In 1955, oil was discovered in Angola. But the country did not emerge from its decades long civil war until 2002. Ever since, the country has witnessed an economic boom. New construction is taking place everywhere! This is very much a place in transition. Once called “The Paris of Africa,” the current energy of entrepreneurs, engineers, financial experts, and workers from all over the world remind many of those long-ago times. Unfortunately, the boom has rocketed Luanda to “World’s Most Expensive City” status in recent years. That is why the contrast of the have to the have-nots is so stark. As a cruise ship tourist, we all had a pleasant stay. But one wonders, “What is it like to live here?”
On the dock in Luanda, AngolaThe city is in transition. The old buildings sit side by side with the new. Construction is an on going process!The Port Authority Building is a beautiful structure.The Cathedral is dwarfed by the new highrises!Hotel Presidente was recently built to luxurious standards. The have and have-not divide is striking. The city is ringed by slums but remains charming in its downtown center.Elegant artwork in the Hotel PresidenteThe old Fort, built in 1576 by the Portuguese, was once the center of slave trade for the Portuguese Colonies in Brazil.That large structure is the Mausoleum of Antonio Agostinho Neto, First Communist President of Angola.The Marginal is the promenade along the waterfront. Quite nice.This Market was set up outside the port gates specificallly for us! The Hotel Presidente is directly across from the market.A drone hovering outside the Hotel Presidente and viewed from the 6th floor lounge where many of the cruise ship passengers were enjoying the day. Don’t you just wonder, “Who’s watching!?!”
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