If the electricity cuts, head to a bar

‘Luxury apartment available for rent- water and electricity 24 hours’. I was surprised to see that electrical generators and water tanks topped the list of criteria for so-called luxury residences before I moved here. Now, straining to type on my laptop, I understand why. Our electricity has cut out, the light is fading and with 33 minutes of battery on my laptop left, I will have to be brief.

So far, the longest we have gone without running water is two days. Electricity cuts have sometimes lasted a little longer. One friend of mine here went without electricity for over a week. Nevertheless, our grievances do not compare to others nearby- our apartment block looks over onto what can only be described as a swamp of stagnant residue water that serves as the washing machines, taps and showers of those with no alternative.

People here seem remarkably accustomed to and relaxed with the situation. I remember in Lebanon and Syria power cuts and water supplies were often blamed on the Israeli enemy. Here, in Angola, most can only compare hard times today with even harder times before during the war.

There are an abundance of designer electrical shops in Luanda, but when I went to the one of the largest supermarkets last week both candles and matches had sold out. Looking for apartments in Luanda, I am clearly not alone in prioritizing the essentials- one estate agent bypassed showing off the flat screen TV with surround sound to point out the ‘never fail’ generator and ‘super large’ water tank.

Our current generator is certainly not of the ‘never fail’ variety and until I manage to stock up on candles I will just have to adopt a bit of Angolan attitude. Only 8 minutes left on my laptop, which is also serving as my lamp gives me just enough time to doll myself up for a drink out… hopefully in a bar with electricity.