Today was a stop and start day. We met at hotel reception at 6.30am for our flight to Kuito. We had been warned of possible delays and that there was a chance the flight would not go at all. Off we went to the airport. It was to be seen to be believed. Outside there were guys selling locks with keys and very large rolls of tape - I knew our Dora would appreciate their efforts. The departures consisted of some officals and a white board with handwritten departure times and places. Photo to follow. Anyway, our flight was not going anywhere soon so we took off to a local hotel - actually a really nice hotel.
We stayed there for a few hours and got the call around 9.30 that they were checking in our flight - a good sign apparently. Off we went back to the airport - guys selling locks were still outside.
Very odd system - we checked in around 10.30 and were through security and then boarded around 1.30 pm. The plane was probably a really old Russian plane sold to the Angolans. It smelled really bad. We took our seats and before we even took off the lady opposite me took out a pot with a stew of some kind in it with toothpicks in it and she and her companion started eating an undisclosed meat on sticks. I held my breath.
When we landed we were moved into the protocal lounge where we met the provincial director of social welfare and local media. It was hilarious we were seated in these huge leather chairs with local tv present.
After that we were whisked off to the hotel and from there to govt buildings for our meeting with the local authorities/officals in their offices.
We ended the evening with a great group dinner at our hotel and I am shortly off to bed. I will say that the buffett choices this evening were goat or an undisclosed and rather odd looking fish. I had rice, potatoes and veggies for dinner. Another early am kick off tomorrow. Good night from Kuito.
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