Luanda, Angola: Humidity, Hustle, and a Whole Lotta Confusion
okay, so. luanda. where do i even begin? i’m elara, by the way, and i’m a botanist. usually, i’m knee-deep in ferns and moss, not dodging scooters and trying to figure out the local currency. but hey, fieldwork is fieldwork, right? i’m here ostensibly to study the coastal flora, but honestly, i’m mostly just trying to survive the… atmosphere.
I just checked and it’s… a damp hug out there right now. Seriously, the humidity is insane. Eighty-eight percent? My hair is staging a full-blown rebellion. And the temperature? Stuck at fifteen point three. It’s like the weather forgot how to do anything else. I’m pretty sure my camera lens is permanently fogged.
I’m staying in a little guesthouse in *Ilha do Cabo, which is… interesting. The vibe is definitely “organized chaos.” Everyone’s hustling, selling something, fixing something, or just generally existing with a remarkable level of energy. If you get bored, Lobito and Benguela are just a short drive away, though I haven’t ventured out yet. Too much effort, frankly.
Speaking of effort, navigating the city is a thing. The roads are… well, they’re roads, I guess. But they’re also filled with potholes, scooters, taxis, and the occasional goat. I’ve already nearly been run over twice. I’m starting to think a helmet is a necessary travel accessory here.
I spent a good chunk of yesterday wandering around the Mercado Roque Santeiro. It’s… overwhelming. A sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds. I bought some weird fruit that I’m pretty sure is trying to poison me, but it was also strangely delicious. I’m documenting everything, of course, for my research. You can check out some similar markets on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298235-Activities-Luanda_Angola.html.
I overheard some serious gossip at a little cafe near my guesthouse. Apparently, the seafood at Restaurante Marisqueira Atlântico is amazing, but you have to go early to get a table. Someone told me that if you arrive after seven, you’re basically out of luck. Drunk advice, maybe, but I’ll take it. I’m craving some fresh fish. You can find reviews here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/restaurante-marisqueira-atl%C3%A2ntico-luanda.
Another thing: the pressure here is… high. I checked, it’s 1014. The ground level is 833. It’s all very scientific, but also makes my head a little fuzzy.
I’m trying to find some decent coffee. It’s proving difficult. I’m a coffee snob, okay? Don’t judge. I’ve been scouring Yelp for recommendations, but so far, nothing promising. https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=coffee&find_loc=Luanda%2C+Angola is my current lifeline.
I also stumbled upon a local forum where people are discussing the best places to see street art. Apparently, there’s a whole scene happening in the Kiluanda neighborhood. I’m going to check it out tomorrow. I’m hoping to find some inspiration for my own botanical illustrations. You can find the forum here: https://www.angolalinks.com/forum/.
Someone, a very serious-looking woman selling fabric, warned me about the mosquitos. Apparently, they’re vicious. I’m covered in repellent as we speak. I’m also pretty sure I’m attracting them with* the repellent. It’s a vicious cycle.
Honestly, Luanda is… a lot. It’s chaotic, humid, and occasionally terrifying. But it’s also vibrant, full of life, and strangely captivating. I’m not sure I’d recommend it to everyone, but if you’re looking for an adventure, it’s definitely worth a visit. Just pack your mosquito repellent and a strong sense of humor.