Mountains and Tea Plantations of Gurue

Old Tradition

Learned this just the other day......

  Before independence, when the Portuguese were still very much present, there were local leaders called Regulos.  They were appointed by the government and not necessarily a leader for the people, more to help the Portuguese control the people.  Regardless, they were leaders and respected accordingly.  Actually, they were so esteemed that when they died an elaborate funeral service was held.  They were buried with belongings to accompany them on their journey after life.  Food and belongs were commonly put in the grave, but what I was shocked to learn is that it was also custom to bury a live virgin with the dead Regulo.   Eventually a Portuguese country administrator called for an end to the practice stating that to many useful citizens were being lost.  Seriously.

Alto Molocue and the mountain beyond

This is a shot coming into to town from the north.  You can make out Alto Molocue amongst the trees before the mountain.  I never get bored of looking out the window.