Today I learned that the President of Malawi is the father-in-law of Dictator Mugabe of Zimbabwe (fairly sure thats not his official title. oh well). Ahah light bulb moment! -this is why people are queuing for days at Ardmark (govt bulk food supplier- mainly maize).
Don't see the connection?
Well, apparently our President sold all of Malawis stockpiled maize to Zimbabwe to feed Mugabe's hungry people- leaving Malawi with lots of hungry people. this is called 'solidarity' - or something.
Today, in the village, I actually understood a lot (ie 7%?!) of what what was being said. Certainly better than nothing, however Im feeling increasingly frustrated with how slow a process language learning is. 6 weeks and I can still barely say anything!!!! I know ... patience ... cut myself some slack ... etc its just really annoying for someone like me who likes to talk! I really want to meet new people- connect... Its been almost 3 months since I left Australia and Im starting to feel the 'isolation' factor a little more acutely now. Im really missing being able to talk to my friends... catch up for a latte/beer... just hang out...
Today I achieved a personal best in Barbie (the Rav4) - 12 people!! yessirree- 3 in the front, 6 in the backseat and 3 in the boot. Im getting dangerously close to my colleagues record of 16 in the troopy- and my cars half the size-so the pressure is on!! hehe. yes, i did read my last blog and yes I am driving carefully- usually Im just used to shuttle people less than a km over bumpy dirt tracks to a meeting etc. my 4WD skills are improving!
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5 comments:
I have had 6 people in my Commodore :-O
Oh Rina, by the way, it's Brendan!
hey good stuff. Soon enough you'll be dreaming in Malawian and then you won't be able to escape the lingo and you';; start forgetting how to speak Australian or at least speak it at the speed you used to. At least that was my experience with learning korean in S korea.
Love the blog!
6?! you're not even in the league...havent even grasped the concept... you could definitely do with a few months in africa :) great to hear from ya cuz- send me an email sometime ( just pretend that Im coming over and email me everything you would have said :) miss ya
Hey Michelle- thanks for the encouragement. much needed. I know you're right- it just takes time :)
hows life in Puka?
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