Beer Olympics and the BEACH.

These past two weeks have been so fun, the only thing is I haven't been doing anything remotely related to my Peace Corps assignment unless it includes teaching Mozambicans some new drinking games. But hey, every once in a while PCVs need to take a break from living in the mato
(bush) and speaking Portuguese, and just relax.

Last weekend was the annual BEER OLYMPICS. An annual tradition, going back I have no idea how long but it is a tradition. Beer Olympics is basically like middle school field day, but with drinking mixed in. Volunteers from across the country escaped to Vilankulos beach for a weekend of relaxing and festivities. We were divided into teams based on our geographic regions in country, and well, the rivalries here run deep. Last year, my team, Central, won Beer Olympics, and we were hoping for a repeat victory and guess what WE WON. For the first time ever, there was a repeat victory! I know it seems silly to get so excited about drinking festivities but Beer Olympics really was a great way to channel some friendly competative energy, and just unwind. The day started with the carrying of a burning torch onto Vilankulos beach, then we all sang the [American] National Anthem, and after that the games began. Games included a shotgun relay, a relay race, dizzy bat, flip cup, beer pong and slam ball (delt ball!) And Central won, which means we get to proudly display the crazy little monkey statue (that has been in our office for the past year) for another year.

Here are some pictures from the event:


The wonderful, beautiful Vilankulos beach---mom and dad are you sure you don't want to visit?


Everyone getting ready for the days festivities.


Just some COESAO cheering to get everyone pumped up for the days festivities!!!


Team picture celebrating our victory!!! (Shane's holding the monkey trophy!)

After beer olympics, instead of heading back to Vanduzi I decided to travel a little further south to Tofo beach with some friends...I was already out of Manica province, and well once you're that close to the beach it's pretty tempting to stay.


Sunset over Tofo Beach.

And while in Tofo, I stayed with some other PCVs in Inhambane City, which is a city unlike anywhere else in Moz...there's a clear Portuguese influence, the town is much safer, and prettier and it was definitely like being on vacation.

A mural in Inhambane City.

And that's it for now---hope you enjoyed the pictures. I'm back to school tomorrow to start the second semester, my students haven't spoken English is almost a month it's going to be rough but I am excited to see their smiling faces again.

Until then!

-H.