July 21st

For the Belgians amongst us, the 21st of July is independence day. Not that it's being celebrated that much in Belgium, but for us, Belgians abroad, it's always a sign of a reception at the embassador's residence. This year was no exception. Most people leave early, but this horn player, part of an invited ensemble, was still in one of the white plastic chairs on the lawn after most people had left.

Holidays

Back in Portugal, I visited my youngest sister who is on vacation in the Alentejo region for a couple of weeks. They rented a house in the countryside for them and their kids. This is her and my brother in law relaxing in the pool while the kids are playing some games.

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.

Cidadela

This is the sight I see when I leave my friend's appartment in the morning. She lives in a building similar to the one in front, on the 12th floor. Since there's no elevator, our physical condition is excellent. On the right, you can see the Cidadela Stadium, getting very old. They choose not to use this stadium for the African Cup of Nations, but to build a new one south of Luanda (and three more in other provinces). It's still being used, though, as is the pavillion next door where there are basketball games and very loud Brazilian church gatherings on Sundays.

Luanda

A quick evening sight of Luanda from the Clube Naval on the "ilha". In front is a new stretch of sand where there's going to be some more construction. To the left you can see the lights of the port, and on the right, the lights of the towers they've been building over the last couple of years.