Day Three

Two weddings and crazy mzungu.

Monire mosse to those back home.

Just an update on our first day in Mzuzu from our very own Mick D. As it was Saturday we were to have a relaxing day to recover from the previous days travelling. As we did not have to be up for mass, we were given permission to sleep in; however, for some of the more unfortunate ones, their sleep was interrupted by the rather familiar church bells…or Louise’s snoring as Bernadette shared with us in the morning. Although not all of us took advantage of the lie in as Paul and Anne could be heard out side the boys room not long after the bells. Slowly but surely other members of the group emerged, some later than others. We all had breakfast at different times due to this, consisting of bread, bananas, coffee and tea. Shortly after we were joined by a few familiar faces, Harris, Emelda and Lilian. Once fed and watered, we broke off into smaller groups, some decided to got for a walk to reacquaint themselves with the area again, meeting Kingstone and Thombiko along the way, others opting to stay at the house.

We were amazed to discover that the small church shop at the end of the road had acquired a fridge freezer…and was now selling ICE LOLLYS! Not long before lunch however, Lizzy appeared at the door along with her niece. We then sat down to a few pre-lunch snacks, although, having being sitting in the petrol fume filled minibus, some of the crisps had taken on a distinct flavour, prompting Monica to ask the question between mouthfuls, ”do you think its alright to eat these if they smell and taste like petrol??”. As you may remember from the previous blogs the food was actually rather good and sure enough this has continued through this trip. Really, the only real difference between this trip and the last is the weather…it has been fantastic, high teens through the days at least. After lunch Bernadette informed us that we would be attending a ‘fake’ wedding at the Mary Martha orphanage. It turns out that an old couple were celebrating their wedding anniversary by having a ceremony, bizarre none the less. So in honour of the occasion the two Michaels donned their kilts, a present of Scottish items were assembled, Michaels Bag pipes were packed and we were off…or so we thought, we were barely out the door when we realised that a wedding reception was taking place forty yards away from the house in the community centre. Getting caught up with taking photos and watching the dancing through the procession we did not realise that the minibus was waiting for us until Bernadette rounded us up and had us on the bus. Arriving at the orphanage it was apparent that the celebrations were in full flow. Dancing, singing and a dodgy music system…it felt like a wedding from home. Apart from the fact that people were dancing up to buckets to put money into and that the ‘bride and groom’ were sitting on a sofa on a wooden stage out side and that the precession car was a 4x4 with toilet paper stuck to it, Bernadette commenting ‘if you have to go, at least you know where the toilet paper is…’. Michael N piped us up to the stage where we presented the happy couple with their gift. We tried to blend in with the crowd…rather difficult as you can imagine considering where we were and the fact that both of the boys were wearing ‘skirts’ and that a rather large group of children had gathered round us wanting pictured and the likes. Soon after, one of the men in charge of the orphanage approached us asking us to dance to the buckets and put in a donation. After a few reluctant minutes, we decided to join in. However, as we came through the circle of people into the opening, most of the crowed had cleared leaving us in full view of everyone, and in a rather un-rhythmic fashion we embarrassed our way to the bucket and quickly retreated to the safety of the crowed. It came time for us to say our good byes’ and we climbed into the petrol filled mini bus and headed for Mzuzu town.

On the way there was a clamour of excitement as two monkeys ran out on to the road…the only disappointment came from Michael D who got half way through assembling his camera when they disappeared up a tree. We were dropped off in the town so that the previous day’s blog could be typed up and arranged to meet back at a bar in twenty minutes. Michael D and Jen headed off to try and find a cash machine to lift money…with no avail might I add. However, the internet café was closed by the time that we arrived so the rest of the group headed into town unknown to the other two and by the time that they had arrived back, everyone was gone and so decided to sit on a step at the edge of the road until everyone reappeared. It wasn’t long though until Paul and Anne arrived back having been separated from the group and so the four went for an early drink. The rest of the group joined us after around 15 minutes and we all sat down and had a drink. We decided to walk home, comments being shouted at us all the way…bearing in mind that the boy were still wearing their kilts, ‘GENDER! GENDER!’ most of the way home.

It was dark by the time that we arrived home to dinner, beef stew and tatties waiting. After dinner, the orphan cases were emptied and categorised. A small foam rugby ball that was found in one of the cases provided the entertainment for the rest of the night leading to a new catching game which the girls named ‘crazy muzungu’ due to the comments, structure and competition that crept into the game between the pupils with the teachers watching in the background. The night was rounded off with a “quiet” game of cards…fat pig which was finally decided by a head to head game of spoons between Bernadette and Michael D. it was soon time far a well deserved rest after a long day.

Twonganenne sono sono.

PS. Gail, Jen has asked to put in a mention to remember to send off her college acceptance letter, thanks.

PS. To the Northcote’s, Natasha, Dave and XS peeps, Michael and Steph here. Just a wee message to say that we are alive and most definitely well, enjoying the warmest and sunniest weather that we have seen in a long time. Due to our malarial drugs, doxycyclone has proved to be a supermodels tanning agent, and yes, Natasha! I believe I am more tanned than you. J. We are both missing everyone so much because “our days feel like weeks and our weeks feel like months and yes you’ve guessed it, our months feel like years!” LOL. Every minute spent in the company of our fellow Scottish and Malawian friends has been pure and utter bliss and we can’t get enough of it! So much fun! On a little personal note, Natasha, I hope to be on facebook on Monday afternoon/night and I will leave you a little message! Although it has been a few days, I am truly missing your chat and warm hugs! All the best and our love, Pawemi!
Michael & Stephanie Northcote xxx J