We Are In Malongo! Updated with Pictures and Story about Trig's Place.

Hello!

I've put a little story about Trig's place at the end of this post. I'll try and make it its own; I think it warrants it.

Loads of picture have been updated too.

XO all,

K.C.


Malongo is where our operation is, up in Cabinda. Both Paul and I had meetings up here at the same time, so we're both in the IH block in different rooms.

Flying into Cabinda... I'm guessing Paul's dad might recognize this sight

Soccer Stadium in Cabinda. Really a nice piece of architecture, but I wish other fundamentals were a priority.

 We are getting to enjoy the camp a little more because we have a bit of a mission to connect the past with the present. Paul's dad was one of the first in Malongo working for Gulf, and he was significant in the development of the assets here, so it's fun to come here and be where he was, half way across the world.

The camp is a GIGANTIC facility with offices, dorm rooms, recreation facilities, mess halls, a camp store, etc. that houses 1500-plus people. It also has all kinds of nooks and crannies where people enjoy a Heineken or two (max purchase is 4 and only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - people quickly become strategic about their consumption.

IH Block (closest) is where I've stayed. This is taken from The Slab.

Several cats are around...  they're pretty harmless, and they don't really solicit the people for anything.

We went by the camp store to pick up some Pringles - something that is not available in Luanda, and that Paul loves tremendously, we also picked up a few Heinekens and went to the smaller mess hall, the Salad Bar, for some grub. Tonight we sat outside on "the Slab" and enjoyed our "take out" BBQ pizzas from the takeaway menu with a beer and the company of a Scot, a Croatian, and Nathan, a co-worker who spends a fair bit of time here.

The Slab is just that, open walled with a roof top, it houses a bar-b-q grille or two and several picnic tables. For decor a few worn out Union Jacks and Red Lion banners, some blue twinkle lights, and some little Japanese lanterns that faded out long ago provide an apropos atmosphere. It's right by the helicopter field, so you can hear them taking off and landing.

Co-workers of Paul each works 28 days on then they are off for 28 days.
Really cool guys (can you tell they are from South Africa?)
We are at the Slab enjoying a lovely meal... .In back is a kitchen and in there is a bunch of beef jerky being cured.
Locked up with a padlock, mind you. People really get creative when they are on a camp for 28 days straight.

The weather is like a warm summer evening after a rainy morning - moist (my hair is curling), but really comfortable. And the sound of the birds, bats, monkeys, and things I don't know about yet, all of which are living in the trees surrounding us are providing a cacophony of background noise.

The Slab is also near the golf course, which is surprisingly large, and which I could see as pretty fun to play - totally great Par 3 action. I have pictures, but no way to load them until I get Internet at home, so I will update when I can.

Now Paul and I are in my room switching though the TV channels, and snacking on salt and vinegar Pringles. I think I'm the luckiest girl in Malongo (that's not saying much, since the camp is 98% male), so maybe... Paul is the luckiest GUY in Malongo instead!

Boa Noite !

At The Slab with a bunch of folks - most are from South Africa. We had a stew made from oxtail. Delicious. Too bad I'm responsible for the catering contract and already tested out the cafeteria that night. Food baby (probably twins).

Monkeying around at The Slab - hole number four of the 9-hole golf course
right behind. This last time I was there, two Caos de Mata were on the
course at twilight - they look just like foxes. 

Fourth Hole of the Golf Course, processing plant in behind.

Paul and I working hard. We have an intern for the summer.

The view from the top of the hill, where the camp is. In the evening people walk down the hill and back up for exercise. Those black dots in the field are the equivalent of deer. Just to give one a little scale.

Flying out of Cabinda.... till next time.

Trig's Place...

When Paul's dad was back in Malongo in the 1980's, he worked with a man named Trig Karlssen. Trig was a creative geologist, who decided that, while on his time off in Malongo (which means Sunday after 12:00 pm), he wanted to live the beach life. So he collected wood from the pallets that brought in all the consumables that the camp required, along with anything that drifted ashore, and over the course of several hitches, he created the Malongo Beach Club. He chose a spot under the big Imbondeiro tree for a little shade, which was a fair distance from the terminal, but still within the gates of camp.

In addition to a wood shack made from pallets and driftwood, two Volkswagen bus seats served as lounge chairs. I will do my best to post that shot of Trig with Jose Lopes, Paul's borrowed uncle. Chilling out enjoying the Sunday afternoon life of Malongo.

Years later, the company decided to formalize the location to make sure it was safe and secure. Stairs were built, slabs were poured, etc. Below are some pictures from Trig's today - you'll see a picture with two guys sitting under the shade of a palm frond umbrella. It's uncannily similar to the picture Paul's dad took. The two had just finished skim boarding in the waves after work. Their coveralls, steel-toed boots, and hard hats in a pile in the corner. Cool.

The Imbondeiro tree at Trig's Place. (Baobob tree to some).
 This tree is the origin of the logo for the Malongo Camp

Trig's Place - Paul's dad knew Trig - an eternal bachelor who lives on Vancouver Island (the world is small).

Sunset on the Atlantic 

Imbondeiro again - really such a beautiful tree!

The north side of the beach from Trig's. Our terminal in the background.

Paul's Dad has a picture like this of the original Trig's Place... I'll see if I can find it.

I've heard so much about Malongo and Trig's place from
Larry, Paul's dad, and it was really fun to be there. Who knew?

Paul soaking it in