Tomorrow (Saturday June 16), I leave the land of easy internet access for two nights when we leave Wendels in Lilongwe for Carolina's on Senga Bay. We will back here at Wendels for two nights on Monday, June 18. Starting Wednesday, June 20, I will be without internet access for six days, until Tuesday, June 26 when we return to Wendels..
The plan is that, no matter what, I will write a blog entry each night based on that days activities, and possibly some thoughts and reflections. I will save these to my hard drive, and when I return to Wendels I will upload each entry to my blog. When I am at Wendels, I will post directly to my blog.
If I get to an e-mail or internet cafe on the days when we aren't at Wendels, I will post about what ever happens to be on my mind at that moment.
CAL FIRE (CDF) S2T Tanker 71 working Sawtooth Complex Fire (2006)
Sawtooth Complex Fire (Sept. 2006), San Bernardino County CA. Photo Credit: U.S. Forest Service
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Day 1: First Images of Malawi
Flying into Lilongwe, I noticed decent sized areas that were bare of vegetation except for some grass, interspersed with groupings of trees. But not large groupings of trees.
I had read that much of the trees have been cut down for firewood. I wonder if people in Malawi sell firewood for income?
The international airport near Lilongwe is small, friendly, and manageable. A bus or coach met us at the plane to take us to the terminal. I would have welcomed the walk, my knees were stiff from all those hours on an airplane. But I digress.
I meet our driver Luzu, I liked him immediately. I am looking forward to getting to know them. I know that Luzu will be with us for the two weeks.
Driving to Lilongwe, we drive on the left side of the road as they do in Britain.
Observations from the van
We went past several patches of charred ground, blackened, as if there had been a fire. I wonder what that is about?
Many, many tree stumps, some covered with foliage, perhaps new growth where the tree stump is still viable and starting to grow.
Men walking to and from a factory. It turns out to be a tobacco factory.
A few solitary huts by the side of the road.
Men selling what seemed to be corn.
Hand made furniture, table and chairs by the side of the road. Are these for sale?
Women carrying baskets on their heads, or was it water? I couldn’t tell.
Two men slaughtering an animal, while another of the same species looked on.
Many people are barefoot.
Many people walking on dirt paths along the road, one or two on bicycles.
A really cool looking lizard crawling up a brick wall.
A petrol station.
A group of pit latrines or outhouses.
Some nice flowers, what appeared to be larger "bush-like" poinsettias
Two cattle walking on a dirt path.
First dinner as a group at Wendel's Guest House. Our guest was the Honorable Marjorie Ngaunje, Minister of Health (for Malawi) and Member of Parliamet. She is one awesome lady. And her daughter Grace, another awesome lady.
Sitting here in my mosquito netting writing this on my laptop.
I had read that much of the trees have been cut down for firewood. I wonder if people in Malawi sell firewood for income?
The international airport near Lilongwe is small, friendly, and manageable. A bus or coach met us at the plane to take us to the terminal. I would have welcomed the walk, my knees were stiff from all those hours on an airplane. But I digress.
I meet our driver Luzu, I liked him immediately. I am looking forward to getting to know them. I know that Luzu will be with us for the two weeks.
Driving to Lilongwe, we drive on the left side of the road as they do in Britain.
Observations from the van
We went past several patches of charred ground, blackened, as if there had been a fire. I wonder what that is about?
Many, many tree stumps, some covered with foliage, perhaps new growth where the tree stump is still viable and starting to grow.
Men walking to and from a factory. It turns out to be a tobacco factory.
A few solitary huts by the side of the road.
Men selling what seemed to be corn.
Hand made furniture, table and chairs by the side of the road. Are these for sale?
Women carrying baskets on their heads, or was it water? I couldn’t tell.
Two men slaughtering an animal, while another of the same species looked on.
Many people are barefoot.
Many people walking on dirt paths along the road, one or two on bicycles.
A really cool looking lizard crawling up a brick wall.
A petrol station.
A group of pit latrines or outhouses.
Some nice flowers, what appeared to be larger "bush-like" poinsettias
Two cattle walking on a dirt path.
First dinner as a group at Wendel's Guest House. Our guest was the Honorable Marjorie Ngaunje, Minister of Health (for Malawi) and Member of Parliamet. She is one awesome lady. And her daughter Grace, another awesome lady.
Sitting here in my mosquito netting writing this on my laptop.
Mosquito netting
A trip to Africa is not complete without, you guessed it, mosquito netting. This is a not so great photo of my bed at Wendel's complete with mosquito netting. I promised a picture of mosquito netting and I delivered. I'm also a little punchy after spending 14 hours on two airplanes flying from London to Malawi. And I only forgot a couple of relatively unimportant things, some nicer socks.
We had our first dinner as a group, I'll post more about that tomorrow morning.
One thing I am struck by is how nice the people in Malawi are. Real nice. And a generosity of spirit.
Right now, I am going to crawl under the mosquito netting with my laptop to work on my next blog entry. And yes, I remembered to take my malaria pill.
Arrived in Malawi
I made the "Johannesburg connections" without a hitch. I went from the plane to what is called the international transfer lounge. There were no lines for the South African Air agents and there were a few agents. I picked up my boarding pass for my flight to Malawi withing minutes of arriving in the transfer lounge. Passport Control and security were no problem at all. All members of our group were at the gate by 9:45 AM, and we made brief introductions.
The Virgin Atlantic agent who checked my bag at Heathrow was correct; I did not have to do anything with my checked baggage at Johannesburg. It went from my Virgin Atlantic flight to my South African Air flight, and was waiting for me when I cleared passport control at the Lilongwe Airport.
Oh, and in case anyone is wondering what having my bag wrapped means. It is what you think it, I paid five pounds at Heathrow to have my checked bag wrapped in layers of plastic. It helps to ward off the problem of luggage being broken into, a problem reported at the Johannesburg airport. And I have a TSA approved lock to lock the bag. You know who forgot to lock it for the Newark-Heathrow flight. But I did put the lock on for the important leg from London to Lilongwe.
I am here at Wendel's Guest House. A very nice lodge and with wireless.
I'll try to write more later on. In the meantime, I may try to nap a little before dinner.
The Virgin Atlantic agent who checked my bag at Heathrow was correct; I did not have to do anything with my checked baggage at Johannesburg. It went from my Virgin Atlantic flight to my South African Air flight, and was waiting for me when I cleared passport control at the Lilongwe Airport.
Oh, and in case anyone is wondering what having my bag wrapped means. It is what you think it, I paid five pounds at Heathrow to have my checked bag wrapped in layers of plastic. It helps to ward off the problem of luggage being broken into, a problem reported at the Johannesburg airport. And I have a TSA approved lock to lock the bag. You know who forgot to lock it for the Newark-Heathrow flight. But I did put the lock on for the important leg from London to Lilongwe.
I am here at Wendel's Guest House. A very nice lodge and with wireless.
I'll try to write more later on. In the meantime, I may try to nap a little before dinner.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
At Heathrow
I ended up taking a car service to the airport. I know, it was expensive, but I decided to splurge, especially since the hotel was less expensive than I thought it would be. I got a chance to see more of London than I would have seen if I had taken the underground.
The first thing I did upon arriving at the airport was to get my bag wrapped, per advice from US government travel sites for people flying through Johannesburg, South Africa. My bag is through checked to Lilongwe and tagged for international travel so that I won't have to deal with my bags in Johanesgurg. Unfortunately,I was unable to get my boarding pass for the South African Airways flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe, Malawi. The customer service rep. said that there is an arrangement between Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways that allows the other airline to provide the boarding pass for connecting flights. He wasn't sure why the computer system was not allowing this. He suggested that it might be due to the way my flight was booked. Or perhaps a computer glitch?
In any event, not much I can do about my boarding pass at the moment. South African Airways is in another terminal, and this airport is too large for me to even think about going back and forth between terminals. So I will ask my higher power to grant me the wisdom to accept the things that I can not change.
--Breathe--
The first thing I did upon arriving at the airport was to get my bag wrapped, per advice from US government travel sites for people flying through Johannesburg, South Africa. My bag is through checked to Lilongwe and tagged for international travel so that I won't have to deal with my bags in Johanesgurg. Unfortunately,I was unable to get my boarding pass for the South African Airways flight from Johannesburg to Lilongwe, Malawi. The customer service rep. said that there is an arrangement between Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways that allows the other airline to provide the boarding pass for connecting flights. He wasn't sure why the computer system was not allowing this. He suggested that it might be due to the way my flight was booked. Or perhaps a computer glitch?
In any event, not much I can do about my boarding pass at the moment. South African Airways is in another terminal, and this airport is too large for me to even think about going back and forth between terminals. So I will ask my higher power to grant me the wisdom to accept the things that I can not change.
--Breathe--
London to Johannesburg to Lilongwe Malawi
I check out of my hotel shortly, and have four hours to kill before making the trek via the London Underground to Heathrow for my 8:30 PM Virgin Atlantic flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Another overnight flight, this one for over 11 hours. I hope I am able to get a little shut eye on the plane.
I will arrive in Johannesburg South Africa at about 8:30 AM on June 14, if the plane is on time. The plan is that I will meet my fellow Malawi travelers for the first time at the departure gate for the South Africa Airways flight to Lilongwe, Malawi. This flight departs at 10:20 AM, and is scheduled to arrive in Lilongwe at 12:45 PM. Our driver, Luzu, will meet us at the airport and take us to our lodging. I will be staying at Wendels Guest Lodge in Lilongwe.
Wendels has wireless, so I hope to be able to make a post tomorrow afternoon before dinner.
I will arrive in Johannesburg South Africa at about 8:30 AM on June 14, if the plane is on time. The plan is that I will meet my fellow Malawi travelers for the first time at the departure gate for the South Africa Airways flight to Lilongwe, Malawi. This flight departs at 10:20 AM, and is scheduled to arrive in Lilongwe at 12:45 PM. Our driver, Luzu, will meet us at the airport and take us to our lodging. I will be staying at Wendels Guest Lodge in Lilongwe.
Wendels has wireless, so I hope to be able to make a post tomorrow afternoon before dinner.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Royal Observatory
Today I visited the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England. This was about a 30 minute ride on a combination of the London Underground and light rail. I had been to Greenwich when I was in London sixteen years ago and wanted to go back. Many of you know of Greenwich Mean Time, also known as Universal Time. Well, this is where Greenwich Mean Time is kept. This is also where the prime meridian or zero degrees longitude passes through. Looking at the first picture, I have no idea the significance of the statue on the meridian. The thing on the wall to the right of the picture is a digital clock noting Greenwich Mean Time. What you can not tell from the picture is that, both this clock, and another one not in the picture, do not note the time in what they call "summer time" around here. Or daylight savings time.
Outside the planetarium, I saw a very interesting piece, I was puzzled by it until I read the signboard. I hope that the picture is clear enough so that you can read it. It is placed on the prime meridian. I'll let the sign board speak for itself.
I walked to and from the Observatory through Greenwich Park, one of the older of the Royal Parks in the London area. For obvious reasons, the Observatory is on a hill in the park, so no matter which way you approach it, you have a short climb. On my way to the Observatory, I passed through an absolutely exquisite rose garden. Sorry, no pictures. All the roses were in bloom, and they were all quite well cared for. I have to confess that I only ended up at the Rose Garden because I took a wrong turn trying to find the Observatory. There were lots of school aged children, playing in the Park, along with people with dogs, and the like. Oh, and they even have special containers for dog poop.
Tonight I am seeing some London theater, Billy Elliot on the advice of a friend. I had thought about not bothering to see a show while in London. I decided that I would not forgive myself if I were to pass up an opportunity to see theater.
I have part of a day in town tomorrow and plan to go to the British Museum which is a short walk from the hotel where I will leave my bags. Then off to Heathrow for the long journey to Johannesburg and from Johannesburg to Malawi.
Energy savings in London
I am staying in a hotel in London called the Grange Holborn. A nice hotel, pleasant staff. I feel taken care of. I have one interesting story.
The room is very bright and airy with a wall of windows gives plenty of natural light. These windows face the street. Anyway, after I completed yesterday's posting, I close the drapes to darken the room before lying down to rest. I turned the light switch on near my bed, nothing. There is a light switch near the door, I turn it on. Nothing. I turn on the light switch near the TV, nothing. I do all this again. I try the TV, it works. I try all the light switches, again they don't work.
Finally, feeling like a complete idiot, I call up the front desk, who put me through to the concierge. They tell me that there is a card reader near the door, I had seen it and wondered what it was. Seems you put your room key in to activate the lights. Makes sense. About one minute after you remove the key, the lights turn off. Theoretically, because this is literally next to the door, you won't forget your room key. Interesting way to conserve electricity. No chance someone will go off and leave their lights on.
I also noted that the water is not as hot as we are used to in America, at least not at the hotel. I got my answer to this through a commercial on a British TV station aimed at getting people to turn the temp down on the water they use to wash clothes.
As for my energy, I did not nap yesterday afternoon. I had a nice visit with my friends, they took care of the blearly eyed me. Later, I did get a good nights sleep.
The room is very bright and airy with a wall of windows gives plenty of natural light. These windows face the street. Anyway, after I completed yesterday's posting, I close the drapes to darken the room before lying down to rest. I turned the light switch on near my bed, nothing. There is a light switch near the door, I turn it on. Nothing. I turn on the light switch near the TV, nothing. I do all this again. I try the TV, it works. I try all the light switches, again they don't work.
Finally, feeling like a complete idiot, I call up the front desk, who put me through to the concierge. They tell me that there is a card reader near the door, I had seen it and wondered what it was. Seems you put your room key in to activate the lights. Makes sense. About one minute after you remove the key, the lights turn off. Theoretically, because this is literally next to the door, you won't forget your room key. Interesting way to conserve electricity. No chance someone will go off and leave their lights on.
I also noted that the water is not as hot as we are used to in America, at least not at the hotel. I got my answer to this through a commercial on a British TV station aimed at getting people to turn the temp down on the water they use to wash clothes.
As for my energy, I did not nap yesterday afternoon. I had a nice visit with my friends, they took care of the blearly eyed me. Later, I did get a good nights sleep.
Monday, June 11, 2007
In London
Well, I made it to London and am writing this from my west end hotel.
My flight took off about an hour late from Newark. Not surprising. Sometimes on these flights, we can make up time if the jet stream is favorable, it was not.
I enjoyed the flight, and the flight attendants were very attentive. My favorite part of the flight was playing the video units in back of the seat in front of me. I had never used one before. It was a lot of fun.
I did not get much sleep to speak of. I have a hard time sleeping upright, finally dozing off about one to two hours out of London.
We arrived at Heathrow over an hour late. I got through passport control in about 30 to 40 minutes, and then walked for what seemed like an eternity to get to the London underground for my trip into London. I took the Piccadilly line from Heathrow. There is a stop about two blocks from my hotel. I was glad for my trip into London 16 years ago. I successfully negotiated the underground by myself for part of the trip.
The hotel and the staff are nice. I suspect that they are used to seeing slightly dazed, bleary eyed Americans.
I am going to sign off and try to take a nap for a couple of hours before my friends come. We will go out to dinner somewhere close.
My flight took off about an hour late from Newark. Not surprising. Sometimes on these flights, we can make up time if the jet stream is favorable, it was not.
I enjoyed the flight, and the flight attendants were very attentive. My favorite part of the flight was playing the video units in back of the seat in front of me. I had never used one before. It was a lot of fun.
I did not get much sleep to speak of. I have a hard time sleeping upright, finally dozing off about one to two hours out of London.
We arrived at Heathrow over an hour late. I got through passport control in about 30 to 40 minutes, and then walked for what seemed like an eternity to get to the London underground for my trip into London. I took the Piccadilly line from Heathrow. There is a stop about two blocks from my hotel. I was glad for my trip into London 16 years ago. I successfully negotiated the underground by myself for part of the trip.
The hotel and the staff are nice. I suspect that they are used to seeing slightly dazed, bleary eyed Americans.
I am going to sign off and try to take a nap for a couple of hours before my friends come. We will go out to dinner somewhere close.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Eleven hours till departure
Well, my travels begin tonight. My flight for London is scheduled to leave Liberty International Airport (formerly known as Newark International Airport) at 9:30 PM. If the flight is on time, I will arrive at Heathrow at 9:05 AM, London time and go to a hotel in the west end of London. I hope to be able to take a nap for a couple of hours before meeting some friends at 4PM for dinner. Then back to the hotel for what I hope will be a good nights sleep.
On Tuesday, I want to go the observatory in Greenwich, and possibly to the Tower of London. Wednesday, I check out of the hotel by 11 AM and do not have to leave for Heathrow until about 4 PM in the afternoon for my 8:30 flight to Johannesburg. I understand that the British Museum is within walking distance of the hotel, so I may hang out there.
In the time since I last posted, I have spent time getting ready. In addition, I have been spending what I hope is quality time with my loved ones.
I got few British Pounds from my bank. What is interesting is that the Pounds appeared to be shipped to the bank via DHL overnight. I could be wrong, but it looked the banker got the Pounds from a DHL overnight bag.
I got most of my pre-trip "chores" done by Tuesday or Wednesday so that I have been able to be somewhat more relaxed the last couple of days. One of the things I did was to put together all the stuff that I had purchased for my trip and put them in my suitcase. I know, it sounds a little over the top, however, I did realize that there were some missing items. I had time to purchase these with plenty of time to spare. One checked bag, on the small size, and one carry-one bag.
The hotel where I am staying in London has high speed internet access in each room, so I hope to be able to post once or twice from London before departing for Afica.
On Tuesday, I want to go the observatory in Greenwich, and possibly to the Tower of London. Wednesday, I check out of the hotel by 11 AM and do not have to leave for Heathrow until about 4 PM in the afternoon for my 8:30 flight to Johannesburg. I understand that the British Museum is within walking distance of the hotel, so I may hang out there.
In the time since I last posted, I have spent time getting ready. In addition, I have been spending what I hope is quality time with my loved ones.
I got few British Pounds from my bank. What is interesting is that the Pounds appeared to be shipped to the bank via DHL overnight. I could be wrong, but it looked the banker got the Pounds from a DHL overnight bag.
I got most of my pre-trip "chores" done by Tuesday or Wednesday so that I have been able to be somewhat more relaxed the last couple of days. One of the things I did was to put together all the stuff that I had purchased for my trip and put them in my suitcase. I know, it sounds a little over the top, however, I did realize that there were some missing items. I had time to purchase these with plenty of time to spare. One checked bag, on the small size, and one carry-one bag.
The hotel where I am staying in London has high speed internet access in each room, so I hope to be able to post once or twice from London before departing for Afica.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
No comment
This intersection really exists.
I want to say only in New Jersey.
But I suspect that there are intersections like this all over.
When I took this photo several months ago, I decided that I would save it for a day when I had nothing else to say.
That day has arrived.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Malaria pills
My other exciting adventure today was filling the prescription for Malaria pills. The pills that will hopefully, keep me from coming down with Malaria. Mind you, even with the pills, there is still a chance that I could get Malaria, so I will be carrying my DEET and some spray for the room (just in case). And every place we stay will either have good screens in the windows or bed netting. I'll take a picture of a bed with netting when I get to Africa and post it here so you will be able to see what I am talking about.
The organism (a protozoa) that cause Malaria are resistant to the old standard Malaria medications, so I am left with fewer alternatives. The inexpensive one, mefloquine (Lariam), is taken weekly but has a host of very scary side effects including neurological and psychotic effects. I decided that there was no way I would take Lariam.
Fortunately, there is an alternative, a newer drug called Malarone. The problem is that Malarine is taken daily, so it is more expensive. Many health plans do not cover it. I decided that it was a no brainer, it is worth the extra money ($200 or $300).
So, I go the pharmacy this afternoon to pick up the drug figuring on having to charge it because I did not have that much cash on me. I was pleasantly surprised when my pharmacist told me that he had a conversation with my provider and was able to get them to cover it. So, I got it for $10.00.
So, I have my Malaria pills and the antibiotics (Cipro) in case a get a bad case of the runs. And I will need to get Imodium AD to counter the side effect of the Cipro cause Cipro kills all the good bacteria and gives me the runs. I am hoping that I won't need the Cipro, but I have it.
And I have two prescription bottles with two labels for the two bottles of thyroid pills that I am taking with me. I don't have a thyroid, so I need these pills. Two bottles, one to carry in my pocket and the other in my carry-on. In other words, a spare bottle in case I lose one.
Yeah, not exciting. But that is what my life has been like recently. Taking care of all kinds of details.
Stay tuned.
The organism (a protozoa) that cause Malaria are resistant to the old standard Malaria medications, so I am left with fewer alternatives. The inexpensive one, mefloquine (Lariam), is taken weekly but has a host of very scary side effects including neurological and psychotic effects. I decided that there was no way I would take Lariam.
Fortunately, there is an alternative, a newer drug called Malarone. The problem is that Malarine is taken daily, so it is more expensive. Many health plans do not cover it. I decided that it was a no brainer, it is worth the extra money ($200 or $300).
So, I go the pharmacy this afternoon to pick up the drug figuring on having to charge it because I did not have that much cash on me. I was pleasantly surprised when my pharmacist told me that he had a conversation with my provider and was able to get them to cover it. So, I got it for $10.00.
So, I have my Malaria pills and the antibiotics (Cipro) in case a get a bad case of the runs. And I will need to get Imodium AD to counter the side effect of the Cipro cause Cipro kills all the good bacteria and gives me the runs. I am hoping that I won't need the Cipro, but I have it.
And I have two prescription bottles with two labels for the two bottles of thyroid pills that I am taking with me. I don't have a thyroid, so I need these pills. Two bottles, one to carry in my pocket and the other in my carry-on. In other words, a spare bottle in case I lose one.
Yeah, not exciting. But that is what my life has been like recently. Taking care of all kinds of details.
Stay tuned.
13 pounds
While not exactly a frequent flier, I have flown a few times domestically over the last few years. So, I am somewhat familar with the carry-on baggage allowance for domestic flights.
I have this small knapsack that is designed for laptops with extra padding. I can put in my laptop and some other personal items, and it will fit under the seat of all but the smallest airplanes. And then I can have one other piece of luggage. I have a small suitcase on wheels or a small canvas duffle bag that just fits the dimensions for carry ons for most domestic air flights, Continental allows a total of 51 linear inches (length + height + depth). So, I can carry my laptop and a small suitcase. This is usually enough for most of the two or three days trips that I have been on. And I have never had to worry about weight. The 40 pound weight requirement for carry-on baggage has never been an issue.
I started out assuming, silly me, that it would be the same for my international flights. That I would be able to take my laptop and other electronic gear in my knapsack plus a small suiticase on the airplane in addition to my checked baggage. I would have enough clothes to last in case my checked baggage was detoured.
Not so, I start out on Virgin Atlantic. I am allowed one carry-on, 22" L x 14" W x 9"D that weighs 13.22 pounds (6 kilos). And it is weighed. When you consider that I am traveling with a laptop, that fortunately is very light weight for a laptop at around 5 pounds, that does not leave a lot of extra room for additional items. I figured out that I can carry my laptop and charger, the adaptor from Apple for the UK style plugs (that also work in Malawi), my digital camera, a small amount of extra (light weight and easy to dry) clothing, a book, and some personal effects. I can carry one electronic item on my person, and that will be my i-pod and my earphones. Although, I am going to play it safe and be sure that I can put the i-pod in the knapsack and be within the weight restrictions.
I know, I know, this is not very exciting. But that is the way my life has been the last few days as I get ready for my trip to Africa. I am so glad that I know about the weight restriction because otherwise I would have shown up at the airport with an over weight carry-on knapsack and I would have had to lighten the load. That would have been a pain, and I probably would lose my place in line to boot.
I have this small knapsack that is designed for laptops with extra padding. I can put in my laptop and some other personal items, and it will fit under the seat of all but the smallest airplanes. And then I can have one other piece of luggage. I have a small suitcase on wheels or a small canvas duffle bag that just fits the dimensions for carry ons for most domestic air flights, Continental allows a total of 51 linear inches (length + height + depth). So, I can carry my laptop and a small suitcase. This is usually enough for most of the two or three days trips that I have been on. And I have never had to worry about weight. The 40 pound weight requirement for carry-on baggage has never been an issue.
I started out assuming, silly me, that it would be the same for my international flights. That I would be able to take my laptop and other electronic gear in my knapsack plus a small suiticase on the airplane in addition to my checked baggage. I would have enough clothes to last in case my checked baggage was detoured.
Not so, I start out on Virgin Atlantic. I am allowed one carry-on, 22" L x 14" W x 9"D that weighs 13.22 pounds (6 kilos). And it is weighed. When you consider that I am traveling with a laptop, that fortunately is very light weight for a laptop at around 5 pounds, that does not leave a lot of extra room for additional items. I figured out that I can carry my laptop and charger, the adaptor from Apple for the UK style plugs (that also work in Malawi), my digital camera, a small amount of extra (light weight and easy to dry) clothing, a book, and some personal effects. I can carry one electronic item on my person, and that will be my i-pod and my earphones. Although, I am going to play it safe and be sure that I can put the i-pod in the knapsack and be within the weight restrictions.
I know, I know, this is not very exciting. But that is the way my life has been the last few days as I get ready for my trip to Africa. I am so glad that I know about the weight restriction because otherwise I would have shown up at the airport with an over weight carry-on knapsack and I would have had to lighten the load. That would have been a pain, and I probably would lose my place in line to boot.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The last three weeks
The last three weeks or so since I last posted here have been taken up with taking care of various details relating to my trip. None of which are especially earth shattering and not necessarily worth writing about.
I have also spent a lot of time in my garden, taking care of spring planting and clean-up.
My time here is short today. I do want to say that as the time draws closer to my June 10 departure, that I will begin writing more about my reflections about the trip itself or about my preparations. Or perhaps about something that has nothing to do with Malawi.
I have also spent a lot of time in my garden, taking care of spring planting and clean-up.
My time here is short today. I do want to say that as the time draws closer to my June 10 departure, that I will begin writing more about my reflections about the trip itself or about my preparations. Or perhaps about something that has nothing to do with Malawi.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
More influences regarding my work in Malawi
I have already written about how my Dad's work has served to inspire me to travel to Malawi. I have also written that my upcoming trip is a natural outgrowth of my writing about Malawi. I have not written about other influences.
I wrote a few weeks ago about my work on the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns for the Episcopal Church where I started to think about the very broad issue of our global water supply and an increasing awareness of global poverty.
In my graduate work, I did some, put not a lot, of work on international planning and development. But, I had no formal course in international planning and development. Most of my research and experience focused on domestic issues. As a result, I stuck to what I knew in my writing and research. My service on the Commission, coming at a transitional point in my life, gave me the courage to start to think about taking some risks with my writing. When I saw a call for articles in Progressive Planning for a thematic issue on the politics of water, I knew that I would be able to find something to write about. It took a couple of weeks of making various contacts through the Episcopal church, but eventually I was connected to Dr. Thomas Gebhard and the work that his parish was doing in Mindandti, a small village in a remote corner of southern Malawi. And the rest, shall we say, is history.
So, in some sense, I owe all those that I serve with on the Commission for giving me the courage to step outside of the safety and sanctuary of what was known and familiar, and to step into that which was, at least partially, unknown to me. As I began to research my article, I found out that I was not hampered by knowing very little "international development theory", that I have other things that I brought to my research and writing on Malawi.
I do not think that I would have answered the call for articles if I was not serving on the Commission. And without the article, I never would have made the contacts that eventually lead to my upcoming trip to Malawi. So, to all those that I have served with on the Commission, thank-you.
I wrote a few weeks ago about my work on the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns for the Episcopal Church where I started to think about the very broad issue of our global water supply and an increasing awareness of global poverty.
In my graduate work, I did some, put not a lot, of work on international planning and development. But, I had no formal course in international planning and development. Most of my research and experience focused on domestic issues. As a result, I stuck to what I knew in my writing and research. My service on the Commission, coming at a transitional point in my life, gave me the courage to start to think about taking some risks with my writing. When I saw a call for articles in Progressive Planning for a thematic issue on the politics of water, I knew that I would be able to find something to write about. It took a couple of weeks of making various contacts through the Episcopal church, but eventually I was connected to Dr. Thomas Gebhard and the work that his parish was doing in Mindandti, a small village in a remote corner of southern Malawi. And the rest, shall we say, is history.
So, in some sense, I owe all those that I serve with on the Commission for giving me the courage to step outside of the safety and sanctuary of what was known and familiar, and to step into that which was, at least partially, unknown to me. As I began to research my article, I found out that I was not hampered by knowing very little "international development theory", that I have other things that I brought to my research and writing on Malawi.
I do not think that I would have answered the call for articles if I was not serving on the Commission. And without the article, I never would have made the contacts that eventually lead to my upcoming trip to Malawi. So, to all those that I have served with on the Commission, thank-you.
Monday, April 16, 2007
On international travel
My upcoming trip to London and to Malawi will be second international trip, not counting my forays into Canada. Speaking of Canada, I should get to Canada more than I do, because the property I own in northeastern Vermont sits about fifteen or twenty miles from the border. The trip is fairly easy to make by car. The last time I spent any amount of time in Canada was about ten years ago, when times were different. We may have been able to cross the border without showing any thing more than our drivers’ license, although we each may have carried our birth certificates with us. The key point here being that we were able to drive, and it was very easy.
My first international trip off the continent was to London in 1991. I went to an international academic planning conference in Oxford England. I traveled with one of my grad school buddies, and his wife. My friend is from Cyprus, traveled on a British passport (I think), and was very familiar with London and environs because he had gone to college and his first grad school in England. So, I felt very safe. I knew how to get a prepaid international calling card in England allowing me to easily call home to the States, and I knew how to get British Pounds from my Bank. I got my passport, got some British pounds from the bank and had a couple of wonderful tour guides for the time I spent in London. Oxford was wonderful, a great city with a long history.
At least this time, I already have my passport. Since I am familiar with London from my trip in 1991, and having some friends in London, it made sense to break up my trip to Africa with a couple of nights in London. An added benefit is that my two nights in London may help me to adjust to the change in time zones. London is five hours ahead of NJ (I think), and Malawi is two hours ahead of London.
As I faced the reality of my upcoming trip to Malawi in sub-Saharan Africa, I knew that there are things about international travel that I need to learn about. Thanks to some friends, and to the Internet, I could easily find out answers to questions such as visa requirements, required shots and prescriptions, and a list of things to include in my health kit. I am fortunate to have a travel agent in the family who booked by flights and my hotel in London. He also told me about the prepaid international calling card that works in Malawi, and about an online store that has a lot of things that I will need for my trip. Finally, I spent too much time on the Internet finding out about international cellular telephone coverage. Oh, and I won't even talk about electrical connections. And yes, I do know on good authority what adaptor I need for Malawi. And it is even one that is included by Apple in their world wide adaptor kit. In case any wants to know, it is the same adaptor used in most of the United Kingdom.
The trip leader of my trip tipped me off that my ATM/debit cards will not work in the few available ATM machines in Malawi, but said that I can use my visa credit card to get cash. He has also provided me with invaluable country–related information.
Finding out these things has helped me deal with the reality of this upcoming trip. I also found this process somewhat soothing.
My first international trip off the continent was to London in 1991. I went to an international academic planning conference in Oxford England. I traveled with one of my grad school buddies, and his wife. My friend is from Cyprus, traveled on a British passport (I think), and was very familiar with London and environs because he had gone to college and his first grad school in England. So, I felt very safe. I knew how to get a prepaid international calling card in England allowing me to easily call home to the States, and I knew how to get British Pounds from my Bank. I got my passport, got some British pounds from the bank and had a couple of wonderful tour guides for the time I spent in London. Oxford was wonderful, a great city with a long history.
At least this time, I already have my passport. Since I am familiar with London from my trip in 1991, and having some friends in London, it made sense to break up my trip to Africa with a couple of nights in London. An added benefit is that my two nights in London may help me to adjust to the change in time zones. London is five hours ahead of NJ (I think), and Malawi is two hours ahead of London.
As I faced the reality of my upcoming trip to Malawi in sub-Saharan Africa, I knew that there are things about international travel that I need to learn about. Thanks to some friends, and to the Internet, I could easily find out answers to questions such as visa requirements, required shots and prescriptions, and a list of things to include in my health kit. I am fortunate to have a travel agent in the family who booked by flights and my hotel in London. He also told me about the prepaid international calling card that works in Malawi, and about an online store that has a lot of things that I will need for my trip. Finally, I spent too much time on the Internet finding out about international cellular telephone coverage. Oh, and I won't even talk about electrical connections. And yes, I do know on good authority what adaptor I need for Malawi. And it is even one that is included by Apple in their world wide adaptor kit. In case any wants to know, it is the same adaptor used in most of the United Kingdom.
The trip leader of my trip tipped me off that my ATM/debit cards will not work in the few available ATM machines in Malawi, but said that I can use my visa credit card to get cash. He has also provided me with invaluable country–related information.
Finding out these things has helped me deal with the reality of this upcoming trip. I also found this process somewhat soothing.
Purpose of Malawi Trip
Because I have written about issues related to providing a clean and safe water supply to one remote village in southern Malawi, some of my friends think that my upcoming trip to Malawi is focused on the supply of water. While I was doing background research on Malawi last spring and summer, I quickly found out about the impact of HIV/AIDs on the people of Malawi. The group that I will be traveling with to Malawi in June will be looking at the impact of HIV/AIDS on the people of Malawi. Over the years, I have known more than a few very fine individuals who have died of HIV/AIDs, and I know many who have lived with HIV/AIDs for years thanks to the drug cocktails available. So, perhaps it is all these wonderful people that is but one of the many inspirations "calling" me to travel to Malawi.
From what I understand, we will be visiting various clinics, orphanages, and other groups that are helping the people in Malawi who are either living with HIV/AIDS or living with the effects of HIV/AIDS.
Even though most of my trip will involve looking at how the people of Malawi are coping with HIV/AIDS, I do hope that things will work out for me to visit Mindanti, the village I wrote about. Certain things have to come together for this happen that are outside of my control. All I can say is, this side–trip will either happen or it won’t. No matter what, I know that I am in for an adventure.
From what I understand, we will be visiting various clinics, orphanages, and other groups that are helping the people in Malawi who are either living with HIV/AIDS or living with the effects of HIV/AIDS.
Even though most of my trip will involve looking at how the people of Malawi are coping with HIV/AIDS, I do hope that things will work out for me to visit Mindanti, the village I wrote about. Certain things have to come together for this happen that are outside of my control. All I can say is, this side–trip will either happen or it won’t. No matter what, I know that I am in for an adventure.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Origins of my trip to Malawi
Last year I found that my writing took me in a new and very unexpected direction. I answered a call for articles in one of my planning magazines, Progressive Planning, for an upcoming thematic issue on social justice and water. I had become more aware of the very sad state of global water supply through my work on the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns (for the Episcopal Church). Not knowing where to start, I contacted the Episcopal Relief and Development Office in NYC along with several other organizations affiliated with the Episcopal Church. I was beginning to lose hope when I was put in touch with Dr. Tom Gebhard, a water resources engineer and an Episcopalian from Austin Texas. Members of Tom’s parish, St. David’s, were among the founding members of a non-profit, Warm Heart International devoted to outreach in southern Malawi. Warm Heart was then engaged in raising money to put in a well in Mindanti, a small village in a remote section of southern Malawi. Tom and I exchanged many e–mails and a couple of telephone calls over the coming months as I focused on writing my article on Malawi. The article appeared in print in December, and is called “A Bottom–Up Planning Model for a Safe and Accessible Water Supply in Malawi.”
I had the occasion to speak with a physician, Don Thomas. Don is involved in an organization called Global Aids Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), founded by The Rev. William Rankin, the former Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge Mass. Readers of this blog may remember that I wrote about GAIA in my November 14, 2006 blog entry.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world where its population suffer from a myriad of fatal diseases: HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB, water–borne diseases, and the like. Don has been to Malawi on several occasions, leading groups each summer. We talked about these issues as affects the need for a clean and safe water supply.
After I finished my article and before it was published, I began to experience what can be best described as a “calling” to go to Malawi. Not only would such a trip give my writing credibility, but also I would be able to complete the work my father started. You see, my Dad, who died fifteen years ago, was a research immunologist with a Ph.D. in microbiology. He wrote his dissertation on one the organisms that cause the water–borne diarroheal diseases commonly known as dysentery. He was offered a post–doctoral fellowship in 1961 in The Congo in Africa. I now understand why he turned it down. There was no way he could take his young family to an undeveloped country that may have engaged in a bloody civil war.
Knowing that Don Thomas travels to Malawi each summer in connection with his work for GAIA, I wrote him at the end of last year and asked him if I could tag along with one of the groups he leads this summer. Don got back to me in early January saying that he was going to ask me if I wanted to go to Malawi. Wow, how about that! Before saying yes, I had some important questions for him. I was looking for certain answers to these questions before saying yes, I got the answers that I was looking for. God at work?
I told a priest friend of mine that I felt a calling to go to Africa and I was trying to find excuses not to go, but that I could not find any. He grinned and said that I won’t be able to.
It took a few weeks to work out all the details. I booked my plane tickets to Malawi last week. I leave on June 10.
I had the occasion to speak with a physician, Don Thomas. Don is involved in an organization called Global Aids Interfaith Alliance (GAIA), founded by The Rev. William Rankin, the former Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge Mass. Readers of this blog may remember that I wrote about GAIA in my November 14, 2006 blog entry.
Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world where its population suffer from a myriad of fatal diseases: HIV/AIDS, Malaria, TB, water–borne diseases, and the like. Don has been to Malawi on several occasions, leading groups each summer. We talked about these issues as affects the need for a clean and safe water supply.
After I finished my article and before it was published, I began to experience what can be best described as a “calling” to go to Malawi. Not only would such a trip give my writing credibility, but also I would be able to complete the work my father started. You see, my Dad, who died fifteen years ago, was a research immunologist with a Ph.D. in microbiology. He wrote his dissertation on one the organisms that cause the water–borne diarroheal diseases commonly known as dysentery. He was offered a post–doctoral fellowship in 1961 in The Congo in Africa. I now understand why he turned it down. There was no way he could take his young family to an undeveloped country that may have engaged in a bloody civil war.
Knowing that Don Thomas travels to Malawi each summer in connection with his work for GAIA, I wrote him at the end of last year and asked him if I could tag along with one of the groups he leads this summer. Don got back to me in early January saying that he was going to ask me if I wanted to go to Malawi. Wow, how about that! Before saying yes, I had some important questions for him. I was looking for certain answers to these questions before saying yes, I got the answers that I was looking for. God at work?
I told a priest friend of mine that I felt a calling to go to Africa and I was trying to find excuses not to go, but that I could not find any. He grinned and said that I won’t be able to.
It took a few weeks to work out all the details. I booked my plane tickets to Malawi last week. I leave on June 10.
Travel to Malawi in early summer
It is official, late last week, I booked plane tickets to Malawi in the later half of June. I am very excited about this opportunity. I will be traveling with a group from All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena CA.
I am headed out the door, literally. I will be writing more about how this trip came to be shortly and how it came about, so stay tuned.
I am headed out the door, literally. I will be writing more about how this trip came to be shortly and how it came about, so stay tuned.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Reflections on light bulbs
Funny thing. I never used to spend much time thinking about light bulbs. Every so often, I’d pick some up of various sizes when I was at the grocery or hardware store. A light bulb was a light bulb, or so I thought. When I had my first apartments as a young adult, first in Baltimore and then in Manhattan, I’m not even sure that I kept light bulbs in my apartment. If a bulb burned out, I was just as likely to do with out or to “borrow” one from another light fixture until I got around to getting a package of bulbs.
In those days, I could by one package of light bulbs and they would last a long time. When I was living in Manhattan, I might have had a lamp on my desk. Since I was a college student, it would have been the intelligent thing to do. Other than that, it was ceiling fixtures, one in the living room, the bedroom, and the bathroom. And they might have been bare bulbs.
So, almost thirty years later, my lighting needs are much more complex. And we are living in different times. All of a sudden what type of light bulb I use can make a difference. After spending $10 per spiral light bulb in the supermarket, I found myself in the light bulb isle of Home Depot. And listening to the ribbing my partner was giving me for making a trip to Home Depot to buy light bulbs.
And I learned about lumens in the light bulb. Lumens are the measure of the output of a light. Don’t be impressed, I only learned about lumens because I asked one of the people in the orange aprons about why some of the spirals I had seemed to produce less light than expected.
I learned that the 3–way spiral from GE had more lumens than the 3–way spiral that Home Depot sold. The other spirals sold by Home Depot had comparable lumens to the GE spiral light bulbs and the CVS spiral light bulbs. So, I’ll stick with the more expensive GE 3–way spirals for now, except I have not been able to find any. Oh, and 3–way spirals do not come in the compact size. They are larger because more spirals are needed in the higher watt spirals.
I have put the spirals in almost all the lighting on my list. Some of the lighting that gets lower use will not get spirals. Nor will some of our 3–way lamps because the spirals don’t fit. And I have not yet seen any spirals that will fit the chandelier in my dining room.
I am glad that I have finally dealt with getting spirals. It is a small way that I can help counter global warming.
In those days, I could by one package of light bulbs and they would last a long time. When I was living in Manhattan, I might have had a lamp on my desk. Since I was a college student, it would have been the intelligent thing to do. Other than that, it was ceiling fixtures, one in the living room, the bedroom, and the bathroom. And they might have been bare bulbs.
So, almost thirty years later, my lighting needs are much more complex. And we are living in different times. All of a sudden what type of light bulb I use can make a difference. After spending $10 per spiral light bulb in the supermarket, I found myself in the light bulb isle of Home Depot. And listening to the ribbing my partner was giving me for making a trip to Home Depot to buy light bulbs.
And I learned about lumens in the light bulb. Lumens are the measure of the output of a light. Don’t be impressed, I only learned about lumens because I asked one of the people in the orange aprons about why some of the spirals I had seemed to produce less light than expected.
I learned that the 3–way spiral from GE had more lumens than the 3–way spiral that Home Depot sold. The other spirals sold by Home Depot had comparable lumens to the GE spiral light bulbs and the CVS spiral light bulbs. So, I’ll stick with the more expensive GE 3–way spirals for now, except I have not been able to find any. Oh, and 3–way spirals do not come in the compact size. They are larger because more spirals are needed in the higher watt spirals.
I have put the spirals in almost all the lighting on my list. Some of the lighting that gets lower use will not get spirals. Nor will some of our 3–way lamps because the spirals don’t fit. And I have not yet seen any spirals that will fit the chandelier in my dining room.
I am glad that I have finally dealt with getting spirals. It is a small way that I can help counter global warming.
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