One Week to Go!

Can it really only be one week until we leave for Malawi - it seems absolutely incredible. Sam’s flights have finally been confirmed and most of his documents are now in place; the last piece of paper should be in my hands on Thursday. What a relief that will be!

I’m trying to learn a little bit of Chichewa – the national language of Malawi – before we leave. The official language of the country is actually English, but from everything I have read and from everyone I have spoken to, even the clumsiest attempt to speak the local language, goes a long way in Africa. Every conversation begins in the traditional way – “Moni, muli bwanji?” “Hello, how are you?” Reciprocation is essential; politeness, good manners, lots of smiles and plenty of laughter are the order of the day in Malawi. The country is universally known as the ‘heart of Africa’ because of the warm nature and the friendliness of its people. It is also renowned for it’s gentle pace; as my guide book puts it, “Malawi, may well be the most laid-back nation on earth ..... it has a low key charm that becomes thoroughly addictive”. All in all, it is a tantalising prospect.

Over the next seven days, we will tie up the last of our loose ends, sort out the last of our packing and say the last of our goodbyes. There are still a sobering number of things that need to be done, but we will get there – and then it’s off for the adventure of a lifetime.