On the 22nd of May, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely couple from Namibia: Corne and Simone.
Before we go any further, let me introduce myself properly. Hi, my name is Romão from Nenane Tours, and this tour was brought to you in association with Maputo Trips. 😄
This was actually my first time guiding visitors from Namibia, so naturally there was a bit of pressure. Not only did I want them to enjoy Maputo, but I also felt responsible for representing Mozambique in the best possible way. Thankfully, Corne and Simone made that task very easy because they left an excellent impression on me as well.
The two of them were one of those couples who seem completely in sync. You know the type — they finish each other’s thoughts, laugh at the same jokes, and somehow always know where the other person is without having to ask.
Although they are Namibian, they currently live in South Africa. Corne works as a teacher, while Simone is a professional swimmer who is approaching retirement after an impressive sporting career.
Now, here’s where the story gets interesting. You would think that someone whose profession revolves around observing everything happening underwater would have exceptional spotting skills. Apparently, that talent does not extend to bats.
While walking through Tunduru Botanical Gardens, we reached the famous bat colony. Hundreds of bats hanging from the trees. A truly impossible sight to miss. Or so I thought.
Several minutes passed before Simone finally noticed them. “Wait… there are bats here?”
Yes, Simone. There are bats here. There have been bats here. The bats have been staring at you this entire time. The bats probably noticed you before you noticed them.
For a professional athlete with world-class awareness in the water, this was a humbling moment. Fortunately, Corne and I were kind enough not to make too much fun of him. Well… not too much.
As we continued the tour, we discussed a wide range of topics, from life in Southern Africa to education, travel, and the challenges faced by African sports. It was fascinating to hear their perspectives and compare experiences from our different countries.
One of my favorite discoveries of the day was learning about Simone’s unusual hobby. While some people collect stamps, magnets, or postcards, Simone collects photographs of himself drinking different beer brands around the world. Every country he visits becomes another opportunity to expand the collection. Personally, I think this is a brilliant hobby. It combines travel, culture, and hydration in one convenient activity.
By the end of the tour, it felt less like I had guided tourists and more like I had spent the afternoon catching up with old friends.
Corne and Simone, thank you for your kindness, your stories, and your great sense of humor. It was an absolute pleasure showing you around Maputo, and I hope I managed to leave as positive an impression on you as you left on me.
And Simone, if you’re reading this, don’t worry. The bats have probably forgiven you for not noticing them.
A Luta Continua.