The other side of the Angolan postcard

Hi,

As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover.

Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face.

When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I then tend to say that one should also look at both sides of the postcard.

As an expat in Angola, how would you describe the two sides of your Angolan postcard?

Thank you for sharing your experience,

Julien

Hello Julien,

First side of the postcard or coin of Angola is....i am writing my personal experience...after having a valid visa when i landed on Luanda, they stopped me in the airport itself for 16 hrs ( night 21hrs to 13hrs of next day)with no food...and it is always happening to those who comes first time with no connection over here...one has to come with arrangements...like someone has to come to airport for guarantee about that person that he is not going to settled here...and where ever you go police can ask you anytime the documents and sometimes they don't accept your documents fotocopy....Going to not populated or unkown places be careful...people comes and snatch your mobile,money...Life is very costly...

The other side of the postcard is Angola is a very beautiful natural places to vist...by nature this country is rich...waterfalls,desert,densed forest,rivers...beautiful beaches... One can enjoy the life....

Regards,
Anil

Angolan it's a nice country if you escape assaulting .
If this may arrive to you or medical problems than becomes a nightmare.
Overall I had a good memory.

Hi!

I have been living in Luanda (Angola) for the last almost 4 years. I still remember the day when I first landed in Luanda, 20th July, 2014, when a refreshingly cold breeze hit my face & my fears, scepticism in just a moment dissipated. I come from India & July is really a hot & humid month there, so this change actually made me feel good. Leaving a cushy, well paid job back home, I headed with my husband who just took charge with a 1.5 yr old son to give me constant company. But to be honest with myself, I have had a good time. Good friends, a new home & the exposure have all made what I am. The horrible peak/non-peak hours traffic, the rains, the interactions with the house maid, guard, driver, gardener have given me immense confidence to put across my thoughts in Portuguese. I have also learned that here even when you have a back-plan you may not succeed. More importantly, have felt that this country has given me a lifestyle, which is kind of best of both worlds. You get money for the work & you also get maids, drivers, guards like in my country.

But there are distressing times too. Every now & then, people die here & the funerals go on & on. You have to go days on end without electricity, maids though the humongous generators give light but the noise is deafening. Then there are no good parks to go & sit or for kids to play. It is just kids play date when they go to other children's homes or they come over, they have fun. Socialisings are restricted to people's homes, restaurants, of course you have some of the best night clubs here. And last but not the least, the health care system here gives me jitters. I just feel so horrified even at the slightest instance here. Health care is almost non-existent here.

But overall, I guess, with the drawbacks & good things all around, Luanda is my second home & have every bit of it.

Welcome to Expat-Blogs rajashreebm...........
Its nice that you and your husband faced but i remember the day i was going out from Luanda i have seen three Mauritanian guys with valid visa denied to enter and they have deported in the same flight i have taken to come to Brazzaville........I wish you all the best and be safe........

Regards,
Anil