LikingHikingLisa

Arriving in Malawi was an experience to say the least! Firstly, the Travelex at the airport didn't take card payments for currency and my visa debit card didn't work in the ATM's outside. Whilst trying several times at the ATM, I had 5 or 6 taxi drivers all shouting asking where I want to go. I'm trying my best to ignore them as I have to unpack my rucksack to get to my credit card to see if that works in the ATM. Thankfully, it did and I've got in the first taxi I see. Then there's a big argument lasting up to 15 minutes, pushing and shoving, and taxi drivers doing tug of war with my rucksack all arguing as to who is going to take me. I took a taxi to the nearest town ... read more

The water tank I bought Isaac and Josephine had now been delivered and installed just in time as it has rained very heavily over the last couple of days I was hoping to see water come from the tap before I left. The tank that I decided on in the end was the largest which once full, will keep the family supplied with water for up to 5/6 months. A great relief to Josephine. Sunday 2nd February it's Isaac's birthday. They don't acknowledge their birthdays and some (the older generation) don't even know when it is or how old they are. I've bought a birthday cake from town which is iced beautifully but unfortunately the icing did not survive the very bumpy motorbike journey. Nevertheless, I've used the Christmas candle that I brought with me ... read more

Isaac and Josephine (my host) at the age of 25 and 22 are the same age as my own children so our relationship is somewhat strange because I am automatically mothering them and they are also doing the same to me. I'm given a sunset curfew and have to telephone ahead if I'm late. When I ask to go out walking on my own I'm told if I can go alone or not, if not then Isaac accompanies me. It's very sweet of them but it's also strange having this role reversal. I'm yet to meet Josephines family, as the women are not allowed to see their families once they are married without special reason. I'm hoping I get to meet them before I leave. Josephine was brought up much like a slave. Her mother left ... read more

What an amazing few days. I think this is the first time I have not seen the new year in with a few drinks, and also a first to be tucked up in bed before 10. New Year's Eve is not celebrated here but New Year's Day is, much the same as Christmas Day, it started with the slaughter of a goat and then the food prep by the women. This time I opted to go with the men and see what they get up to whilst all the hard work is being done by their wives. We visit approximately 5 houses throughout the day to wish the families Happy New Year. There is goat potatoes and rice offered at each house and the men take a plate at each one. I managed 2 potatoes and ... read more

Arrival was a little hectic to say the least after almost missing my connecting flight. I am met at the airport by 2 African men. I think this has to be the most terrifying point in my whole life, I am about to get in a car with 2 African men i have never met before, who are going to drive me to a remote area in pitch black at 4 am in the morning. One is the driver and one is Masai Mara and he will introduce me to my host. We drive for about 2 hours of which the last hour is a dirt track and very bumpy and uncomfortable. We arrive at a school in Olasiti in daylight approx 6am and I am told we have to wait for help to carry my ... read more