Tomorrow we’re headed off to volunteer at the Malawi orphanage for a week. We’re very excited to be setting roots down for a week in a local community. Although I suspect the labour will not be relaxing, it will be nice to sleep in the same bed and not be tortured on minibuses down potholed roads.
We’ve covered a huge distance in the past week or so. Since leaving Maun, Botswana, we visited Livingstone (3 nights), Luskaka (2 nights), Chipata (1 nights), Lilongwe (2 nights) and Blantyre (1 night).
As we’ve been pushing through, there has been a huge change in the scenery and culture. There are tons more people and villages along the highway. We no longer stare at nothing for hours out of the bus. There are many more bicycles and ox wagons, and the local huts are now square instead of round. Local markets are everywhere with different fruits and vegetables. The trees have gotten much bigger (cause they get rain here) and there are hills and valleys (the start of the Rift Valley system). There is a buzz in the air and it feels good.
We’ll write lots and post tons of great pics when we hit the beach after our orphanage work. Hope everyone is well.
Hey guys
Sounds like you are having a great time!
Look forward to seeing you when you’re back
Bev
Hi Guys:
I can only imagine the sights you have witnessed over the past month and a half.
Gillian: When you asked for time off to travel Africa, I thought you were crazy. But now I understand.
My 12 days in East Africa are now but a dream…they came and went so quickly. I spent 8 days in Uganda and 2 days in Kenya based out of Nairobi.
We were treated like royalty during our time in Kampala. We stayed at the Serena Hotel where the Queen stayed for the Commonwealth Conference earlier this year .
I also had the opportunity to see the “real ” Africa during a tour of Jinja — the source of the Nile — where my nephew was helping build a school for orphans.
We had the opportunity to visit local villages and of course drink Nile beer along the Nile River.
Kenya was short and sweet. I did get to go on a safari 3 hours north of Nairobi. Didn’t get to see a leopard or elephant so I must make the trek again….but I’ll wait until the kids gastro-intestinal tracks mature a little.
Of course I got very sick on my trip and my nephew just arrived home delirious from malaria. He forgot to take his pills for two days.
I went to a Masai market in Nairobi…didn’t get to see many Masai though.
I didn’t have much time to shop either.
Big favour…can you buy me a Masai necklace and braclet for Emily.? I’ll pay you when you get back to work.
Also, make sure you bring home for yourself some Kenyan coffee beans, AA Blue Mountain . It’s the best coffee I have ever had. I brought 2 pounds home and wished I had brought more.
Can’t wait to see your pictures of Tanzania.
I love the post card.
Enjoy your last month in Africa.
Safe travels
Julie
P.s.
in case you didn’t hear…Greg had a boy!
Hopefully you will have the opportunity to visit Mombassa .
I hear it is beautiful.
J