The crew that operates the train on Friday doubles during the week as maintenance crew. Hermangildo is the train guard but during the week he is a welder. We all have to work together to make Mozambique work. Camaraderie and pride keep the Xai Xai railroad alive. The journey goes through splendid scenery, untouched bush interrupted by the occasional village.
Tall weeds cover the narrow gauge track, making the train slip constantly.
Dirt from the sidings is dug up and sprinkled on the rails to create traction for the giant to roll again. This gauge, because of its age, does not exist anywhere else in Africa. It is in appalling shape. The monkey jack is well worked, constantly putting the train back on to the rails. Carriages come free of their holdings and have in some way to be attached to the rest of the train.