Luanda, Angola!?

[belliott]

Has anybody spent any time in Luanda? I am headed there in a bit for work and just wanted to find out anything and everything I can about the place. I have never been there before and will be in country for 45 days... any tips or advice..... yes I know enough to stay away from the local girls... but any other things would be greatly appreciated..... like food.... what are prices like there and whatnot.

Thanks!

[Propstop]

Ahh! Luanda.
A very expensive and interesting place.
The traffic is murder, the roads are blocked for repair or other reasons and the ensuing chaos lasts all day and half the night too, so leave plenty of time to get there. ALWAYS visit the comfort station before setting off on a short journey!!!
Service in supermarkets and restaurants is with a scowl, not a smile.
The ever friendly police have many means of relieving you of a few hundred US$.
Always carry a certified copy of your passport only, trying to retrieve your passport is VERY expensive.
The accommodation ranges from average to very nice, depends on your status in life and employer.
The airport has to be experienced to believe. Entry cards can only be obtained after production of your yellow fever certificate, hence the rush for the exits on the aircraft when stopping at the bay.
When venturing out anywhere carry on you only what you are prepared to lose and be aware at all times. It is not smart to go out at night and if you do have the need to go to Pub Royale go in a group as the approach and departure from such an establishment is fraught with danger.
That said, ENJOY!!!

[chileno 777]

Luanda is a very expensive and chaotic city.
A beer (Heineken 250 ml) costs between 3 to 4 usd in a bar.
Main dish at a normal/good restaurant 25 to 30 usd (each)
Traffic is terrible and the airport a total chaos. Just be patient on both.
Places to go out at night: Chill out (Friday&Saturdays), Palos (Thursday).
Good restaurants: Caribe, Coconuts, Cais de Quatro, (located in the "Ilha" and are outdoors) Pintos, Pims (indoors and more formal and business oriented).
Bars to have a beer: Portugalia, or Cafe del Mar (try the “caipirinha” in the last mentioned).
Tourist place to visit: Mussulo island, although is better during summer.
Best Hotels: Tropico, Alvalade, Continental. (suggest to book in advance)
Do not try to drive unless all your papers are in order, otherwise the police will try to "assault" you if caught.
Try not to use the cellphone while in the traffic jam.
Supermarkets: Shoprite or Intermarket. (the last one is very expensive).
Place to find easy ladies :E: Pub Royale. (as previously said, never go alone).
People never leave tips because the service sucks.

Enjoy it is not so bad.
If more questions, just ask.
Cheers.

[Jamex]

Be careful where you eat. Humerous story from the early '90's when still at Safair was a certain well-known FO along with an FE were drinking in a pub and met a character who was in charge of the harbour. It was said that nothing passed through Luanda harbour without him getting his cut. Well, the pub was closing, so said individual invited the Safair buddies to his home to continue drinking and they decided to take him up on his offer. On arrival at the gentleman's abode they were barked at by a foxterrier tethered at the entrance. A few drinks later the gentleman excused himself whereupon the FO suggested to the FE they better leave before they get offered food. The FE agreed and they turned to go, only to meet the gentlemans wife beaming at them with a HUGE kebab on a plate in her hands! Not wanting to offend they ate the kebab and then left. As they walked out they noticed the foxterrier was no longer tethered where it had been!:)

[Agaricus bisporus]

So good fresh food is available in Luanda after all...

[Toppled AH]

SORRRRRRRRRYYYY for YOU......good luck

[Jelly Doughnut]

I remember sorrrrrrrry for you :E

Toppled........... AH2???