While traveling to Lake Malawi, journeying the African Bushes in Zambia, and eating/exploring mightily in the capital were truly amazing experiences, I can easily say that my stay in Namitete has been the most meaningful (and fun). Here is a list, in no particular order, about the many entertaining and exciting things I have done around Namitete during my free time. Before beginning, I have to give credit to the Blantyre interns for starting this movement of blog lists versus blog posts.
1. Use tomatoes and onions to create as many unique dishes as possible
Two of the most constant and affordable items in the market have been tomatoes (4 medium-sized for 25 cents) and Onions (4 medium-sized for 50 cents). Thus, it was only natural that essentially every meal we cooked incorporated one or both of the above. We easily consumed 30 to 40 tomatoes a week amongst the three of us. Honestly, cooking dinner has been a relaxing daily routine and one of our group’s most pleasurable activities. We’ve made bruschetta, soup, pasta, spaghetti, chole (chick peas), batata nu shaak (Indian curry with potatoes), etc.
1 (Part 2) Learn to cook Nsima
A journey to another country is incomplete without engaging with the local cuisine. For Malawians, there is nothing like Nsima. We’ve had good fun watching and helping Anne as she instructed us on how to make this staple dish. It’s really something to observe the technique and strength employed by Anne in preparing this food. (Note: Since number 1 was about cooking, figured I’d just lump this one with it).
2. Meet incredible local and international people
Living in Namitete these past 2 months, we have come across many amazing individuals. Most people in the village and the hospital are extremely warm-hearted and we’ve felt welcome from the very beginning. Moreover, we’ve made some great local friends and have enjoyed their company over dinner, around the market, through personalized tours, and of course, simply conversing. While I have no idea when I’ll be back to Malawi, I will always carry the memory of these kind people with me. In addition to locals, we have had the fortune to come across so many people from around the world at the Zitha Guest House. We’ve met construction workers from Rwanda and Germany installing Solar Panels to Luxemburgish teachers planning workshops. Moreover, as I mentioned earlier, we found a lifelong friend in Katharina, a German volunteer physician. Just interacting with such a motley group of people has been truly fun and by the far one of the most interesting aspects of living in another country.
3. Attend a local football match
In the last two weekends, we went to nearby football pitches to watch a Malawian league game as well as the hospital team tackle the community club in a friendly. I definitely recommend this for all future interns! Football is such a big part of Malawian society; it was great to sit pitch-side and cheer alongside the locals. Moreover, the atmosphere was electric when the home team scored a goal. The kids go crazy and storm the pitch, doing cart wheels while incessantly screaming.
4. Enjoy the breeze as you glide towards Namitete on a Bike Taxi
I say “glide”; however, maneuvering a bike taxi is no easy task. Since the start, I’ve been wanting to ask if I could ride the bike taxi versus the other way around. I finally got around to this today. Though I received some initial awkward looks and then thunderous laughter when my request became apparent, I am so glad to have attempted this. Despite, huffing and puffing when I reached Namitete, I felt a satisfaction unrivaled. However, on the return, I let the pros go to work. I have no idea how they can physically do this all day. Anyways, bike taxis are definitely a blast, but, with the comforting breeze and rhythmic pace, they also serve as the perfect opportunity for contemplation.
5. Go for a run around the villages
While only going twice, I have to say running around Namitete was truly exhilarating. Besides, inhaling dust aplenty, it’s a fantastic and safe way to explore the surrounding areas. However, beware that there will be considerable staring as you go about. An adult running or exercising, for that matter, is not a common sight outside of the football pitch. Regardless, you get used to and appreciative of the attention.
6. Eat delicious food at the beautifully set Duck Inn
The Duck Inn was established at the end of last summer (or winter for Africa) by the Grey’s (the family I always love talking about, because they’re just that awesome). This restaurant, which is open on the weekends, is set across a quaint pond and provides unmatched ambience at only a 15 minute walk from the hospital. Moreover, on each occasion of dining, I have devoured a lentil veggie patty burger (one of the top burgers I’ve had the fortune of enjoying). We will truly miss sitting by the pond, letting the hours fly by as we munch on our delightful food. Not to mention, the company of the Grey’s, the couple who made the restaurant so magical.
7. Abide by the Malawian midnight
10 O’ Clock equals bed time here in Malawi, at least for me. With things wrapping up so much earlier here than in the States, time always feels much later than it truly is; this encapsulates the sensation that 10’ O Clock approximates midnight. I’ve personally enjoyed hitting the sheets early and rising with the sun. I guess this one’s very much a personal idea of “fun”, but I promise it gives a remarkable rhythm and routine to your day.
8. Accept the very slow internet and limited communication possibilities
Although this doesn’t sound like the most pleasant of experiences, it’s absolutely a blessing in disguise. You don’t realize how much time is consumed using the internet and staying socially connected until it is no longer easily accessible. All this “free time” has allowed me to read countless books, relax by playing card games and better interact with those who are actually physically next to me.
9. Attend Sunday mass
The church forms a central point of congregation and unity for many of the villagers. While only attending briefly, I was impressed by this atmosphere as well as the beautiful singing of the choir. It was truly a soothing environment.
10. Take pictures of kids and show them.
While strolling through the villages, we are always met with the familiar chanting of “jambulani, jambulani, jambulani.” The kids and even many of the adults love it when you bring out your camera and snap away. I’ve never seen so much enthusiasm for pictures! It’s phenomenal. This also a splendid way to interact with the locals and frankly, have a good time.
There’s definitely certain fun things I missed in this list, like stargazing or venturing to the local stream. However, I hope this provides some insight into how one can spend their free time here in Namitete. Anyways, I strived to do my level-best to leave Malawi on an up-beat and fun manner. For now, I’ll enjoy my last few hours in Namitete. Good night/morning!