Today's Minibus Ride

Just thought I'd recap what is a not-too-unusual minibus ride I had on my way home from school today. 

I had to wait about 30min for a ride. The roads were deserted. In that time, one pickup (that I flagged but didn't stop) and a semi (same) passed. Then, a slow going minibus to Mzuzu pulled up.

I load into the middle row that's empty, as this bus is unusually vacant. The man in the back is quite sick. We drive a ways and reach the next major chipitala (clinic) where the sick man exited and another man boards with a large car battery. A little ways down the road we stop, reverse about 300m, and pick up a woman with a tray full of pieces of fish. Then we barely get back up to speed before stopping to pick up two students. 

The conductor asks me to pay by holding out his hand and snapping (not actually rude here), so I ask "zilinga" (how much). He responds "five hundred," to which I must point out that my journey is only half of one that is known to cost 500. He consults the driver, who asks me if 300 is acceptable. It is. 

For the next couple of kilometers, the minibus conductor is picking up the fish pieces, looking at them, and putting them back down. We stop and let the students off at St Anne's CDSS. The conductor, bored with the fish, wipes his hand on the back of the front seat. 

We continue on, and I purchase a particularly delectable piece of fish from the woman. The driver then drops her off and she pays him with a piece of fish. After that, a little further down the road, the police flag the minibus to stop (routine check or speeding offense, I don't know, but a bribe would likely be required). Luckily, they're based in Uliwa and I just get out and head to the post office. 

Wait! The driver calls me back. He can't help but notice that I'm holding some plant cuttings, which are basil I received from Dan, a sitemate, while staying with him. The driver asks me what it is, so I tell him "food." We both eat a leaf, which he seems to enjoy. He then asks if I can "share him" one of the cuttings so he can plant it. I oblige by splitting one and giving him the smaller piece. 

I walk away thinking of tonight's dinner: kampango fish cooked in a cheesy tomato sauce with fresh basil serves over rice and accompanied by a cold Kuche Kuche. I love Malawi!

Probably the best meal in Malawi

The Winemaker Retires

After 13 buckets of wine, some delicious and a couple not so yummy, I have made my 14th and final bucket of wine. Malambe (Baobab fruit) was selected both because it is uniquely African and because I've always wanted to try making it. Plus, they're finally back in season.

We have to wait three to five weeks to find out how it has turned out, but if the smell is any indicator, this could be my best batch yet.

Voterani

Happy Erection Day!

Quick explanation: as I believe I have previous stated, Malawians are unable to differentiate between 'L' and 'R.' What they say (and therefore spell) depends solely on the vowel it comes after, so "Fletcher" becomes "Fretcher, "Parr" is "Paul," "chlorophyll" shows up on the national exams as "chrolophyl," and "election" turns into "erection."

Well, May 20th is the day selected for Malawians to exercise their rights in a democracy and vote for there new president, parliament, and councilors.

I walked over to see the local polling station, and chat with the poll workers (they're all teachers, so I know them already). As of the afternoon, everything was going well in Thunduti. 

Fletch going to cast her vote.

Karonga Brothers Gathering

For the first time in my Peace Corps history, we have managed to arrange all of the Karonga Brothers (PCVs based in Karonga) to have a brief get together. It was only a brief gathering, but it was still very nice to all be in the same place for once, and I was happy to serve as host. I am happy to have served with so many distinguished PCVs and am proud that our district serves with such distinction.

Library Finished!!!

It's done! The porch is done, the walls are done, the windows are installed, the doors are hung. Soon, we will have a grand opening, move the books in, and start working on furniture.

Presenting Thunduti CDSS's new library

The back of the building

The reading room of the library.  Thanks Mom for the map!

The right room with the window will be the book room and the left room will be for laboratory equipment.

Inside the book room