Do you speak Russian in Austria?

September 9, 2014

Early in the morning, we were invited to the UN building in Luanda (where the UNICEF offices are located) to get a short briefing about the difficulties for children in Angola. UNICEF also presented us with the UNICEF strategies on how to further achieve improvements.

Briefing meeting at the UNICEF offices - photo Gerald Folly — Briefing meeting at the UNICEF offices – photo Gerald Folly

For example, the mortality rate of children under five years of age is one of the biggest issues in Africa. A large part of the presentation was spent on education, one focus was the integration of child-friendly school principles in teacher training, construction standards and community participation.

Education in Angola - challenges and progress - photo Max Lauterbach — Education in Angola – challenges and progress – photo Max Lauterbach

At the end of the presentation, we handed over the presents we brought from Austria (“Mozartkugeln” and “Mannerschnitten”) to the UNICEF staff.

Before we left for the airport, the Security Manager of the UN told us Angola has the same security level as Paris or Lisbon. One of the main security risks is traffic accidents – so we should keep our seat belts fastened all the time. Gwen and Desire from UNICEF Angola will join us during the next few days, travelling to the south of Angola to visit schools and sanitation projects.

Street sceene, being a shoe cleaner is a common occupation. Photo Pedro Lukau — Street scene, being a shoe cleaner is a common occupation. Photo Pedro Lukau

Street sceene - Photo Lisa Spitzhuetl — Street scene – Photo Lisa Spitzhuetl

Street view - photo Max Lauterbach — Street view – photo Max Lauterbach

Street sceene - photo Gerald Folly — Street scene – a young lady selling her good on the road. Photo Gerald Folly

After a short meal at Luanda airport, we flew via Ondjiva to Lubango.

A good view from the air over the land From the air one could see how the rural populations fences their property. Photo Gerald Folly — A good view from the air over the countryside land, that is owned and farmed by the rural population. Photo Gerald Folly

Stopover at . Photo Gerald Folly — Stopover at Ondjiva on our way to Lubango. Photo Gerald Folly

At Ondjiva aiport. Photo Pedro Lukau — At Ondjiva airport. Photo Pedro Lukau

The IWitness group, waiting for the transfer to Lubango. Photo Pedro Lukau

At the passport control, one of the police officers who has never seen an Austrian passport before asked Anna if we speak Russian in our country.

We were picked up by Paulo and his drivers from the UNICEF office in Huila province and had a nice dinner together.

At the restaurant, where the also serve traditional food like crocodile and antilope. Photo Gerald Folly

On the premises of the lodge restaurant, we could visit crocodiles and boa snakes.

Boa snakes outside of the restaurant. Photo Gerald Folly

... and two crocodiles. Photo Lisa Spitzhuetl — … and two crocodiles. Photo Lisa Spitzhuetl

Finally we arrived at the hotel, where most of the rooms were equipped with IKEA furniture – a wonderful night ahead 🙂

Feeling like home - our accomodation in Lubango was fully furnished with IKEA products. Photo Gerald Folly — Feeling like home – our accomodation in Lubango was fully furnished with IKEA products. Photo Gerald Folly

Do you speak Russian in Austria?

Written by

Lisa Spitzhutl