As the plane was making its descent into Lilongwe, I had my face glued to the window. I felt like I was flying into the pages of a National Geographic magazine. I could see little villages as we were approaching the airport. In Malawi, the huts are still largely made of mud with grass roofs. While they look quite picturesque, reminding me of childhood visits to my grandmother’s where I flipped through stacks of National Geographics, its a reality check to how simple people can and do live. I technically have internet access now through my wireless modem again, however it’s so expensive, that I probably won’t be posting again until I reach Zambia. And it’s actually a nice break away from the fast paced technology-ridden world that we live in. I’m typing this up by candlight- there’s an electricity shortage in Malawi and with the World Cup going on, they’ve shut off power between games. It’s not all that bad. Sure we (the volunteers) whined over not being able to heat up water for tea, but it’s hardly a sacrifice considering how people in other parts of the world live daily.
And on a final note: the people in Malawi really are as friendly as their reputations claim them to be.
We loved Lilongwe, great photos!
Yes, Malawi was great. Did you guys make it out to the islands?
OMG do I love to take pictures from airplanes even though I’m not supposed to. I often find myself feeling slightly emotional when I look down at how different things are where I am than where I grew up. Reality checks are always good for putting our lives in perspective. Great photo!
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Weekend Update: 6/12/2010 =-.
Malawi sounds wonderful! I am actually hopping to go there next summer for a wedding. I look forward to reading more of your adventures and seeing pictures!
Andrew,
If you get the chance to go for the wedding you should! There’s a reason Malawi is known as ‘the warm heart of Africa’. I fell in love with the people there and would definitely visit again.
Gorgeous photo.. It looks otherworldly to me.
.-= Suzy´s last blog ..Embracing Tourist Season =-.
It definitely appears that way, but after spending time there, it doesn’t seem so different after all :)