InterPlay Malawi

Reflections After Our Return

2007-08-27T14:47:00.000-07:00

There wasn't much time or opportunity to blog while we were in Malawi. The resort where many of were staying did have some limited web access in their office, but there wasn't much time or opportunity to write.
Now that we are back, we hope to begin sharing our stories. Malawi travelers can add their comments to this posting as an easy way to begin telling their stories.

Phil

2007-08-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Tukumbo, Malawi.
After an 8 hour trip north, we were greeted at Aleke Banda's cottage in the dark by women dancing with great exuberance. That alone was worth 70 hours of travel. But just behind the cottage before our vans even arrived were the men singing dancing and drumming with the spirit that I dream of. Many of us wept with the astounding love given direclty to us through song and dance. We had come home to Masankho's village. Many of felt we really were home.

Beautiful Lake Malawi and this nothern area is the cradle of our species. The earliest human remains are found in Northern Malawi. The people here live that amazing breadth between ancient timeless community to cell phone entrenpenuersship. Young men have playful code names like Mel Gibson and John Howard.

The first full day we went on a tour of the village beginning with meeting the man who was newly given the chief's responsibility (out of his family line). Many of these folks have next to no income. I know that they are called poor, but I do not see that right now. I only see faces which are warm and truly open. Love. Children and animals flock to my daughter Katie and already seem to know her name.

Touring the KUDO projects. The power of our group and of this meeting is miraculous. We can see how resources are supporting education, health and women, YES! I know our relationship will bear fruit far beyond our imaginings. Emily Chintu, the Executive Director and our guide/interpreter is an ambassador of visionary proporations for her people. Just like Masankho and his family here are people who take next to nothing and create dignity and hope for many.

Guiding the spirit of the group with InterPlay body wisdom is a privilege. I am suprised at how much I know about traveling through the world with ease. What a gift to be able to share so simply and effiiciently. Traveling from village to village I was overjoyed as we really did become a kind of kinesthetic United Nations.

But it took three of us to lead a trip with this much grace. 40 people is a Big group. Masankho did a fanastic job. On his birthday we were picked up at noon and taken to a special place, a hot springs where he dreams of having a retreat center and later he showed us a place on the lake alongside his parents cottage where he hopes to build one for himself and future guests.

A third of us struggled with a viral infection that knocked us on our butt. We think we caught it in London. One afternoon both Phil and I sat on the veranda while Rich Citrin warmed everyone up and Masankho led the group through the InterPlay session. InterPlay was incredibly useful in helping us remember, exform, and share what we were experiencing. The gift for me was that a little girl named GRACE came and sat with me as we drew and played with a bag of little toys I carried around my neck.

One day we traveled to Nkata Bay where the first missionaries were buried, Scottish Presbyterains. I was surprised to learn that they are regarded as people who helped to end the slave trade here. You hear so much about the harm of colonialization. Once again ambiguity in all the cross-polinating. In the same area we heard the first hand accounts of a peaceful protestor who was caught in the crossfire of English and South African gunfire decades ago that killed a number of local people.

Even with our group there is no way not to affect people. I only hope the presence of so many American and Australians leaves a memory of grace. Our resources and western thinking is so FULL. We spill over without thinking about it. The gift of InterPlay is as Aleke Bande, Masankho's father, a member of Parliment and the founder of Kudo who has 110 self help projects in his district said, ~I am impressed that this gorup has blended in so well. It is like you have been here 10 years.~

With a common desire to meet and learn about people and to dance with them, we had three days of dance sessions, learning both mens and womens dances. Our willingness to dance had a profound affect. A guy that Jonathan befriended said ~I never thought anyone would come here to learn OUR dances.~ As I danced alongside one woman I began to focus on the song. Moni Moni Moni (Hello Hello Hello) The women sing so full out. Nothing in their voice is restrained. Its wonderful. They are not worried about their singing and dancing. But the best part was looking into her face while she was teaching me. She was so incredibly open.

The children observed us do InterPlay to help us process our experience. They replicate our deep breaths and sighs and know we are their playmates.

Desert for the trip was going to a game park where Hippos, Elephant, and Gazelle magically appeared.

The days were so rich and full I find it hard to write this much. But soon the stories will come spilling forth.

Read Alison Luterman's blog at see how we almost fly for some beautiful recountings.

Cynthia

Masankho's Malawi touchdown

2007-08-27T14:33:00.000-07:00

Greetings of peace and love!!

Wow!

Last night at about 8:30pm my plane touched down in San Francisco, as we taxied to the gate my thoughts were racing, or was it just the blur of the SFO landscaping passing by? All I know is that I was filled with an enormous sense of gratitude. i was home safely, my Mom was feeling much better and all of you were in some process of safely heading home or to your next destination. my cousin had been discharged from the hospital and nephew continued to show remorse and express having learned a very painful and hard lesson, my sister was happy and my daughter, grandson and son in law and I were looking forward to our next adventure together; and i could still hear the songs of the village and the sounds of the lake.........and yes I could also taste the lake flies between my rear molars............my Dad continues to express his pride in me and gratitude for what I am doing for him and for the people of tukombo..........

thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming on this journey with me. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude. Over the next few weeks and months I will do my best to write my thoughts and reflections.

When I left South Africa my Mom was feeling much better. I actually watched one of her Physio sessions where she gets to walk and climb stairs and even today she continues to improve. Thank you for all your prayers and dances on behalf of. I am grateful for the opportunity to stop and visit her.

Where are you today? How was your journey over the past two days? I hope that you arrived at your destination safely and that you found your loved ones in good health.

Stay tuned to the blog and e-mail and lets share our stories with each other and our communities. Also I would like to find a way for us to easily share our photo's. I welcome any suggestions.

have a great day wherever this day finds you and I look forward to staying in touch.

gratitude and blessings, Masankho

The Peace of Lake Malawi

2007-08-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Tiomenene everyone! (that means Hello)
This is JONATHAN LEAVY...
using Masanhko's computer...
and at Phil's urging
posting my BLOG comments.
:)
It is difficult to put into words the peace
I feel here...
no highways, televisions, movie theatres, billboards, or traffic.
We sleep just 15 meters from the shore of
Lake Malawi...which sounds like the ocean...gently lapping all night.
:)
Our emotions are complex here...ranging from anxiety to shame
to guilt to JOY!

Today we learned 2 women's dances and a men's dance
from the locals of Tukombu Village.
Amazing...
and meditative and a little complex.

We have seen 2 orphanages, 3 schools and a dozen villages.
I am making local friends...and already dreaming about
the ways these connections will blossom in the future.

Sending you all deep breaths and cleansing sighs!

Osadandaula! (means don't worry!)
Jonathan :)

Yes, we are here!

2007-08-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

It is early evening at Kanda Resort on Thursday, and the sun is already setting. The waves lapping the shores of Lake Malawi, which is so large that you won't see the opposite shore, sound like the ocean. Most of the 43 of us are staying here, traveling on two buses to the various places where we tour, eat, meet villagers and play.
We got here yesterday, after a several hour drive. We have all arrived, now, not without adventures that will turn themselves into stories: lost luggage (Diana has turned her lack of clothes-changes into a fashion challenge), having to leave one of our travelers at the airport in J-burg (poor Karen, but she finally made it the next day!), a flat tire on one of the buses.
Otherwise we are here, safe and sound, and full of curiosity and wonder. I can't imagine an easier large group of people to travel with.
Today we toured the village where Masankho's people live and meeting these warm and gracious people. They have welcomed us with open arms, and the more gregarious among us have already made many friends, even in our short time here. I watched James do magic for a group of children on the beach. Emily Chinthu is here, who visited San Francisco and Seattle, to show us around.
When we drove up after several hours crammed in buses, they were singing and dancing for us on the lawn. What a way to be greeted, a group of women on one side of the cottage, and a group of men on another, each doing their separate dance.
The group is settling into this new place and learning the lay of the land. We have been close to each other in transport and are opening our hearts to each other as well. Tears of wonder, joy, and grief have already been shared. It is incredible to be in Masankho's homeland!
There isn't a whole lot of internet access here, but we hope to stay in touch.
For now, though, back on the bus to go to dinner.
Love from all to all!
Phil

Virgin Atlantic baggage allowances

2007-08-01T15:19:00.001-07:00

ECONOMY BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES BY PIECE (checked luggage)
Width + Depth + Height must be less than or equal to 158cm. Maximum weight of 23 kilos.
Two pieces of luggage per passenger, each weighing up to 23kg (51lbs). When added together, the three dimensions of any piece of luggage must not exceed 158cm (62in).

My reading of the South African Airlines website is that the baggage restrictions are the same as on Virgin Atlantic.

PP

Items that might be needed in Malawi

2007-08-01T15:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some suggestions from Masankho and Krista about items that we could take with us that would be helpful in the village.
Linda Breitag also wrote a note in another spot on the blog suggesting bringing an inexpensive bag with items that could just be left as well.

Possible gifts/donations for the villagers

When the group traveled to Malawi with Masankho in September of 2006, some of us wanted to bring items that were needed by villagers in Tukombo where we stayed for four days. It was fun to invite friends, relatives, spiritual companions, and colleagues to participate in the trip by donating items. They were enthusiastic about sending concrete items with us. This was totally voluntary and was not expected. Many of us brought our belongings in one suitcase and filled a duffle bag or second suitcase with donations. Here are some of the items that Masankho suggested:

Items always needed by school kids:
Notebooks / Pencils / Colored Pencils / Drawing pads/Soccer Balls / Netball Balls/ Storybooks (basic 1st, 2nd, 3rd, grade level)/Books for secondary school children for reading/Money to purchase text books.

Supplies for the small clinic that is in the village:
Tylenol / aspirin / aleve / cough medicine/ band aides / simple bandages / cough drops/imodium / pepto bismal/medications/money for the clinic to buy supplies

For men, women and girls & babies:
feminine products / condoms / diapers / formula/soap

A note Masankho sent us before our September, 2006 trip: “Please keep in mind weight restrictions on luggage. If you are able to collect large items (e.g. desktop computers), I can let you know the address to which they can be shipped using DHL (3 to 5 days). Most of this stuff is available in stores but folks just don't have funds to purchase them for their children or family members and so if you wish to bring cash, my Dad and Sister will ensure that it goes to help families that need help including Aids orphan kids. If you have questions about any item you might want to bring, contact me.”

Heathrow experience from Ananya

2007-08-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

I was at Heathrow in May and had this experience: I was transferring within the airport from Greece, and as I moved through security changing airlines I had to put ALL of my carry-on into ONE. In other words- normally, we are accustomed to being able to have one personal item PLUS a carry-on. In this case, I was told that I could have ONLY ONE carry-on item. SOooooo..... people need to be prepared for the possibility that they might need to condense everything into one carry-on bag at Heathrow.

Just thinking that we should all be prepared for this possibility.

Weather in Malawi

2007-07-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Malawi is drawing closer and closer. Many of you have asked about the weather. August is Malawi's spring. Daytime temps are in the high 70's (hot but comfortable) and nighttime temps are in the upper 40's (cool and sometimes breezy) So bring summer clothes and a light jacket or sweater and you will be fine. I am not sure if the link below will work. If it doesn't you can go to www.weather.com and in the search box type; Lilongwe and you can use to see the weather for the next 10 days or for a month. see you soon,

gratitude and blessings, Masankho

Weather forecast for August in Lilongwe

Art Exhibits in London during our layover

2007-07-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Katharine Kunst offers this advice about some art exhibits in London that folks might want to try to see during our layover.

Two really interesting art exhibits going on while you all are laying over.
At the Tate Modern an exhibit called Global Cities. It takes 10 cities (Cairo, Istanbul, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Mumbai, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Tokyo) and looks at this in the present moment and then how they will be into the future using five thematic lenses: size, speed, foprm, density and diversity. I found the exhibit just fascinating. Full full full of information. And asking many interesting questions, not all of which did the exhibit answer. There are other more conventional exhibits there as well. A Rothko room which is a quiet place amidst all the school kids and groups. Helio Oiticica's The Body of Colour which you have to pay to enter.
At the Hayward Gallery is an exhibit by Antony Gormley called Blind Light. One of the most exuberantly creative guys I've seen lately.Concrete and hanging guys and a room filled with fog. Don't miss the piece called Event Horizon which to me was absolutely stunning.
Both of these exhibit are on the south side of the Thames.
From Heathrow, there are two ways to get into London. The Heathrow Express is 31 pounds round trip which is expensive--but it only takes 15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington Station. You can also take the tube which costs a lot less but takes longer.
If you go the the Hayward Gallery first, you'd get yourself on the Circle line and get off at Embankment, walk across a pedestrian bridge and there you are. From the Hayward it is a simple 15-20 minute walk down to Tate Modern which is a converted power station. (The Cities exhibit is in the old turbine room.)

London airport

2007-07-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Katharine Kunst, who is part of this traveling group, has shared with us that the security in the London airport has been very tight. Given that, if you choose to leave the airport for some time on our long layover, you may want to give yourself plenty of time to get through security when you come back.
Phil

Malawi notes!!

2007-07-15T14:31:00.001-07:00

Greetings of peace and love!!

Dear Malawi Travelers,

How are you? I am well. I have been on the road for the past two weeks. I am in Atlanta on my way back to Oakland and I am taking the opportunity of this 4 hour layover to update you. I hope that you are having a wonderful weekend.

Three more weeks and we will be on our journey. It is very exciting.

Thank you to all of you have sent you biographies introducing yourselves to my Dad and to me actually as I am learning about who you are as well. If you haven't sent yours in please do so as soon as you are able. Thank you.

I am going to respond to some questions that have come up.

Q. Is it best to take American currency or travelers checks or both?
A. i would take both. say you are planning to take $500, you might figure a breakdown of $300 in travelers checks and $200 in cash

Q. Will we be able to change money/cash travelers checks easily in Lilongwe? Tukombo?
A. We will change our money in Lilongwe. once we leave Lilongwe it will be a little more difficult though not impossible to change money. We are in Lilongwe the afternoon of our arrival and the next morning which will give us plenty of time to change money. I recommend you purchase one of those money bags that allows you to strap your money under your clothes. I will be in touch with Mrs. Chintu and we will come up with a strategy for changing money. I am wary of having us all carrying lots of money that once lost in whatever way cannot be recovered. Malawi is a very safe country but just as you can be ripped of on the streets of oakland you can also be ripped of on the shores of Lake Malawi. When we are traveling they will be folks who will help to keep an eye on our stuff when we are doing various activities.
A+ Let me add something here. As I have said Malawi is a safe country. However, it is also a poor country and people get tempted by anything that might alleviate their poverty, like your shiny new digital camera for example. A digital camera could feed a four person family for two to three months. Your travel insurance will cover any loss. Please make sure to document and if you can take a picture of any equipment that you bring. I am bringing my laptop and you can too. However, back up all your files before you leave if you do. write down your computers make and serial number. Keep a copy of the document here in the US and bring one with you. Nobody in the last trip had anything stolen and I pray that no one will in this trip either. When we are out and about be wary and careful (not paranoid) just wary and careful. At Kande beach they have three desktop computers on which you can check e-mail and they also have ethernet ports to hook your laptop to if you bring it. In Lilongwe we will also have internet access.

Q. What is the currency called there and what is its value to the US dollar?
A. The currency is the Malawi Kwacha and it is currently $1 = 140 kwacha. you can check http://www.xe.com to see what the updated currency exchange is. It takes some navigating because the kwacha is not a top listed currency.

Q. Krista has mentioned that we might want to have some "small bills" for tipping dancers, etc. What would constitute a "small bill" and how much is it worth?
A. The Malawi notes are in 500 ($3.50), 200 ($1.50), 100 ($0.70) and 50, 20 & 10 kwacha bills. So you can see that even our largest bill is only $3.50 which can sometimes be the amount of money that a person can earn in a month especially in the village. When we arrive in Lilongwe Mrs. Chintu will give us a briefing before we go to the bank to change our money.

Q. Can you remind folks again about what things they would need cash for and which will be covered by us?
A. All food, accommodations and transportation are covered for the entire 10 days. Accommodations are shared. If you need and/or require to have a single then that will be extra. Example if you were to share a room and it was $20 per person per night and you requested to be by yourself in that room then you would be responsible for the extra $20 because that is how they would charge us.
Game park fees, accommodations at the game park and game viewing are also covered by your registration.
Kande beach has horses, canoes, there is an island that they can take you too when we have open windows and there are other water activities. all of these are at your expense. Internet and any phone calls are at your expense. if we are out somewhere, the meal and a basic soft drink are covered, any alcohol is at your own expense. Please visit Kandebeach.com for listing of activities that are available and their prices.
In the three days of cultural activities we are arranging small group visits with healers, farmers, etc. We will give them a small stipend to cover their time. You are welcome if you feel inspired to give them a small tip for time. They will appreciate it.
If you are arriving a day early I will arrange for someone to meet you at the airport and bring you to the hotel. That is a taxi fare of about $20 and the nights accommodation of the same price which you will need to cover. It may be possible to have a car that will be free. I won't know this until its closer to the time.
If you are leaving a day early. By the way, is anyone leaving a day early? This will also be an added cost for transportation from Kasungu to Lilongwe. Approximately $30 to $50 dollars which you will need to prepare for.

DONT forget you need to have $30 in US currency to leave the country.

My best estimate is that if you bring anywhere from $300 to $1000 that is plenty of money.

Other things:

Diet: our meals will consist of a variety of vegetables, fruits, and then meat, chicken and fish. grains will be the local nsima (made from corn flour mixed with water), rice and potatoes. if there is anything more exotic than that we will be sure to let you know. Please let me know if there is anything that you don't eat or if you are vegan or vegetarian. For vegetarians with each meal there will be plenty of vegetarian options.

things that are needed: I am going to look into this and get back to you. some of you have asked and of course this is optional.

I can't think of anything else right now.

Please. If you have asked me a question and I haven't responded please send your e-mail to me again and I apologize that I haven't gotten back to you. I am a little more focused on this trip now and will respond as quickly as I can.

I am taking deep breaths and going wheeeeeeeee! as often as I can. I hope you are too. This will be on the blog in case you want to refer to it from time to time.

gratitude and blessings, Masankho

510 773 7328

Time in London

2007-07-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

For those on the group flight, we do have a long layover in London. You will get to decide how to spend that time, and can conspire with fellow travelers if you choose. We will not be planning anything for the whole group. It sounds like those of us with US passports will be able to leave the airport if we desire. I know that Rich Citrin has investigated the possibility of getting a room to get some rest. (See his note under the "Lonely Planet" blog entry.) Depending on your energy, you may decided to hang out in the airport. (I'm planning to get to the airport and decide in the moment what to do!) Our friend Caroline Kisiel, an InterPlay from Chicago who is studying in London, is going to come to the airport to meet us. She may be available to give people advice about the options.

mosquito nets

2007-07-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

The places we are staying will have mosquito nets, so there is no need to either bring those or buy them there, as far as we know.

Homeopathic Info for Traveling

2007-07-06T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of documents from Karen Austen that give information about homeopathic alternatives to the sorts of things one might be immunized against when traveling to where we are going in Africa.
Alternatives to immunization
AlternativesHomeopathy for disease prevention

More advice from Krista and friends

2007-07-05T12:02:00.001-07:00

Here are additional thoughts for our trip to Malawi that Emily, Liz, Louise, and I felt might be helpful.

Tipping.
1 - It is customary to tip dancers when their groups perform for you. This usually happens during their performances: witnesses go up to the group leader or individual dancers and give them small bills to honor them. After the performance, all the money is given to the leader. He pays group expenses and divides the remaining money equally among all the dancers. Emily and I feel our visiting InterPlayers should know about this tradition beforehand and have opportunities to get plenty of small bills before we get to the village.
2 - The September, 2006 group also often tipped people who helped us at our motels and who were generally paid exceedingly little for their work. Smaller bills would be needed for this. Sometimes these tips were collected and given as a group.
3 - At the end of our September, 2006 trip, group members were also invited to give more substantial tips to our guides, Emily and Priscilla, to our bus driver, and to Harriet who had done so much work helping prepare for our visit. While this was not required, we all wanted to do this. Some planning in advance may be helpful for people who are unaware of this at the beginning of the trip.

Buying souvenirs
1 Emily wants the InterPlayers to know that Tukombo villagers have been busy making jewelry, souvenirs, paintings and more in the hopes of selling these to guests who visit the village. Please do not buy the majority of your African souvenirs before you have seen what these dear people have been preparing. Susan Kirsch, one of our Malawi group participants in September of 2006, helped the villagers realize that their creations have value and may be a small source of income.
2 If people are interested, Emily can have tailors come to our motel with fabrics and sample clothing styles the day we arrive. Tailors can take measurements and sew traditional clothing that will be ready for purchasers before they leave the country, possibly even being delivered to Tukombo village while we are there. Emily needs to know if she should arrange this.

Dress Code. Apparently the dress code at the Kande Beach Resort (a tourist resort) where we are sleeping is less conservative than in the village where we will be dancing. Sounds like layers of covering and uncovering would be a good idea. Light weight T-shirts with sleeves that are less revealing than plunging tank-tops might be appreciated when we are dancing. Masankho may know best about this.

Counting the days,
Krista

About Specific things that you would like to do?

2007-06-29T01:50:00.000-07:00

Greetings!!

I am so happy that some requests are coming in about meeting certain officials in Malawi to answer questions about Malawi or to fulfill research that is being done here about various aspects of life.
We are all arriving between 10am and 2pm. We will most likely be pretty tired from having been in the air for over 24 hours. We will have lunch and then most likely rest. However, the afternoon might be a time when some meeting can be arranged. The next day we will be able to explore the Capitol City before leaving for the village. This will be another opportunity to meet with Govt or Non Govt. officials if you request it.
We will leave for the village between 1pm and 2pm.

Let me know if there is someone that you would like to meet or interview etc in the city and I will see if I can make it happen either on the 7th or 8th or on the 18th when we are on our way out.

gratitude and blessings, Masankho

What is needed in Malawi?

2007-06-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

Greetings!!

My heart is filled with gratitude. Many of you are asking what to bring that is helpful and needed? Please know that I am in the process of getting answers for you. In about a week I will post a blog about the things that are critically needed in the village that you can bring if you wish.

Please know that you are under no obligation to bring anything. Your undertaking of this journey is an incredible gift to me and to the people of Tukombo (village where we will stay).

I am finding it hard to have the words that can convey my gratitude that you are all coming on this journey. We are building a bridge that will last for many generations. It is a bridge of love, dance, conversation, stories, tears, songs and breaking bread. This bridge is not built with things, it is built by our connection to each other.

Stay tuned for the list! When the list is posted and if you decide to bring something please keep in mind luggage weight restrictions.

gratitude and blessings, Masankho

Please introduce yourself to my Dad!!

2007-06-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

Greetings!!

My Parents and Sister are looking forward to meeting you all. The Untensive will take place by my Sister's and Dad's cottages right by the Lake. Last September when 15 people came to Malawi (including Krista) my Dad was very interested in knowing who everyone was, where they were coming from and what they did in their lives. This time I would like to be ahead of the game. Please send me a paragraph about you. I will send it to my Dad and Mom. It would be great if you could write it in microsoft word and please include a photo if you have one online. Please respond to as many of these questions as you would like:

Your Name
Where you live
Where you were born if different from where you live currently
Where you went to school and your education
Your area of work and where you are currently working
The reasons why you are coming to Malawi
The things you hope to see and learn
Brief details about your family
Any other details that you feel would introduce you to my family

Thank you for doing this. Stay tuned for more information and answers to your questions.

gratitude and blessings, Masa

Where is Tukombo?

2007-06-29T00:56:00.000-07:00

Tukombo where we will be staying is a village. If you look for it on google or yahoo it most likely will not show up in a search. Nkhata Bay is the largest city near the village of Tukombo (about) 50 miles away. In fact if you look up Chinteche it might come up in a search. Chinteche is about halfway between Tukombo and Nkhata Bay. Try putting Nkhata Bay and then Chinteche in google or yahoo and see what you discover. Happy searching!!

Who's arriving early and leaving late?

2007-06-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings of peace and love!!

Hello Everyone! You are going to hear from me pretty often from today through August 4th. First thing I would like to do is to find out:

Who is getting to Malawi on the 6th of August?
Who is leaving after August 19th? How long do you plan to stay?
Who needs to leave Malawi before the 19th?

Thank you for this information. Stay tuned!!

Masankho

Lonely Planet on Malawi

2007-06-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Click this link for the Lonely Planet info about Malawi.

Generating trash

2007-06-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Susan Kirsch offers this reflection about trash in Tukombo:

One of the things that struck me about Tukombo is that there weren’t any wastebaskets. That’s because nothing went to waste, and everything in their environment is biodegradable. I remember they graciously collected our trash—cellophane, plastic, vinyl, etc. and buried it with their compost. Perhaps they didn’t realize it wouldn't decompose, but we know that. Encourage people to think about Tukumbo like camping in a remote, pristine valley where they wouldn’t think of littering. Maybe organizers can bring a bag to take trash back to Lilongwe... Who knows what happens to it there? It probably goes to landfill and dumps.

Being asked for money in Malawi

2007-06-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Krista offers these reflections from her last trip:

I think people in the InterPlay Malawi group would benefit from some kind of group orientation about how to respond to the heart pulls and confusion they may feel when asked over and over again for help from Malawi villagers. Masankho’s sister has some very clear guidelines when people ask her for money. She tends to feel that handouts do nothing to help people become more self-reliant and independent. She might create a work project for someone who is in need and then pay him for the work. She prefers to direct her money to organizations that work for the common good of many rather than the saving of one. Personally, I am responding in both ways – on a personal basis with a few people and through a non-profit foundation (KUDO) for most of my focus. I think some psychic/psychological protection would be helpful to Malawi travelers as well as some “prayers” asking for the wisest way to respond to the situations that will come up. The village people are compelled to ask for help. I do not fault them in the least. And they, too, have misunderstandings about America. I have a number of pen pals in Africa who continue to request assistance for a variety of needs from health care to education to cell phones and DVD’s!

Travel and Packing Tips

2007-06-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Krista Harris has offered this advice based on her last trip to Malawi:

When I traveled to Malawi in September of 2006, there was not enough time to book a hotel room during our layover. If you have the time and the money, it would be a great gift to your body to take a shower and get horizontal for 4-6 hours. I would not deal with suitcases, though. Just a change of underwear would be awesome! I don't believe that Heathrow has sleeping cubbies to rent, but it would be worth checking this out. Meghan and I are going on frequent flier miles to Malawi and will be on a completely different flight than the group. We have a marathon flight from Chicago to Johannesburg that refuels en route in Dakur, Senegal without allowing passengers to leave the airplane. I estimate that we will be in that plane for close to 18 hours and plenty crazy. I am bringing xanex and sleeping pills - I highly recommend these. Some people also had very good luck with the jet lag tablets that are now available in travel stores. I think they help.

It is very helpful to wear support knee high socks on these long trips. Nurses wear these to help support their legs when working long shifts. You can purchase them at uniform supply stores. These knee socks help reduce or eliminate leg swelling - most of us suffered from that during our flights to Malawi and for a few days afterward.

Here are some clothing suggestions I received before my previous trip to Malawi in September of 2006. (With a few additions from me.) Masankho and Phil and Cynthia should be sending something like this out soon, I imagine. My main question for Masankho is: how different is the weather in August from that in September when I visited?

Dress and packing - some helpful hints:
* MALAWI IS A CONSERVATIVE country (thanks to the Scottish Presbyterians!) and we should be respectful of their customs and culture. While shorts are fine, we should avoid overly revealing or provocative clothing.
* Pack lightly, and don't plan on bringing a new outfit for every day of the trip
* (When I was in Malawi, there were a couple of opportunities to have our clothing washed. I imagine this will also be the case at the Kande Beach Resort, www.kandebeach.com.) Bring woolite or something similar for handwashing anything small.
* Bring comfortable shoes- sturdy walking shoes and perhaps a pair of Tevas or flip-flops.
* Long pants and shorts are fine.
* Conservative sundresses that can be worn with a T-shirt underneath and a lightweight outer layer are great. Skirts can be very comfortable if it is warm.
* One outfit that is fairly nice (like a casual dinner outfit) if you wish.
* We may get a touch of rain so bring a small umbrella and/or a light rain poncho.
* The weather should be similar to that of the Northern California but different seasons.(I was in Malawi in September which was between their winter and spring.) It was warm, sometimes hot, sometimes cool.
* We will be able to go swimming at Lake Malawi. Masankho has identified safe places for us to swim so bring a suit if you like.

Light clothing is essential.
You want to feel comfortable when the temperature rises and when it drops.
A jersey for cool weather and late nights.
Long sleeved shirts and light trousers help keep mosquitoes at bay at night.
Shorts are fine.
Hat
Sun block
Medications
Insect repellant
First aid kit
Reading material
Binoculars
Camera
Electric adapters

Even though everyone worried about getting diarrhea, most of us suffered from constipation! Bring something to deal with this possibility as well.

ALSO:
PLEASE REMEMBER, when we leave Malawi to return home
you need to have $30.00 in U.S. cash to exit the airport.