Lojas fechadas

Closed shops.

In order to look more respectful, Mozambique has ordered shops to close during the papal visit. I’m sure the collectively sizeable Hindu, Sikh and Muslim communities of Maputo are thankful for the loss of trade. I’m not thankful about not being able to stock up on some essentials. I satisfied myself (barely) with wheat bisks and wasabi peas (not in the same bowl) scavenged from the cupboard.

The weather in Maputo today has been very wet and cool. It’s like a British October day when the dampness seeps into the bones and has everyone cowering for patches of warmth.