Well, I decided to do the entire journey back to Mzuzu in one go. I hopped on my first plane in Toronto, and went to JFK. I was getting a final boarding call when I finally go to the gate to get on my plane to go to Johannesburg. It was exciting when I found out that we weren't stopping off in Dakar to collect more passengers, we just went straight from JFK to Joburg! I was quickly running through the airport to catch my last plane from Joburg to Lilongwe. I arrived in Lilongwe and it was a madhouse in the airport. I had to jump over people to get my bags, and when I finally found my bag on the belt I had to take four other people's bags off of mine so I could grab it.
I finally made it outside with all my luggage, and started getting bombarded by the taxi drivers. They were trying to get me to pay MK 10,000, but I knew I was supposed to only pay 7,000. So I just discussed it with them until they agreed to take me for the normal price!
I knew I had already missed the AXA coach bus that leaves at noon, so I had to decide whether or not to take public transit or stay in Lilongwe for a night. I really just wanted to get home, so I took a chance and hopped on the National Bus Company. The bus took about 8 hours, but I managed to get on one that didn't break down or run out of gas, so that is always a plus here in Malawi.
I started teaching one of my classes the next day, and it was quite overwhelming to get up in front of the classroom and see all these people looking at me. I thought it was a little overwhelming the first day, but the second day seemed much better. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to start my Remote Sensing class, due to students not showing up, teacher's striking and then student's striking. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it actually starts soon!
I was so exhausted when the weekend came, I just wanted to stay in Mzuzu, but the entire house was heading to Kande Beach and I didn't want to miss that, so I decided to go with them.
We hired a driver to take us there for MK10,000, but we had to pay 12,000 on the way back. The beach there is lovely. Lots of sand and waves in the water. The dorm rooms were quite nice too. It was a bit pricey for my liking, running at about $10 per night for the dorm rooms. The beers were MK300 and the food at the cafe was terrible and quite expensive. Our friend Bjorn managed to talk to a local guy who offered to make us traditional Malawian cuisine for lunch and dinner on the Saturday for MK600 each. It was rice, beans, rape (rapini), eggs and at dinner we added a tomato soup. We stole some Nali from the Restaurant at the resort, but we brought it back when we were done.
We mostly just laid around the beach and I got extremely burnt on my back! On the Sunday, I just slept in and made my way down to the beach to hang out before we made out way back.
We woke up this morning thinking the Teacher strike was still on, but it wasn't so we thought we had class, but it turns out that some of the students had decided to strike, so no one showed up to any of the classes. Who know how long this will continue for. A couple days, a week? We'll see.
EmJ
Monday, 23 July 2012
Ian's Wedding
Wow. The past week and a half has been a complete blur. I made the trek all the way from Mzuzu, back to Brantford, Canada to go to my brother's wedding. The first day I was out and about trying to get everything sorted, the next night I was in Toronto celebrating Sarah's bachelorette party before the big day on Saturday. We got bottle service at the Century room and had a crazy dance party with all the girls that came.
On friday night we had the rehearsal for the ceremony and then my mom hosted all of the out of towner's and the wedding party for a rehearsal dinner. It was pretty relaxed, we all just ate and listened to some music while having some drinks.
The actual day of the ceremony was wonderful! The ceremony went out without a hitch, and Ian and Sarah both looked beautiful. Once the ceremony was over, we all headed into the Country Club for some appetizers and some drinks before dinner time. The speeches were great by the parents, the Best Man and Maid of Honour.
Once all the traditional stuff was over and everyone was stuffed for dinner, we just started a dance party and danced the night away enjoying a variety of cocktails from the open bar! My friend Scottie B was one of the chefs that was preparing the dinner and the late night buffet, but once he was done he even joined the party!
We all went back to the Hampton Hotel for an after party, but I quickly became tired and had to go back home to get some rest.
On Sunday we all went to Sarah's parents house for a lovely brunch with the wedding party and the two families. It was a great quick trip home, but come Monday morning I was making my way back to my life I left in Malawi!!
EmJ
On friday night we had the rehearsal for the ceremony and then my mom hosted all of the out of towner's and the wedding party for a rehearsal dinner. It was pretty relaxed, we all just ate and listened to some music while having some drinks.
The actual day of the ceremony was wonderful! The ceremony went out without a hitch, and Ian and Sarah both looked beautiful. Once the ceremony was over, we all headed into the Country Club for some appetizers and some drinks before dinner time. The speeches were great by the parents, the Best Man and Maid of Honour.
Once all the traditional stuff was over and everyone was stuffed for dinner, we just started a dance party and danced the night away enjoying a variety of cocktails from the open bar! My friend Scottie B was one of the chefs that was preparing the dinner and the late night buffet, but once he was done he even joined the party!
We all went back to the Hampton Hotel for an after party, but I quickly became tired and had to go back home to get some rest.
On Sunday we all went to Sarah's parents house for a lovely brunch with the wedding party and the two families. It was a great quick trip home, but come Monday morning I was making my way back to my life I left in Malawi!!
EmJ
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Lakeview Resort
On Monday, I headed into town with Tracey and Nicole. The main purpose to go into the market was to go to Tai Ho, our local Chinese shop to grab a couple adapter for my computers, because the $40 one I bought in Canada broke. For two of them at the Chinese shop was about $5.50, let's see how long these last!
The other reason I headed into town was to get yogurt and cornflakes, but yogurt was nowhere to be found, so I just opted for some cardboard container milk and Milo (which are like cocao puffs, but was the cheaper version!).
While we were downtown, we got a called from our friend James who was the Mzoozoozoo with his truck that wouldn't start. He needed a couple strong arms to push it to get it to start. While we were on our way walking from downtown, I guess he ended up getting it started, because he met us on the dirt road and told us to hop in. I was really craving a beer, or three, so we decided to go check out this place called the Lakeview Resort, which is just on the outskirts of Mzuzu on the way to Nkhata Bay.
The place is beautiful! There are gardens everywhere overlooking the lake. From some spots you can see all the way to Mozambique! Below the bar, there is a beach volleyball area, which we are definitely going to have to test out sooner or later.
We just headed into the main building, and went upstairs. The first thing that caught me was the fantastic smell of the wood inside the building. It smelt like freshly chopped wood, gave me a very homey feeling. There was a nice bar upstairs with stools to sit on. The prices of the beer were fantastic, $250 for a green, special or stout which was awesome.
We just hung out there for a few hours, took over his music and hopped behind the bar to have a dance party. After we drank a few beers there, we all headed to Summer's place to have a glass of wine and sit by the fire. It was very relaxing. All in all it was a wonderful Monday night!
EmJ
The other reason I headed into town was to get yogurt and cornflakes, but yogurt was nowhere to be found, so I just opted for some cardboard container milk and Milo (which are like cocao puffs, but was the cheaper version!).
While we were downtown, we got a called from our friend James who was the Mzoozoozoo with his truck that wouldn't start. He needed a couple strong arms to push it to get it to start. While we were on our way walking from downtown, I guess he ended up getting it started, because he met us on the dirt road and told us to hop in. I was really craving a beer, or three, so we decided to go check out this place called the Lakeview Resort, which is just on the outskirts of Mzuzu on the way to Nkhata Bay.
The place is beautiful! There are gardens everywhere overlooking the lake. From some spots you can see all the way to Mozambique! Below the bar, there is a beach volleyball area, which we are definitely going to have to test out sooner or later.
We just headed into the main building, and went upstairs. The first thing that caught me was the fantastic smell of the wood inside the building. It smelt like freshly chopped wood, gave me a very homey feeling. There was a nice bar upstairs with stools to sit on. The prices of the beer were fantastic, $250 for a green, special or stout which was awesome.
We just hung out there for a few hours, took over his music and hopped behind the bar to have a dance party. After we drank a few beers there, we all headed to Summer's place to have a glass of wine and sit by the fire. It was very relaxing. All in all it was a wonderful Monday night!
EmJ
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Canada Day
Well, Canada Day should not fall on a Sunday!! Our good friend Ross from the Peace Corps, decided he would come to Nkhata Bay with us this past weekend... I should know by now, that when Ross comes, it's going to be ridiculous. I wasn't even expecting him to come on Friday night, but at about 5pm there he was, walking through the doorway of Butterfly! We decided to take it easy, you know, have a few beers before Spaghetti Bolognese was served for dinner. After dinner, we went back down to the lake bar to meet some new people and listen to some "music" by Sweetman. I am usually quite impressed with the local gigs that go up and serenade us, however this time, I was quite ok with them only playing a three song set, one of which was repeated, so we had the opportunity to hear it, not once, but twice!
While we were down at the beach bar, we met some Irish and English friends and played "Ring of Fire" which is their version of Kings. Unfortunately, I was subjected to Powers #1. Let's just say that is tasted like straight up Ethanol. I definitely need some sachets to water that one down!
We partied around Butterfly for a while, before making an entrance at Mayoka. We pretty much had a dance party and Ross paid people to get up on the bar and dance. He forked out 2000 Kwacha for that!
We pretty much danced ourselves into the ground, but of course we had to have some excitement on the way back!! We were walking back, minding our own business trying to find a bathroom, when we came across this beautiful room, that was completely open. Lights were on, door open, pretty much inviting us in for a tour. We just wanted to take a look so Tracey, Ross, Kitty Kat and I decided just to pop our heads in for a look. Next thing I know the three of them are sprawled out on the bed with the bug net down and I'm having a dance party singing to them! We were probably in there for 15 minutes before I finally said we should leave! We were just about to get our asses out, when this woman pops her head in the door. "Umm, this is my room". We all hop out of the bed laughing out heads off and go to book it out of the room. We look down and oh no, Ross doesn't have his shoes. He walks back in the room and the woman is just standing over his flip flops. Ross looks at her and says "Uh, those are my shoes" which she replies "yah I know" Ross bends down, scoops the shoes and we were outta there!
Trying to get back to our chalet, Ross could barely walk, and takes off half of his toes! Little did I know that I would be having a snuggle fest with Kat and Ross, not just the Friday, but Friday and Saturday!
Saturday was a great day too. We went down to our favourite beach "Chikale" beach for some nice fun in the sun, when the next thing we know, a bus full of Mzuni Year0 students are headed in. Year0 is another term for first years. Pretty much all the upper year students yell and chant it at the first years, telling them they will fail and not even complete one year of Uni.
Anyway, they all showed up, so we were kinda swimming in the lake, trying to teach a few of them how to float. First steps to being able to swim!!!
After our swim party, we just went into the restaurant and ate some lunch and then hung out in there listening to the sweet beats that our buddy was playing!
We got a little day drunk on Saturday, so Tracey and I definitely stayed in on Saturday night, missing out on the party in town at Kaya Papaya! I was trying to keep it low key, since I'm still battling this bronchial infection.
We are finally at Canada Day. Everyone was too hungover to really celebrate, so we just hung out by the beach, ate some delicious special Banana Bread and listened to music. In the evening we went to Hot and Spicy to watch the final Euro Cup game Spain vs. Italy. Spain ended up killing the game 4-0 and took the title. First time they had won a championship against Italy at the Euro Cup. Pretty sweet.
Last night we went into town to get some groceries, and then checked out the Lakeview Resort for some drinks. It was Nicole, Tracey, James and I. We were the only people there with the owner Alan! we had a great time having a dance party and listening to all our favourite tunes! Definitely the relaxing evening I needed. I would like to go back in the day light to check out the sweet views that are around the area. Apparently we are so elevated that we can see all the way to Mozambique!!
I'm just sitting in my office right now, procrastinating, not prepping for my courses that start tomorrow. Maybe I'll get some work done.
'Til the next time!!!
EmJ
While we were down at the beach bar, we met some Irish and English friends and played "Ring of Fire" which is their version of Kings. Unfortunately, I was subjected to Powers #1. Let's just say that is tasted like straight up Ethanol. I definitely need some sachets to water that one down!
We partied around Butterfly for a while, before making an entrance at Mayoka. We pretty much had a dance party and Ross paid people to get up on the bar and dance. He forked out 2000 Kwacha for that!
We pretty much danced ourselves into the ground, but of course we had to have some excitement on the way back!! We were walking back, minding our own business trying to find a bathroom, when we came across this beautiful room, that was completely open. Lights were on, door open, pretty much inviting us in for a tour. We just wanted to take a look so Tracey, Ross, Kitty Kat and I decided just to pop our heads in for a look. Next thing I know the three of them are sprawled out on the bed with the bug net down and I'm having a dance party singing to them! We were probably in there for 15 minutes before I finally said we should leave! We were just about to get our asses out, when this woman pops her head in the door. "Umm, this is my room". We all hop out of the bed laughing out heads off and go to book it out of the room. We look down and oh no, Ross doesn't have his shoes. He walks back in the room and the woman is just standing over his flip flops. Ross looks at her and says "Uh, those are my shoes" which she replies "yah I know" Ross bends down, scoops the shoes and we were outta there!
Trying to get back to our chalet, Ross could barely walk, and takes off half of his toes! Little did I know that I would be having a snuggle fest with Kat and Ross, not just the Friday, but Friday and Saturday!
Saturday was a great day too. We went down to our favourite beach "Chikale" beach for some nice fun in the sun, when the next thing we know, a bus full of Mzuni Year0 students are headed in. Year0 is another term for first years. Pretty much all the upper year students yell and chant it at the first years, telling them they will fail and not even complete one year of Uni.
Anyway, they all showed up, so we were kinda swimming in the lake, trying to teach a few of them how to float. First steps to being able to swim!!!
After our swim party, we just went into the restaurant and ate some lunch and then hung out in there listening to the sweet beats that our buddy was playing!
We got a little day drunk on Saturday, so Tracey and I definitely stayed in on Saturday night, missing out on the party in town at Kaya Papaya! I was trying to keep it low key, since I'm still battling this bronchial infection.
We are finally at Canada Day. Everyone was too hungover to really celebrate, so we just hung out by the beach, ate some delicious special Banana Bread and listened to music. In the evening we went to Hot and Spicy to watch the final Euro Cup game Spain vs. Italy. Spain ended up killing the game 4-0 and took the title. First time they had won a championship against Italy at the Euro Cup. Pretty sweet.
Last night we went into town to get some groceries, and then checked out the Lakeview Resort for some drinks. It was Nicole, Tracey, James and I. We were the only people there with the owner Alan! we had a great time having a dance party and listening to all our favourite tunes! Definitely the relaxing evening I needed. I would like to go back in the day light to check out the sweet views that are around the area. Apparently we are so elevated that we can see all the way to Mozambique!!
I'm just sitting in my office right now, procrastinating, not prepping for my courses that start tomorrow. Maybe I'll get some work done.
'Til the next time!!!
EmJ
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