Timidly about Bioko

Equatorial Guinea is much different from the rest of the states of the black continent. Its capital is located on the island, while the main territory of the country along with the largest city lies on the mainland. They speak Spanish here, like nowhere else in Africa. And not so long ago, oil was found in nearby waters.

This country, like many others in Africa, uses the “lifelong ruler” political system. The current “king” has overthrown and executed his uncle, his predecessor, and has ruled for 37 years, periodically winning almost unanimously in the “democratic popular” elections. Oil dollars have opened serious opportunities for a small African country.

The roads in the country are such that at some point it may seem that this is not Africa at all, but some kind of Sub-Mary.

They do not live in shacks here, as in the CAR or the Congo. Along with oil, a mortgage came here. Apartments are being built everywhere, where people can buy their own housing not at the lowest level.

The owner of Guinea is not modest and at every opportunity demonstrates his remarkable capabilities. And generous hospitality. An entire village of presidents has been built in the suburbs of Malabo. The heads of various friendly states often come here and live in the same LOHari class houses in complete safety and irrepressible satiety).

Ceiba tree is a national symbol. Such are growing throughout the country. Tourists are terribly fond of taking pictures with them. As they say, whoever hasn’t been to Khimki hasn’t seen beauty. So in Guinea, Ceibu did not click, the country did not close.)

If the car has got into an accident, what to do with it? Give away for scrap, try to recover? Why all this trouble? Leave on the sidelines and go home to your wife for the cold San Miguel. There are innumerable old cars along the highway.

There are two national parks on the island, and one road passes around them. For whatever matter you are brought here, go "bypassing" like a real hero.)

On the sidelines, snail karakolis are everywhere. Local delicacy. The girl said that the real Guinean is the one who eats 3 karakol every morning. NOT LESS!

The tracks are deserted, only from time to time there will be a lonely car or guys with a machete - and again silence.

Mocha

The village where all the trails start in the Luba Crater National Park. People come here for the lake in the forest and waterfalls. The equatorial climate abounds with torrential rains, and a trip to the jungle can be a real challenge.

Our arrival nature also noted the downpour. He stood by the wall. Visibility was not more than a hundred meters. And we had to be content only with a trip to the museum, full of political information, why animals should not be killed. Guineans are sinners in this matter, they do not spare living things. This is Africa, baby.

Bounty hunters catch monkeys for sale. And if for some reason the animal cannot be sold, then it is simply buried alive. I asked why not let the monkey go. “These are the traditions,” the museum employee answered vaguely and gloomily.

On the island of Bioko, the Bubi people live. In ancient times, men made tattoos on their faces, but now it is almost impossible to meet Aboriginal people with a specific painting on their faces.

But albinos can be seen easily.

Almost the entire population of Equatorial Guinea - Catholics, cathedrals and churches are in almost every village.

Batete

Go to the very south of the island to a remote village to see this masterpiece of wooden architecture.

The streets of Bathete.

Spiritual affairs - this is extremely important, but you will be in Batet, go to the pub to Vitka. There is only one bar, so do not go wrong. And he always plays music loudly.)

The guy once studied in Sevastopol and speaks good Russian. His life in Crimea did not go in vain. The hostel's life taught Vitka to get along with people, and in his establishment there is always darkness to the people.

Our driver-guide with the Russian name EpifanIO took a couple of bottles of beer from Vitka to the path to relieve stress.

“Our roads are mountainous, there are a lot of turns, but the weather is not very good, it’s somehow calmer with San Miguel,” Epi said and twisted his steering wheel.

Bast

The second largest city on the island. Why tourists come here is not clear. There is nothing to see, and to do too. But there are 2 ships.

And one good restaurant, in which we learned that real salmon in Guinean should be white).

The concept of status has become firmly entrenched not only in our Russian life. In Equatorial Guinea, distinguishing children of status parents from those without any status is quite simple. Children richer walk in clothes, and study iPhones.

Children poorer walk the streets naked, hiding behind only wooden shields.

Richer parents ride the Hammers.

Parents walk worse with a machete.

On October 24, 1778, the Spaniards sailed into the suburbs of Luba in three ships. At the landing site of the first colonialists now stands a monument.

Arena Blanca Beach

In Guinea, do not bother with the names of the beaches. Well, really, why come up with something on purpose, if you can just say White Sand Beach. Everyone comes here - both expats and locals.

Gastronomy

Hippocrates said: "We are what we eat." Equatorial Guinean cuisine is primarily fist-sized snails. And, of course, the animals killed in the local forests, here they are affectionately called "bushmeat" or "bush meat" or "artisanal meat".

Squirrels go well with white wine.

Forest rats - with champagne.

But ratons go with a bang for a beer.

The smaller brothers are trapped and sold alive. Someone may say that it is inhuman: "Poor animals, how they suffer," and go with a calm soul, dine with pork or chicken.

Anyone who has been to Africa knows that animal sellers are photographed extremely reluctantly. Our hunters were kind only because the Epi guide, in anticipation of Sunday's family dinner, acquired a pair of rats, taking before that a box of San Miguel.

“Dinner will be great today,” he said in sweet anticipation.