Times of the Islands Winter 2016/17

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crossing africa Clockwise from top: In spite of suffering maleria and having completed 1/2 of his journey so far, Mario Rigby is looking great! Sunset on Lake Malawi after a day of kayaking. Africa has no lack of beautiful views. Highway N1 is the artery of Mario’s journey, a part of this route since Cape Town all the way to Cairo, Egypt. This African band is part of the diverse group of people that Mario has met and enjoyed company with along the way. Crossing Africa Update The journey from Cape Town to Mozambique. Compiled by Claire Parrish ~ Photos By Mario Rigby We last left Mario Rigby, a former student of Provo Primary School and the British West Indies Collegiate, at the border of Mozambique on his mission to be the second man to walk and kayak from Cape Town, South Africa to Cairo, Egypt. The Summer 2016 issue of Times of the Islands covered his crossing of South Africa; now we follow him onwards through Mozambique and Malawi into Tanzania. You can track where Mario is currently at www.mariorigby.wordpress.com or follow him on Facebook at Crossing Africa. 80 www.timespub.tc
Just four hours into Mozambique, Mario remarks how culturally different the country is from South Africa. This is not surprising when historically, Mozambique had been a Portuguese colony until 1975, with civil war into the 1990s. Three days walking though deep bush takes Mario to Zitundo, a developing town on the way to Mozambique’s capital of Maputo. Throughout Mario’s journey, language barrier or not, once amongst people Mario is well able to seek out the current topic of discussion. In Zitundo, that topic was a new road—some thought it good for the future, and others, primarily the elders, were left feeling troubled. As Mario continues toward the capital through a small village he writes, “Questions from strangers never get old and reactions are priceless.” Through a mix of manner and modern technology Mario has managed to communicate. The “modern” being a language App (for Portuguese at this point) and the phone—literally getting people to “phone a friend” (who speaks English). His journey into the capital city of Maputo brought great success—fantastic hosts, an interview with STV and seeing amazing sights including the CFM or Central Railway Station, an architectural marvel that is one of the world’s most magnificent railway stations, designed by famed French civil engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel. Colourful fishing boats lead the way out of Maputo City along harbours and beaches, all very serene. But Mario is headed to an entirely different situation further north. As he enters Gaza Province he is passed by Army convoy trucks who won’t allow him to walk. The fear for Mario is that the trucks are targets for rebel tribes. Yet the real “hot zone” is still a few weeks away. Mario safely continues through coastal holiday resort towns towards the capital of Gaza Province, Xai Xai, and beyond. He remarks how strangers call out, “Hello Mario,” having seen him on STV. People are interested in his journey and, in turn, people capture his heart. He might have made it his mission to be the second man in the world to cross Africa on foot, but he’s also made it his mission to do so while experiencing humanity—whether it’s the boy from a nice family where Mario sheltered from heavy rain to people who have known defeat, suffering, struggle and loss, yet still found their way; and of course the strong women who are the backbone of Africa. Mario’s journey is not just about physical and mental endurance, but also planning. His visa expires every month and requires a week of processing. He joins the rest of the work force on a ferry to go and get his business done. Whilst awaiting his extension, he spends time in Tofo, a magical divers’ retreat deeply steeped in Mozambique culture. Here he learns to scuba dive and enjoys World Oceans Day, the food and the beaches. You could call it time off from “work.” But soon enough it’s back to the job. After Tofo there is the risky adventure on a fisherman’s boat from Inhambane to Maxixe, then a harsh two week beach walk to Vilankulo with walking partner Francesco. Maxixe to Vilankulos is a 250 km journey. Super Mario—how are you doing it? It’s certainly a process of walking and finding a place to sleep at night. A process of convincing people without speaking their language that you’d like to sleep in their yard in your tent, or maybe in their house. It can get difficult, but Mario has always had some kind of welcome and warm bed. He has run out of food and water and had to amend plans accordingly—like mounting a 150 meter high sand dune in order to get on track, but the sight from above over the mist was more-than-adequate compensation. Dialects change from town to town, which is tough when trying to learn the language. In the Vilankulos District people are busy celebrating Mozambique Independence Day. Francesco, who’s been on the journey from Maxixe is with Mario for a well deserved celebratory Times of the Islands Winter 2016/17 81
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Times of the Islands Winter 2016/17

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