like to know or see about Angola?  Leave me a comment.

Here are a couple of interesting facts (that you might not read on Wikipedia or Google):

• About 5% of the oil that is consumed by the USA comes from Angola.  They are the second largest oil producer in Africa after Nigeria.  Oil is also the source of most of the countries troubles, but that’s no surprise to anyone.
• Soccer is Angola’s #1 sport and they just hosted the African Cup in January. But Angola is also a “powerhouse” in African basketball (though they always get beat by the Dream team in the Olympics).

P.S.  Yeah, it's hot there. Sorry friends from the East coast... I couldn't help it :-)

Comments

[Derek F.]

Hope you are having a great time Marco!! Would love to see some pics of local vineyards if you visit any.

[Ben]

Marco, I hope you’re having a great trip – I didn’t know you still had family in Angola. I’d be curious to know about another drink – coffee. From what I remember, Angola grows large amounts of commodity-grade robusta coffee. Are they producing any good stuff these days?

As it happens, my Dad is in South Africa right now on a conference. From what he says, it’s beautiful wine country where he is (near Stellenbosch).

[Marco Montez]

Hi Derek... Angola is a tropical country, so there aren't a lot of vineyards there. It's a land of bananas, pineapples, papaya, avocado, cashew, coffee, etc. etc.

Hi Ben... Angola was in fact one of the world's top producers of Robusta coffee until the early seventies. After that production was halted due to the civil war.  Today, there are signs of recovery and coffee is being produced again. However, the world coffee market is not what it was 30 years ago.