!!Swaziland!!
on Z for Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), 13/Dec/2010 14:53, 34 days ago
Something interesting that every one of the Mozambique volunteers has to do is go across the border every 30 days to get a new visa. Apparently the visas that we get are only good for 30 days and going to the border appears to be the quickest and cheapest way of ensuring you continue to be here legally. Odd. However, this gives one a great excuse to go to a neighboring country for several hours or a few days (not that most people need an excuse for that, but still…).Since I'll be in Mozambique for more than 30 days, I'll have to do this as well. My friend Lisa (volunteer from NYC) and I are going to Swaziland for a day this week. The border is about 2 hours from Maputo. We still haven't decided whether we'll just stay around the border or go towards the larger cities into the middle country. Either way, I'm sure it will be a cool experience. Swaziland is known for being one of the friendliest countries in Southern Africa. It's also among the smallest African nations and it's one of the last absolute monarchies in the world.Swaziland has seen more than its fair share of struggles as well. HIV/AIDS is a major problem affecting all parts of society. Swaziland has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world - 1 in 3 adults are infected.So as not to end on a terribly sad note, here is an interesting fact:According to Wikitravel: "Swaziland also has one of the highest numbers of people struck by lightning per capita in the whole world and it is common to know (or know of) somebody who has been struck by lightning". So, uhmm, if it's storming I think we'll be postponing our trip :)