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

Last Litter of Zen-Babies

For the last time in my service here, Zen has had a litter of kittens. Four healthy balls of fur were born late at night of Kamuzu Day (in the basket, not on my foot).

Mama Zen and her new kittens

Baby Kirk, male

Baby Spock, male

Baby McCoy, male

Baby Scotty, male