Six essentials in the wonderful Mbabane
Website design By BotEap.comMeet the locals. The people of Swaziland have a well-earned reputation for being friendly and helpful. So expect to hear “Hi Mom” and “Hi Sister” as you stroll down the street. Greet people with sowbona – to say hello – and yabo – in response. He may not be a conversational Swazi, but at least it is an indication that you are not totally a tourist.
Website design By BotEap.comSwazis take, rather than say. When I asked Skhumbuzo Mahlambi, the post office clerk, where I could buy a postcard, he closed his cash box and walked me to the middle of the square. When we left, his co-workers didn’t even look up. En route he made a detour so that I would know where to find a store that specializes in local handicrafts. As we walked, I had to suppress a smile. Civil servants in Western countries can be disciplined and / or fired for leaving their jobs. Guides were also sent to show me where to find a taxi, the post office, and an internet cafe.
Website design By BotEap.comBuy an emayadi at Mr. Cheap Fabric Center. Head to Gwamile Street, shop number 3 for a good selection of emayadi cotton prints. These six-foot pieces of cotton fabric have a pattern that screams “Swazi” at sixty paces. The first time I saw a man dressed in traditional clothing I asked him where I could buy a wrap. Although he was shopping for a uniform for his wife, he walked me to the store. It was easy, but I barely managed to convince the employees that I really preferred the emayadi with a traditional pattern, rather than the one with a picture of the King of Swaziland.
Website design By BotEap.comHave a beer at the Moonlight Bar. Order a local beer at this pub in Swazi Plaza and JJ will tell you how Sibebe is named after a mountain not far from Mbabane. This exclusive local spot has a positive vibe and attitude. The clientele includes teachers, drug dealers, workers, construction site boys and farmers. Get on any available bar stool and position the person next to you.
Website design By BotEap.comSee what’s on offer at Ligomba Lemasusagi. The official address is store number 4, Edgar’s Building, Swazi Plaza. But if you can’t find it, don’t worry, just ask someone and they’ll most likely take you to the front door. If you’re not sure what to buy, ask Fiso, who runs the place, for some suggestions. This could be your one-stop shopping for souvenirs.
Website design By BotEap.comHang out in Freedom Square. Pick up a piece of park bench at the corner of Somhlolo and Gwamile. This is where the real people of Swaziland hang out. Visiting friends; boys drinking from plastic-bagged bottles; people who read newspapers; breastfeeding mothers. The shade of one of the many large trees is an ideal place to spend an hour or so surreptitiously people-watching.
Website design By BotEap.comGet on a van and travel like a local. These 14-seater vans carry out their commercial activity along various routes. The bus stop is right in the middle of the city, it is something not to be missed. Looking down it is literally a sea of white rooftops from the combies. The way they manipulate in and out is truly an art form. Buses, people, street vendors, fruit vendors add to the total chaos. The area has a vibrant rhythm of its own and people dance.