The next country we’re visiting is one that many don’t hear of regularly, but is a location I’m hoping to scuba dive.
But that’s a very privileged viewpoint as according to World Bank half of the population lives below the poverty line & 39% is illiterate. However, this country is more often known as a tropical paradise as On the Go Tours notes with:
White sand beaches, azure waters, & astounding marine life including dolphins, humpback whales, turtles, manta rays, dugongs, & whale sharks.
Travel by dhow, a traditional boat which originally was used to follow ancient Arabic trade routes.
The country’s famous sauce which has a spicy, zesty flavor.
Flocks of pink flamingos.
Any ideas what country we’re reading next?
What if I add in…
Matata (a clam & peanut stew) which is 1 of this country’s most popular dishes.
That it’s home to a variety of ethnic groups speaking 40 different tongues preserving a rich heritage & traditional customs passed down from generations.
The country’s colonial-era history of fortresses & crumbling mansions.
That the sauce I mentioned above is peri peri (or piri piri), a spicy, tangy, lemony, garlicky sauce made with African Bird's Eye chili peppers.
That this country reflects its native roots as well as Arabic & Portuguese influences with the latter its official language.
So what country are we reading next?
A southeastern African nation with a long Indian Ocean coastline—Mozambique! And here’s two very different videos about the country.
The 1st is a beautiful underwater safari from a tourist named Hannes Klostermann:
The 2nd is a trailer for a documentary which details a very different world filled with back-breaking, risky, & exhausting work. Note: The full video is available free to Amazon Prime members & I found it fascinating. Check it out via Amazon Prime here.
HAVE ANY BOOK SUGGESTIONS?
Just let us know your Mozambique suggestions by Tues., July 14 11PM ET. (That’s NYC time. See it converted to your time below.)
You can comment with your suggestion below or in our online book club in Facebook.
We'll use 2 suggestions from book club members, 2 of my suggestions, & 2 suggestions from Mia (the book club co-admin) to compile a list of 6 books on which book club members will provide their thoughts. The book judged as best will then be read.
Please note - We're specific in our books, they must:
Largely occur in the location specified unless the world described is an alternate reality
Be written by an author born there who has spent a good portion of their life there
Exist in paperback & ebook available on both Amazon & Kindle at least in the US & hopefully elsewhere