Housing Hunting in Vilanculos

Looking for a place to stay in Mozambique is quite different than in the USA.  To begin with there are no apartment guides to help find a place.  Basically finding a place to stay consists of asking everyone and anyone I know if they know of a place available for rent.  Being a tourist town some thought I was only looking for accommodations for a night or two.

These were my basic desires for the new place.  1. Good central location- within walking distance to the market, the bank, and the beach.  2.  Having a room of my own, a bathroom with running water and toilet, and a kitchen area.  3. Cost of 3000 meticais  (~$100) or less per month. 

When I initially told Jaco and Maria about my desire to move into town they were very doubtful that I could find a place that would be nice enough to stay in for 3000 per month.  But when I prayed about it and told God I have faith that you will provide I knew I would find a place.  I also prayed that He would open the right door and give me a peace and excitement about the right place. 

I had some interesting experiences looking for a place.  Meeting a guy at the market who wanted me to become his roommate tops the list.  On the appointed day we walk to the house with a nice entry way/kitchen area, living room and bedroom…the only problem was it was clearly occupied by people who had no plans to move.  I asked “Where is the room for me?” I asked.  “Oh, we’ll make space for you,” he assured me. Needless  to say I  was less than impressed, as I explained that I wanted a vacant room, rather than being his roommate.  I saw a few other places including a house that was 20,000 mets per month, a few places that were 1500 mets but had very small rooms, and lacked the whole bathroom scenario and location that I wanted.

I finally found a place after meeting Jobi (who showed me the place) at the cultural central.  The location is perfect: right next to the children’s park (which I’ve always liked), within walking distance of the market, bank, restaurants and the beach.  In fact I can see the beach if I look to my left once I exit the room.  The room is sizable, the bathroom...although not finished will have running water and they are willing to convert another room into a kitchen.  I won’t move in until I return from South Africa towards the end of February so hopefully much progress will happen between now and then.

I can’t wait to move in, and decorate a place to call my own home.