Our life in Malawi

Arriving in Malawi

On arriving at Lilongwe at 9.30am we where met by The Head (Gordon) and Deputy Head (Dave) who helped with our luggage, it was already a very hot morning and trying to be sociable with only 4 hours interrupted sleep this was a task in itself. There was a coach and a mini bus, we were in the minibus which was the better option. I then settled down for the 4/5 hour drive down to Blantyre. En route I was surprised to see the mud hut villages that where situated righto along the main road, I expected these villages to have been off the eaten track. All of these homes where tiny with brick ovens built outside in a row, very poor except for the chief who could actually afford Satellite TV!. Eventually after dosing off many times on the bus we arrived at the school. Maria Greaney the other Deputy head showed us to our flat, my first impressions were that it was large but a bit tatty, the kitchen was a shock, I knew it would be small and basic but I wasn't expecting what we had, some of the things were a bit, that will do. The curtains don't fit so they will have to be replaced and some point, at least I bought David and Michaels curtains from home. Some off the doors don't open either because keys are missing or they have been painted shut! The kettle only plugs into the cooker socket so it sits on the hob, some of the sockets have been wired sideways etc etc. I think you can get the picture. We then went back to Maria's house for a drink before we went to Dave's for a meal and more drinks. Eventually we went back to our flat and put the boys to bed, all was quiet then Michael comes in complaining that David was scaring him, so he slept in our bed.

Saturday

Today we were taken too, Shoprite. This store sells most things, even Heinz baked beans,ketchup marmite, mars bars etc but you do pay the price. Even deodorant is pricey approx £4, this explains why everyone smells of B.O. Beef is cheap here, followed by chicken but pork is more expensive. Fish, well I'm yet to find any. Meet tends to be frozen, apparently that's how we like it! So far I have resisted the temptation to buy chocolate. Dairy products such as butter is very expensive, fresh milk is hard to find and also pricey and fresh cream you have to go to the dairy which i have yet to find. After we went to Game store which sells everything TV's, Garden furniture linen etc. however like most stores they except Cash or cheque only, cards are generally not accepted anywhere except Shoprite. Even the banks won't accept Visa crds that are not there own. So buying things at the moment is difficult. After an enlightening shopping trip we went to the Malawi Sun hotel for coffee or milkshakes, good milk shakes though, but it took 20 minutes despite being the only customer (they do not rush here).

That night we had a meal at Maria's place, Andy went off to watch Rugby and I took the kids home, another night with Michael in our bed, are they ever going to share?

Sunday

Today we unpacked our suitcases and didn't do much except relax around the flat, the kids explored the garden a bit though I had to drag David off the laptop to do so. Tonight we where going to a Braii (BBQ) and a play in the school pool.

The Braii was very cold, I wished I had packed more jumpers and a jacket as this is normal for the winter months, we are going to freeze come next winter. Early night as it was cold. David has now discovered Fanta and Coke, I have had to restrict him to Frizzy Fridays only.

Tuesday

Michael's Birthday

Early start as we head to Majete wildlife park. I'm looking forward to seeing Elephants. After a long drive down the Shire Valley with beautiful views and along some very interesting roads which I would not like to breakdown on we arrived, Michael and David were very interested in what was happening around them, first we saw a Impala (Deer type creature ), then a Bushbuck and Antelope. We also saw some Monkeys, a crocodile (at a distance though), Boars lots more Impala's then a Hippo. But sadly no Elephants.

After we went to the Gekko Lodge for a swim and some Austrian cooking (the owner is Austrian) on the way back we passed some children shouting "Give me money", "Give me bottle" (demanding money happens everywhere).

When we got back we went to Maria's and had Michael’s birthday cake, a very nice caked baked by a local English woman. You can't buy birthday cakes in the shops.

Saturday

Today we borrowed the bus to go shopping and to check out the swimming pool at the Mount Soche Hotel, we've decided to become members as this seems to be the place that most expats go at the weekend. David and Michael are now sharing, horray.

Tuesday

David and Michael's first day at Saint Andrews International primary School

Today I went on the school bus to take the boys to school, the journey took 45mins due to picking up several of the children on the way, it was a very bumpy ride as a lot of the roads are more like dirt tracks, there are some very wealthy people here with lovely houses.

David and Michael went to their classes with no fuss, in fact I think Michael couldn't wait to see me go.

The rules of the road here are none existent, there is no giving way, using indicators over taken when there is oncoming traffic is normal. They all jump the queues here. They only rush when driving, you can actually buy your license without a test if you are wealthy enough. Customer service involves making you wait and not offering information freely. Bribery in general is the only way to get things done in a reasonable time. If you want something done now you must say 'now now'.

Most of the staff are friendly and our children have been invited to play at other houses.

Having a maid has also taken some getting used to; it’s nice as I know the house will be clean. The local people here are so grateful to be given work, if you ask them to do something they thanks you. Another member of staff here is paying for her Nannies education.

I've had some moments of home sickness, I do miss some of the things I took for granted at home, such as internet speed. Tesco etc.

Saint Andrews International High School