Today we had the opportunity to visit the woodcarvers market again and have lunch at one of the lake resorts as well. It has been rainy off and on this week, but the weather was beautiful today which allowed us to have a leisurely lunch at Makuzi, which is a small getaway tucked back into the bush owned by a South African family. The two of us joined with Laura and Anna, the two other missionaries here that are under 25 years old. Anna is a nurse and is here to do triage for the community clinic in a couple of weeks and Laura is on a two year time commitment here which will be up in March. The beach at Makuzi is quiet and isolated with plenty of rocks to climb on and look out onto the lake and an area where guests can swim. It is postcard type beautiful.
The prices had seemingly gone up at the wood carver's today-when we would ask how much they wanted for things, the prices tended to be pretty high. We started at the top of the hill today, which is the opposite of what we did last time and found that the prices were pretty consistent, but the top was definitely not cheaper the way it was before. I got a salad bowl and spoons, a picture frame, a few handmade greeting cards and a couple of paintings (oil on canvas) and the two of us got a present for the ever-amazing Dr. Wilson who graciously agreed to take the blame for whatever we were going to get ourselves into over here. Danielle also got a salad bowl with spoons, two picture frames and obtained a hippo figurine and greeting card as substitute for getting change from other purchases. All in all, it was a good trip. Us being with Rafiki helps, because we get 'the Mzuzu price,' the prices locals would get, not tourists, although they still try to rip us off because we're Americans. A lot of them are very nice and some remembered our names from last time. One guy thought I lived here because I spoke to another man in Tumbuka; I had to tell him that 'how are you?' and 'I am fine; how are you' were the extent of my Tumbuka vocabulary. After that, I pretty much became one of the crowd, as much as a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl fits in in Malawi...
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2 comments:
You all navigated through some very high-level negotiations for these lovely carved creations! Goodness -- y'all are becoming so savvy.... Sounds like the day offered a bit of a break from Village activities, and a boost for your energy, as well. So glad you 4 could spend time together! Will you actually be there for part of the medical clinic? I know how MUCH you both want to help with that --
Can't help but remind you to enjoy the weather, for here, it's raining, cold, gray and just ugly. Voter turnout for the Primary seemed strong though, with McCain and Huckabee vying for the winning position in the Lowcountry.
On the other hand, it's snowing in Spartanburg, and McCain is on top already with 70% of the vote in. This will be a very interesting political year in the US!
Thank you all for your newsy messages - they are so much fun to read, and think of you -- all over again. Love, the Ackers
Hey, Danielle & Emily!
I've enjoyed reading your blog tremendously and am so pleased you could get some pictures up. They're wonderful. I've been particularly interested in your experience as people labeled "different." Here in the US you're like me, white women, rarely, if ever, in the minority. Keep growing and learning. We keep you in all or good thoughts.
Dr. W
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