I don't remember Nampula airport very clearly - I was probably too nervous to pay attention, as it's certainly surrounded by steep-sided granite hills which oblige dizzying take-offs and landings - but it's no doubt one of those lengthy runways built during the post-independence socialist era to accommodate colossal Soviet cargo planes. So there are plenty of lights involved, and presumably a large truck to haul them around, and quite a bit of time and muscle.
Today's issue of Notícias ("Yesterday's news tomorrow") reports that two 737s - the Air Corridor and LAM flights, with a total of 114 passengers between them - landed on Sunday night by the headlights of numerous cars, parked alongside the runway for the occasion. You have to get to the bottom of the second column of the article before you come to the interview with the AC pilot, in which he says (freely translating) "The same thing happened last night, but it didn't matter because the skies were clear. As you can see, there's a lot of low cloud tonight." So one of our two main carriers landed a big bird by moonlight on Saturday (LAM landed discreetly at another airport). "It seemed like the right thing to do at the time," said the pilot. And "Why does this always happen to Air Corridor? Excuse me, but it smells like sabotage."
No word from Notícias on any resulting police enquiries, perhaps because those same police are responsible for patrolling the runway 24 hours a day. Presumably one of them has invested in a discoteca in need of renovation.
Big thing status: no joy. I should emphasise that we are driving to Chimoio.
It's been too long since I posted a photo. Continuing the nocturnal theme, here is a shot of our elegant old railway station (the initials stand for Caminhos de Ferro Moçambique). It now houses a jazz club, though much of the building stands empty. Valentin is behind the camera.
4 comments:
Maybe somone else will know for sure, but the runway at Nampula can't be too long because of the surrounding terrain. Not like the staggering main runway at Maputo that disappears into the distant haze.
Your nit picking friend, Lester
Dad had told me about your blog but I had the address wrong, I had "logspot" instead of blogspot and I kept coming up to, of all things, a Bible website. Anyway, he came over this weekend to set it up. You are certainly having an interesting life! Exploding ammunition dumps??!! I am glad the Russians didnt leave any nukes there. Stealing airport runway lights? I guess things we take for granted in western countries are not there. I pray for your safety but it looks like you can look after yourself and the main thing is, you are doing your bit to make the world a better place. We are fine over here in cold Melbourne, Toby is good (most of the time). It will be great to see you next month. Keep up the blog, it is good to see what you are getting up to. Love, Morgan
I've since learned that similar thefts took place last week in Beira and Quelimane. Someone must be planning a pirate airport somewhere.
I'll write to my friend Margaret in Nampula and ask her about the length of the runway.
Welcome, Morgan and Jenn! I'll be around for Toby's Christening next month.
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