Friends

I found these two while I was roaming the streets of Huambo, in the middle of Angola. This area suffered greatly during the war, and the episodes people have been telling me are too horrible for words. The war ended in 2002, with the death of Unita leader Jonas Savimbi. These two guys probably never had to deal with any of the horrors, and they are normal children, just like any others in any part of the world. Playing, going to school and wanting their picture taken. The city is also showing ever less signs of war. The building in the back is still scarred by bullet holes, but the one on the right looks brand new. It's like this all over town. Little by little, bad memories and signs of them disappear. Time (and in this case a lot of money) heals all wounds.

Jorge Tristão

I'm back in Luanda, organizing for a journey across the country. Yesterday night, I was downtown at a the Zanzibar, for an expat's farewell party, and I say this guy. He was wearing a bow tie and jacket and all, but finished it all off tropically with a pair of bermuda shorts and flip flops (although very stylish ones at that). When I saw him leave, I went after him and asked him if I could take his picture right there and then. We looked for an illuminated shop window and this is the result. His name is Jorge Tristão, and he's in advertising. Thanks Jorge.

Coqueiros

This is the Luanda Tennis Club next to the Coqueiros stadium. Early in the morning, after work, or in the weekend, people come here to have classes or play a game or two of tennis. Here, a couple of women practice their game against the teacher and another student.

Célia Araújo

Still in Luanda, where I'm working on a small story on Angolan women. This is Célia Araújo, working mother of four, and student. She spent part of her youth in Portugal and moved back to Angola in 2005. This picture was taken at her parent's place, and as you can see from the table, just before dinner.

Odete Tavares

This is Odete Tavares, the goalkeeper of the national Angolan handball team, who became African champions in Egypt in February. I photographed her just before a game of her team, the 1º de Maio against another local team, Ferrovia at the Ferrovia stadium.