Yesterday was Carnival here- they celebrate it similar to Brazil with dancing contests in a parade fashion. We didn't partake as the crowds are pretty big and not always super safe. We did have a huge rainstorm last night so I am glad we didn't venture out.
Luanda has quite an impressive fort called Forteleza da Sāo Miguel that sits on a hill overlooking the bay. We have been there twice - once to check it out and learn and the second time to practice some photography. Photos are hard in Angola, many people are weary of them and will get mad at you and most places don't allow them - luckily the fort does.
As we have discovered with many historical sites there is not a lot of explanation about the site itself- just some information on what is included at the location. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1576 although I think it was a lot smaller to start. It was built up over the years and served as a major slave trading location at one time. There was a small museum in the lower section that included some photos and artifacts from the Civil War which was interesting to see as communism played such a large part of that time in their history- lots of Cuba memorabilia!
Luanda has quite an impressive fort called Forteleza da Sāo Miguel that sits on a hill overlooking the bay. We have been there twice - once to check it out and learn and the second time to practice some photography. Photos are hard in Angola, many people are weary of them and will get mad at you and most places don't allow them - luckily the fort does.
As we have discovered with many historical sites there is not a lot of explanation about the site itself- just some information on what is included at the location. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1576 although I think it was a lot smaller to start. It was built up over the years and served as a major slave trading location at one time. There was a small museum in the lower section that included some photos and artifacts from the Civil War which was interesting to see as communism played such a large part of that time in their history- lots of Cuba memorabilia!
 |
| Overlooking a slum |
 |
| Other direction- glittery skyline |
 |
| First President of Angola - Antonio Neto |
 |
| Beautiful Portuguese tile work |
 |
| This vehicle carried Neto's body during his funeral |
 |
| After independence they took down all the Portuguese statues and renamed all the streets. Some statues survived and were placed in the fort |
 |
| They seem to like to show the power of the army with damaged inflicted to the rebels |
 |
| Civil War artifacts - this is the uniform |
 |
| They love Castro |
