(Amy and Paula)

Thanksgiving this year was far from traditional. I decided to fly to Mozambique to meet up with Paula and her family for a little road trip up the coast. Approximately ten of us (including another couple and their children) loaded our gear in the car and caravanned from Maputo to Tofo Beach (or literally, to Barra approximately 12 kms outside of Tofo). After seven grueling hours of being squeezed in between two car seats, we finally reached our destination – an incredible beach bungalow situated on one of the most secluded and pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean!

(The view from our bungalow)

(The gang: Moha, Polly, Khadija, Tilelli, Dihya, Paula, Brett, Lucas and Nico)

Thanksgiving was spent admiring dhows on the sea, building sandcastles on the beach, and exploring the environs. In fact, I ‘discovered’ a phenomenal resort built on stilts tucked away in the tidal bay of Inhambane. This stunning get-away was truly breathtaking.

(Fishing on the docks at Flamingo Bay)

(Flamingo Bay Resort)

And our Thanksgiving meal consisted of fresh shrimp, lobster and Moroccan turkey kebabs! Quite the feast!

(Lucas)

And, no trip to Tofo/Barra is complete without the perfunctory ocean safari! Unlike snorkeling or diving, an ocean safari is where you go out on the boats with a ‘spotter’ who looks for whale sharks, mantas, dolphin and the like, and as soon as something of interest is spotted, all persons jump overboard with snorkel gear in tow. In this fashion, I was able to swim with ten whale sharks and twenty dolphin!

(Nico and Tilelli)

(Paula and Brett and Tofo Scuba)

(Getting ready for the ocean safari at Tofo Scuba)

I must say, whale sharks are magnanimous creatures! These gentle giants can grow up to 40 ft in length and can weigh up to 14 tons – amazing to think that they are filter feeders! Granted, it’s somewhat daunting to watch these fish swim towards you with their mouths wide open – my entire body could easily fit inside.

(Whale Shark – borrowed photo from: www.zoozoo2.com – I didn’t have my camera with me on the ocean safari)

But the highlight of the trip was playing with all the kids, Nico, Lucas, Tilelli and Dihya. Plus, I am grateful to have had quality time with Paula’s boys!

(Lucas, Dihya, Tilelli and Nico)

As I sit in Paula’s beautiful home in Maputo and reminisce about our long-lasting friendship, I realize just how thankful I am to have so many wonderful people in my life! I hope each of you had a lovely Thanksgiving – surrounded by family and friends.

(Dihya on the beach)

Much love to all,
Amy

(our private beach)

(Sunset at Flamingo Bay Resort)