Maputo Now & Then?

Photographs.
João dos Santos Rufino, 1929
Bill Osborne, 2005
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We have seen how a city evolves. Yet within that evolution there are pockets of stasis. Sometimes nothing has changed. Often that is called primitive, but in evolutionary terms, when something is static for extended periods, we call it perfection. Here, then, are some of the "perfect places" of Maputo

Estacao  Station

Railway Station (December 27th, 2006)

Newly Built in 1929

Synagogue now  synagogue then

Synagogue, Rua Tomas Nduna, (December 27th, 2006)

Newly Built in 1929

Wesleyan  V Wesleyan

Wesleyan Chapel, Av 24 Junho, (December 27th, 2006)

As in 1929

But if there's a change does that make it less than perfect?

Masonic  Masonic

Escola Technica 1 do Maio, Av 24 Junho, (December 27th, 2006)

In 1929 was the masonic temple

And who decides what constitutes change anyway. The trees grow, but is that a change, or is it in the original plan? And if the building is unchanged, but the use is different is that progress, perfection, or regression?

And the converse, the original is completely vanished but the function remains the same. Is more evolution less perfection?

Sé  Velha Igreja

The Catholic Cathedral, (December 27th, 2006)

On the site of the former Parish Church of Laurenço Marques

ferry  Velha Ferry

Boarding the Catembe ferry, (September 21st, 2006)

1929 river ferry

laranjinha  Rickshaw

"Laranjinha" taxi waits at the Holiday Inn (December 27th, 2006)

1929 Rickshaw

Clearly not, I'd say.

praia  Praia velha

All things must pass: a deserted and abandoned Polana Praia. (December 27th, 2006)

1929 Children at the popular Polana Praia

but I could be wrong......

New pictures 2005 © Bill Osborne all rights reserved
Muitos Agradecimentos para Sr João do Santos Rufino, 1929.
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