Get on ‘yer’ bike ……….

It’s all about the bike – Before I go to take up the Educational Specialist post in Mangochi I of course have to have transport.  As I’ve already mentioned this means learning to ride a motor bike. A long time ago, before the BCT training ( i.e. having to pass initial training before going out onto the roads – yes I’m that old !) .) I rode a motor bike to a school.  Quite badly I might add – who can forget the wheelie (is that how you spell it ?)  down the drive towards the garage door !    As those of you who are keen (or daft )  enough to have read the previous blogs will know I passed the figure of 8 in the car park and was allowed to venture out onto the roads of Blackburn.  Well something very similar happens in Malawi except ………………………. its zig-zags around very closely spaced 10 cones. I’m sure they were further apart in England !    At the beginning of the week I managed to kill 9 of the 10 cones, but after much swearings and repetitive shouts of  “Come on I can do this !!! ” at the end of the week I was judged to be safe to ride on the roads of Malawi.  When I say roads I of course mean roads and …….. dirt tracks. Fortunately they drive on the same side of the road.  So off I went following the instructor through the roads of the capital city of Malawi. That’s where the similarities between Blackburn and Lilongwe stop.

 

During the ride you encounter;  an inordinate number of pedestrians who really believe that roads are for people on foot;   Mini-buses rammed full with people ( the popular form of transport in Malawi, similar to our buses but nothing like !  ) who never show any signs of pulling away, turning left or turning right……… in fact no indications whatsoever, except to yell out of the window at fellow road users; a great number of cyclists who compete for the roads and side ways with the pedestrians, a few goats who randomly cross the road, dogs who usually just cross the road with no thought of the Highway Code and of course cars and motor bikes!

Well I managed to successfully manoeuvre my way through these roads and was beginning to become quite confident when we turned down a track that even if I was on foot I would consider fairly difficult to walk down.  …………….. managing to avoid large ridges that go along the road, humps that go across the road , holes that appear from nowhere, slopes that disappear into large ditches and all on extremely dusty, sand like surfaces…………. and of course the goats, people, children and the whole world going along this track at exactly the same time as me !   Just about managing to weave my way through these challenges bringing back memories of going to Motor Bike scramble events at Hawkstone Park – here I was the ‘Lampkin’   ( how on earth do I remember his name I was 14 the last time I went to a scramble event !! )  of the Malawian dirt tracks  ……..

With my bike wheel sliding sideways I was just starting to feel relaxed when the track began to narrow as it entered a homestead of several houses and lots of people, children, dogs – you get the picture.  The track really narrowed when as I lifted my head up I saw not 30 yards ahead of me what must have been the biggest fully ladened truck in the world and it was, like me,   trying to manoeuvre its way along the ruts, ridges and holes ………….. coming towards me and occupying exactly the same carefully thought out line of avoiding the ridges ruts and holes etc ! ………….  In no time at all I was on the narrowest part of the track at exactly the same time as the extremely large truck.  At this point I did what all motor cyclists people do when they think – Oh My Goodness ! …………. ( well I did anyway ) I leaned as far as i dare to the left,  the truck being on my left  ……. and yes you’ve guessed it …. closed my eyes !!!!!! I know you shouldn’t but I guess it was a reflex reaction.  Waiting to hear a noise of my wing mirror being ripped off  I opened my eyes and somehow, and I’ll never know quite  how but the truck had gone past me and I was carrying on up the track. …………..  They say Four wheels move the body and Two wheels move the soul – well I have to say it was more than my soul that moved !

With my back wheel sliding sideways from left to right and even occasionally in a straight line when the ridges in the track allowed I managed to complete the ride without any further incidents.  Arriving back at the yard, the instructor took his helmet off and asked – “Well how do you feel?  What do you think ? ” ……………… “Yes fine thanks !!!!!!!  Enjoyed it !!!!! ”    I left my helmet on so he couldn’t quite see how ashen faced I was

“We’ve just got the 200Km ride to do and some more dirt track rides then we’re done ! See you Monday”

……………………………… “Oh great I shall look forward to that   !!”

Lessons learned ……..

Still on my In-country Orientation ( or commonly known as “they cant find a house for me !” )  Well that’s not quite true but more about that later.

Heard at the beginning of this week that I just needed 5 sessions on the motor bike before I’m let out onto the Malawian roads – apparently this is a good thing – not me being on the Malawian roads which quite frankly terrifies me, but the fact I only have to do 5 sessions of training as opposed to 15 sessions.  Not sure when they begin but hopefully this week as I clearly need the motor bike when Im in Mangochi.  Presumably I cant go until Im judged to be a safe motor cyclist on roads that are busy to say the least and manic at the worst. Can’t wait !  And of course can’t go yet as havent found a house yet, but that was last week’s adventure.

“We’re off to Mangochi to find a house !”   Great …….. and off we set.  The roads in Malawi. particularly in towns and cities are fairly crowded,but as you get out into the country they are very straight, the traffic eases up but there are always people walking along the sides of the road and every so often there is a police road block and or a speed camera !  Well we stopped at a road block and speed camera and I thought it was a very interesting thing as it was the first time that I had encountered it and in hind sight, well ………. probably not a good idea …… but …….. thought to record events that happened I lifted my camera up to take a photo …………………WRONG decision.   It was not warmly received.  In no uncertain terms I was told to get out of the car, and suddenly was taken back to my school days when standing in front of the head teacher for not wearing my cap to school………….Sorry sir, I didn’t know, Im sorry, It wont happen again, so sorry, I’m new here, I didn’t understand,  etc etc.. That made no difference in my school days and I received the obligatory slipper ! but I thought Id give it a go and fortunately it worked this time.  I was severely told off.  He demanded to see all the photographs and fortunately I hadn’t actually clicked the button so there wasn’t a photo  … It was very much a one way conversation and series of questions which didn’t really expect an answer  except for repetitive “sorry, sorry” Told in no uncertain terms to get back into the car and we were on our way ! Lesson learned !

Looking for houses in Mangochi was a fascinating experience.  It wasn’t an Estate Agent experience more like finding a person, who knew a person who had an uncle who knew someone’s brother  whose cousin was letting a house but it may not be built yet.  Fortunately I had two brilliant people with me who just seemed to know everyone in Mangochi although they’d never met them before !

The morning of the visit gave me my first view  of probably one of the most important geographical landmarks of the country, Lake Malawi.  Apparently the lake has more species of fish than any other lake certainly in Africa if not the world    I was introduced here to what is apparently the best tasting fish you can have – Chambo – so obviously i had to try it A really beautiful lake, that early in the morning had the fishermen collecting their nets and placing their fish in containers ready to sell them  As well as the washing of clothes by the ladies at the waters edge.  The beach at the lake was just a hive of activity.  A fantastic scene to witness and one which I guess I will become used to but seeing it for the first time it just made you stand and take it all in .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                   And then of course the ladies carry their washing home – just amazing

Ready to search for the house we ventured into Mangochi which was just teeming with people, bikes, stalls, sellers, goats, stores    Such a busy place .  With mainly a tarmaced road ( no kerbs of course so its just a raised piece of road) with a few crossroads and then as you turn down these the tarmac gives way to dirt roads, bumps, ridges and all sorts of holes to catch out the uninitiated visitor.  We venture down one such road, with 2 additional passengers, a lady and her nephew, who are our guides to find this house. We arrive outside a house that is surrounded by the wall and security gate.  Looking around the house it looks good and very spacious but sadly it isn’t finished yet, and the builders are still inside it. Interestingly they live inside the house while they build it, their personal mosquito nets are carefully positioned in some of the rooms.  They say it will be finished in 2 weeks.  The plastering needed doing, utilities had to be put in and windows.  It would be very handy if I want to hone up my soccer skills as the football pitch is right in front of the gates.  We wait outside while we try to contact the owner to discuss the cost but sadly she wasn’t availableIt –  definitely looked a good prospect but whether it would be ready for me is another question  We will have to wait and see.    Whilst waiting we buy some small orange fruit ‘things’ for which there isnt an equivalent in English.

 

On to another and another.  Stop off to ask another man who has a friend who has a cousin who might know someone.  This meeting took place right by the Lake, and I was told that if while I was in Mangochi then this would be the place to come and swim. Just come and ask for the owner of these lodges.  I thanked him and thought what a great idea – ………… “Oh but you will just have to mind the crocodiles ‘cos this is where they come ! ”   …………… ” oh ok thanks for that I’ll think about it and let you know ! ”

We venture down what does appear to be a footpath around a very tight corner…………… we drive down the very narrow footpath – eyes closed ( mine I hasten to add not the driver thankfully ! )

At this house I had to stay in the car as we were told that as soon as they saw me, being a different colour to everyone else, the price of the rental would at least double if not treble.  Again I was taken back in my memory when as a child my mother and father, as a rare Sunday treat, went to a country pub.  I dutifully stayed in the car with my lemonade and packet of crisps for an hour or so and waited for their return.

So I sat in the car, ate my orange and I observed the discussion outside the gate and then they went inside the compound to reappear again 10 minutes later. This apparently looked a really good house, which unfortunately they couldn’t go inside as the owner was away but from the outside it looked really good.  So fingers crossed.   We then drove the long journey back to Lilongwe – quite how Im going to do this journey on my motor bike I’m not quite sure.  It goes right through the mountains, a very twisty and steep road where there used to be barriers on the side of the most dangerous bits but these have ‘disappeared’!  But I’m sure after 5 sessions I’ll be raring to go – mmmmmm …do you really think so ? ?

To add to the excitement of the week, those of you who know me, know I can last without food, without comforts etc but I really cant do without music.  Being all prepared I downloaded almost my whole collection of CDs, records ( or as they call it now Vinyls – you young people – huh  ! ) and made sure I had Spotify on every device, though without the Internet not sure how that will work but we will see.  Two days in my Bluetooth speaker, JBL Flip 3, (for those of you who are interested and you’re probably not but I just thought that if someone from JBL sees this they might feel sorry for me and send me a new one ! ) that has worked beautifully for the last year, suddenly decided to just pack in.  Buttons refused to work.  What do you do in situations like this besides for smashing it against the wall and shouting – a’ la John Cleese fashion – “You ********* worked for me in ****** England Why do you ****** wait until now to pack in  ?   I’m going to thrash you within an inch of your life ”  But instead turn to Youtube and some guy in the States had exactly the same problem and without going into detail, as you’ve probably already dropped off to sleep, I managed to get it kind of working, though not as it should !!!  So sanity is restored and the hills are alive again !   Note to JBL I can give you my forwarding address at any time ! And if it stops again. can anyone recommend any good books to read ………………

To round off the week I went with a fellow Volunteer to undergo my first visit to schools.  The whole reason why I’m out here – and wow I was just blown away.  The children were so so well behaved.  I just stood and watched as these  6 year olds walked into the Learning centre ( 30 children out of a class of 150) They sat on the rush mats and waited beautifully.  They passed the iPads along the line of 4, received their headphones, logged onto their group and found their names.  Without any further fuss they proceeded to work their way through the tasks on the iPads.  Hardly a word was spoken and certainly not by the children.

 

The smiles were enormous when they completed a task and if they got something wrong there was no question of asking for help, they just sat there and tried to work it out for themselves, and repeated it until they got it right or the program moved them on.  At the end of session they closed the iPads, took off their headphones and just moved silently out of the class.

 

These children were  6 years of age  and many had very very poor literacy and numeracy skills, if any.  To watch them working within this environment was just amazing.  Definitely some lessons to be learned by others I think 

 

 

My first introduction to schools and I cant wait to go into my own group of schools.

 

And then to round off a brilliant morning I watched as some of the children performed in front of the school.  I was invited to sit and watch.  And it was a role reversal  as the teachers took pictures of me just sitting there watching the festivities   It was a fantastic experience. This is Malawi

One week in ……… well almost!

Well, been in Malawi now for almost 1 week – only another 51 weeks to go – doesn’t time fly when you’re enjoying yourself!  That sounds negative and I don’t mean it to be at all but actually when you say you’re going somewhere for a year it sounds a very long time but with only 51 weeks to go somehow it seems different.

This week has been all about ‘In-country orientation’ to use the correct terminology ( actually it’s probably not but I’ve lost count of the number of new phrases I’ve had to learn – and that’s just in English – Liquidation  – basically when you ask for money that you may need or alternatively claim money back, or hand in receipts for food bought, but you need a pritt stick (forgot to pack mine !)  and a piece of paper and an amazing capacity to keep every single receipt – simples ! So in the midst of trying to learnEnglish I’ve also had to begin ( and the emphasis is on begin !) to  learn Chichewa – Zikomo (thank you) and Moni (Hello) and Muli Bwanji? ( How are you?) Trouble is with the last one they tend to reply with something that I haven’t got a clue.  So I fall back on my usual Language trick of nodding and smiling and uttering the occasional sound which agrees with what they say.  Well it always worked for me in France that is except when we got a plate of uncooked meats and cheeses and I thought I’d ordered 5 omelettes ! So meal times are still interesting.

The staple diet is either chicken (in all forms) and Nsima.   This is cooked, ground white maize flour that is used as the stodge ( and I mean that in the nicest way) for the majority of malawian meals.  Eaten with your fingers this was my introduction to Malawian food. But to eat it you have to wash your hands first.  I walked over to the sink and turned the tap on but no water.  Fortunately my ‘minder’ while I’m country orientating was with me and asked them to turn on the water. Apparently it is turned off to save for when there is a problem with water supply.  As I don’t have a big appetite I only managed one Nsima. As people had previously told me it has no taste at all but is very filling. So filling that I haven’t eaten another one – yet !

My home for the next few days is  the Country Office in the guest house. I’m staying here until accommodation can be found for me in Mangochi.  I guess at the moment I’m very lucky as I do have a fairly secure wifi access something I won’t have when I go ‘into the country .  We  have guards on the gates and it does take some getting used to them letting you out and then knocking on the

gate when you come back, even when you’ve just popped

out for a yoghurt ! ( not that I used to eat yoghurt but you get the gist  …………..and I do now! ……..)

You do feel like saying ‘ it’s ok I’m only popping out for a few minutes, just going round the corner I won’t be long – leave it open !!! but of course you can’t and on return – knock 3 times ( another cue for a song !) and the guard opens the gate – as I walk past the guard  ‘Zikomo’

( see even you’ve learnt the language now ! )

As well as meetings on Finance, I have meetings on Safety and security, naturally,  which was really helpful – what to do if …………… ( I just hope I can remember it when “if ‘ does happen or even if  ‘if’  happens – what?)

For my VSO Card I had to go and have a passport photo taken – No sitting in a booth, feeding your money into a machine and click its done – in Malawi you get the personal touch.  A lovely photo shop with a pulled curtain and a chair at the far end of the room.  A gentleman with a camera appears and takes your photo – telling me head to the left, no thats too much, not enough – ( I really couldn’t do a photo shoot. ) And then hey presto in a few minutes you’re given your 2 Passport photos.

 

 

Visiting the market in the city was a fantastic experience.  Although as in many markets around the world the sellers really want to sell you their goods, and when I say they want to sell you their goods – they really want to sell you there goods, a simple no thank you is all that is needed and you move on to the next person who wants to see you their produce. Really lovely people . The vegetables and fruits, looked truly amazing and again everyone was extremely polite

 

As I travelled to my next part of the induction, I travel along a route off the tarmac road and into other parts.  The roads are a kind of sandy grit have a number of holes and bumps all along the route, where occasionally the bottom of the car does meet the road surface.  The shops and houses along these paths/roads are very different to the area where the Country office is , where local people and businesses are selling their wares in what we would call very impoverished conditions. It does make you stop and think very hard about people and hardships. Just driving though these areas and I’m sure there are many around the world very similar and even worse but when you think of what ‘we’ have it does make you think ! I know I’ve repeated myself but it’s worth the repetition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My journey was of course to the land of the cones ! which if you’ve read previous blogs you will know that this is devised by people who just want to create patterns with cones and make you drive around them on a two wheeled vehicle that was never made to go round cones spaced only a few metres apart.  So here we go again and according to local legend (or so I am told) if I’m ok on the bike then I will only need 5 days of training to be ready for the Malawian roads and if  I hit the cones or don’t manoeuvre in a figure of 8,  6 times successfully I’ll need 15 days !!!!!!!!!! I can’t wait ! As I write this I am awaiting to hear the full verdict and the sentence !

Just as a useless piece of information do you know if you look up to translate English into a language for Malawi it doesn’t exist !

Killed my first mosquito tonight withe ‘Executioner” – zzzzttt there it was gone – great feeling of triumph but still trying to suss out how to get into bed once the mosquito net is tucked in.

And here we go …………

As I sit here in Johannesburg airport waiting for my final flight, I look back on the last 2 weeks and just go – WOW!   They really did just fly by – I am the world’s biggest Procrastinator – ( a brilliant talk on TED on Procrastination – if you haven’t seen it it’s well worth a watch ) –  “Don’t do things today when you can always do it tomorrow ! ”   The trouble with that is – I did have an end date – i.e. 26th ! and with so many things to do and so many people to see I give myself an impossible task.  There were people I didn’t actually get to see before I left. And I really did want to see them but for some reason my brain seems to work on a different time scale to  GMT !  (so my apologies ) I think I can do things when I actually don’t have the days or hours to do it!  Its the same philosophy as ‘it’ll only take 5 minutes to get there when in reality it’s a half hour drive ! I didn’t get the nickname for nothing – and those who don’t know it you will have to guess !!

A huge thanks to all those friends who wished me well, sponsored – me and VSO,   and who follow this blog. And of course to the family ensemble.      It really brings in to focus the saying that you may not see someone but you know they are there for you ( or words to that effect !)

Not only did I run out of days to see people, but the eternal question of “Have you packed yet ? ” brought the inevitable answer  – “Not yet, but there’s plenty of time. 

Have you packed yet ? Must rate alongside, in the taxi world, “Have you been busy?”  Or “What time did you start? ”   If after overcoming the Wow factor of “You’re going to Malawi – Conversation dies and you get – “Have you packed yet?”

Actually what I meant by my response was I haven’t got a clue what to take, how to take it or what I need to buy to exist for 12 months in a country that I had no real knowledge of or had visited before. A small shopping spree was called for, and what would we do without Internet shopping !  Apart from the clothing which had it’s own challenges, there were the electrical items, which could well prove to be totally useless in a country that only has 4 hours of Electricity a day, and then that’s not always guaranteed so first purchase was a  small portable Solar Panel.  I have no idea if this works as it wasn’t very sunny in the last few days so fingers crossed.  If this is the last Blog post you see – the Solar Panel didn’t work ! Mosquito net, although one should be provided, its kind of belt and braces –   ooooh that reminds me ………….. where did I put them ???     Not sure if I can survive without music so how am I going to listen to my music  ? So the iPads, iPods Laptop all go in, Head Phones, Hard drives, mobiles both locked and unlocked !   All may be totally useless but we will see.

Oh then of course like a centre piece on a table – sits the Motor Bike helmet,  In pride of place in the baggage – smack in the middle! Surrounded by clothes of all descriptions  Fortunately this was a good container for the sun tan lotions, creams and everything else that people say – “Oh you must take this tablet, that potion, !  A very useful container to keep them all together Not an easy item to pack in the Hold luggage it has to be said, but that’s where it has to go and be part of the total weight allowance of 30 kg

Carrying on this blog post I am now sitting on the South African Airways plane flying to Malawi, having genuinely interesting conversations with the nun sitting next to me and the American lady who is helping support a High school to encourage girls to attend school past the age of 11.

I have to say the journey out here has been relatively flawless – I may be speaking too soon as I’m still mid-air and obviously need to collect my bags in Lilongwe, collect and pay for my Visa, then meet someone (?) who will take me to the country office. Besides for that all 3 flights, Dubai, Johannesburg and Lilongwe have gone well.  Through the dreaded passport controls and searchers with laptops and electricals which were spread throughout my carry on bag, now sit all together as it’s easier to take them out in one go.

I was slightly confused in Johannesburg when arriving, I stopped to check my ticket.  A fatal mistake as when I looked up everyone else had gone, no others to follow ! Walking down airport corridors totally on your own is very scary  With no real idea of where you are going you just keep walking and hope for the best.  Come to the sign Connecting flights ! Well thats me, so you dutifully follow

but in the back of your mind you also read the sign that says “Collect your bags for connecting flights”, but you remember the lady at check in in Manchester saying your bags went all the way on the journey, so you ignore the signs and cross your fingers while you’re walking.  Still totally on your own you see the sign Connecting flights – International and Connecting flights Domestic ! Decision time – based on lack of geographical knowledge –  is travelling to Malawi from Johannesburg, international or domestic – Snap decision as no-one else to follow ! Domestic  – based on It’s in Africa and not out of Africa ( good title for a  film !) …………….. wrong ! But was directed towards the correct place after queuing for 30 mins, by a very polite Customs guy !   Again the long walk, on your own, through the detectors which I set off 4 times as I forgot I was wearing a belt !

Suffice to say caught the connecting flight and landed in Lilongwe, Malawi.  At Visa control the queues were enormous ! One desk to collect the Visa application form, another desk to stamp the Visa form, another desk to check the form and stamp, another desk to pay for the Visa, another desk to receive the receipt and stamp it, then a final desk to look at the Visa and ask all the questions which have already been answered on the form to thankfully allow me through !

Walk out into the Greeting area and tick a little box in my head as I look up and see someone standing there with a sign with my name on it !!!!!!! Love it !   I always wanted that !

Journey by car to my initial place to stay in Lilongwe.  We pass crowds on the road selling

all sorts of things, from Vegetables, to holding up live chickens by the claw, to a young boy holding a rack of mice held by their tails whichI am told are delicious – I’ll take his word for it !

First night in Malawi, I undo the Mosquito net, tuck it in and then think maybe I should have got in first !! I’ll work that one out in the days ahead !!!!!!!

VSO Training -Indoors and “Outdoors”

My last post was the best post I’ve ever written. !  Sadly it was in my head and not actually on the blog.

Had a great few days training with other Volunteers at the VSO offices in Richmond. What an amazing group of people with so many different skills. Running through role play and facilitation methods was never my most favourite part of training but I have to say that this was some of the best training I have ever had. My thanks to the trainers, VSO staff, and volunteers – You were brilliant – (I really should do my feedback -sorry )

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The opportunity to discuss with other volunteers, hopes, fears, medical needs, areas of expertise, need for reassurance on how many clothes to take, size of bags,  and crucial tips on Mosquito nets, Executioner rackets for mosquitoes, Malarial tablets,  and how to eat a whole mouse (?) – don’t ask ! all made a great few days. A great social mix of people made the event even better.

 

Then we come to the Comfort zone……….. well actually not the comfort zone at all.  As far removed from the comfort zone that you can get!    Two days after the VSO  training – oh by the way we’ve booked you on some motor bike training days and it’s in 3 days time  !

I arrived in plenty of time ( unusual I know !- No need for comment thank you) and pulled up alongside what I would describe as a medium sized playground with comes placed in some sort of pr-arranged pattern, clearly designed by people who sat down in a pub one day and just had far too much alcohol and decided to just have the most fun they could with 45 cones placed randomly around a playground. I walked in and was told to go up stairs, get the kit on and they’d be starting soon, just waiting for a few others.  I climbed up the outside stairs of a builders hut and entered a foreign land – rows of white and black and red helmets, all shapes and sizes, some pointed, some open faced, some with visors down , visors up. – I had no idea !   Next to the racks of helmets were hung a collection of very heavy looking ‘gladiatorial jackets’ again all shapes and sizes.  Underneath we’re 3 boxes of large gloves, that had been thrown into the box with no order what so ever. It reminded me of the PE cupboard back at school !  I decided to take the cowards way out, and just sit down, like a child waiting outside the headmasters office, and wait to be told what to do whilst a collection of other riders came in and donned the gear.  Clearly they all had experience of riding and being there before, as these largish gentlemen ( well larger than me – not difficult I know) many bearded, put their armour on ready to do battle in the gladiator ring known as the ‘The Conned Playground’

After having the safety talk I was taken down to the bikes, sat astride, ( I shall avoid the obvious comment !) started it, and then began what I can only describe as ‘total and abject failure’   Steering around a figure of 8 whilst trying to manoeuvre a piece of heavy metal and not falling off is almost impossible – well it was for me …………. too slow and you fall off, too fast and you just head towards the fence, too tight and you send the cones flying, too wide and you just ride in a circle.  Suffice it to say at the end of a day where the sweat was pouring down, my very patient instructor said  ” I don’t think we’re quite ready for the road yet- are we ? ” ……………….. “We …….. are not !” Was the reply

On the second day after another intense few hours – “I think we are ready for the road now – what do you think ?” Well, never one to shirk a challenge – “Why not!” So the streets of Blackburn and Chorley were my home for the next few rides !! After many reminders to ‘Observe, indicate, observe again, manoeuvre , life saving observation, ( which is always a bit scary sounding) turn, one more life saving observation and I was awarded my permit to ride on the roads – Malawi dirt tracks here I come !!!! Don’t use your front brake on dirt tracks apparently ! Time will tell

All I have to do now is pack !!!! Oh and by the way you need a motor bike helmet which needs to go in your bag, and is part of your weight allowance !!!   That’s going to take a whole post on the next blog !!!!

Monday June 26th and counting !

Another 10k ticked off ……

………..and one more day closer to going out to Malawi. I knew that the Great Manchester Run would be different to Blackpool but I have to say it was absolutely amazing.  Definitely something that I will always remember.  The crowds and the atmosphere were something that I wasn’t quite prepared for.  The support that came from the crowds really did make a difference.

Although I still didn’t manage to crack the 60 minute barrier, and I was following the 60 minute ‘banner guy’ all the way until the last couple of kms but never mind as they say it’s the taking part that counts – guess I shouldn’t have stopped to take a photo !!

But this race was something special following the dreadful happenings earlier on in the week. Puts everything in to perspective and whatever we can do to help each other, no matter how small or how big;  no matter what race, creed or colour; is so important – definitely taking my medal and t-shirt with me as a reminder.

On the Malaria tablets front, I have already bored people with the story so to précis  ( oh how clever is that – accent acute – Grade 8 O’level French all comes flooding back !) Choice of 3 types of tablets – I chose  one particular type – costed it out by asking the local Pharmacy.  Comment from pharmacist – “That’ll be £1,400 How long you going for ??? ” – I replied  – Errr – 12 months.  ‘This prescription is for 8 years !!” – ooops –  Suffice to say that I now have a new prescription for just 12 months. Anti rabies only one more to go, all other injections now received.

I was originally told that I was to work in Mangochi, which I believe is a largish town with over 100km between schools and training institutions. …… ‘Sorted’

Last week I heard that I was to be placed in Salima, a slightly smaller town on the shores of Lake Malawi.  I could stay in an apartment block that had various provisions including bars on the windows  and  Night Guard – … is that the same as Night Nurse ???? – ……… ‘Sorted’

Yesterday I was told that I am now back in Mangochi and at the moment have no accommodation but am assured that something will be found for me –  This way of organisation I am beginning to think is synonymous with the Project  …..  Anyone possess a tent with a mosquito net ? ……….. ‘Sorted ?’

Not sure about Man Friday’s footprints – haven’t found him yet !
I absolutely know where everything is or Just in case I need it for an Assembly

 

On a personal level, I had a number of tasks to undertake before I embark on the adventure.  Probably the number one was to clear the garage of all the years accumulated items since moving from Essex. Although of course I knew where absolutely everything was – no I did, honestly I did ……..  and could quite easily put my hand on any item within seconds, ….. well maybe minutes… there was a request that this be made a little simpler for others.  So last week I set to and with the help of a rather large skip, sheer ruthlessness and a few tears, I cleared the garage of some 25 years of ‘ I’ll just put that there as you never know it may well come in handy !” syndrome.

 

 

Still have the ‘Suzuki 100’ motor bike in there, which was my solution for getting to a school as an ‘Associate Head Teacher’ as it was the only way of getting there as the car was otherwise engaged.  It hasn’t seen the light of day for the last 22 years.

 

I’m told it’ll stand me in good stead for the Trials Bike that I’m going to have to learn to ride on the roads of Malawi to go and visit the schools – not totally convinced !

 

 

If anyone wants a Suzuki, please let me know. But for the first time in my life the car actually fits in the garage !

Again I have to mention the generosity of the people who have donated to my Just Giving page ( links at the side of my blog) The amazing generosity of you all has been absolutely brilliant.  A special thanks to Inglewhite Congregational Church where I gave a short talk about my proposed visit.  The generosity of the congregation was fantastic, as well as the verbal support in thoughts and prayers.    Also to the Freemasons, in particular the Capper Chapter, who although operate a considerable way from where I live,  were kind and generous enough to donate to my adventure with VSO.   Your generous donations are very much appreciated.

This Saturday is the village Whitsuntide Festival.  After more than 20 years of being the MC for this event – this quite definitely is my last

( I say that every year but this one definitely is !)   I love doing it but it really is time to let someone else have a go. You can’t get to me in Malawi – although knowing Mr & Mrs Butters I’m not convinced !!

 

I have now received my flight tickets so it is  all seeming very real. Important questions are starting to build.  Ive actually started putting a few clothes to one side thinking I wonder if I’ll need that ? What clothes should I take?  Now where did I put my suitcase ?  Can you buy fish and chips in Malawi?  What books should I take to read ?  ( alright alright I know I don’t read but I’m there for 12 months !!! ), How am I going to play my music ? Can you get Netflix in Malawi?      So many questions and so few answers ! ………

 

 

The next couple of weeks as you can imagine, are quite full with preparations and courses.  I won’t deny that I do have thoughts that go along the lines of ….   “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh oh ‘my goodness’  (radio edit!) but I can’t tell you how much your support and words of encouragement mean to me – thanks x

 

 

A 10k, a Birthday and amazing friends !

or You really should know better at your age ! 

There is a saying that I have often heard, and indeed I have often used it myself  – “In this life you can count on the fingers of one hand ( why they don’t just say 5 or strictly speaking 4 fingers plus a thumb I have no idea !) the number of absolutely true friends that you can totally rely upon when you need them!   This may well be true for a majority or even a minority of people. At our front door we have a sign which says ” Friends welcome, Family by appointment !” Hopefully “The family” know me well enough to just go – ‘Yeah yeah – whatever ! ‘ We don’t mean it really 😉  Family of course are very important but  since starting out on this ‘Mad Malawian Adventure’ the friends element has been put more into focus.  Those ‘four fingers and a thumb’ have now increased to at least 2 sets of gloves and a couple of mittens !

If you’ve read the previous post on this blog you will know that there were two additions to ‘The Family’ very recently.  And I make no apology for adding another picture of them in this post ! – there has to be some plusses for reading this drivel !! ……………………..

…………… as well as making no apology to those of you who are teachers for starting a sentence with ‘And’  and all the other grammatical errors that I make – It’s written exactly how my brain thinks which has never wanted to conform anyway,  let alone conform with any SPAG rules  !!

Following their arrival I had loads of messages from friends congratulating and commenting on their birth  And for all of you I really thank you.  (oops done it again ! – just plain wicked !) I have passed on all your wishes and comments to their Mum and Dad

 

Then last Sunday of course I took part in the Blackpool 10K Fun Run. A slight misrepresentation of the name I feel – it was set in Blackpool and it was 10k but as for the last part ………but we will let that one go. It was an extremely warm if not hot day.  The atmosphere was as usual really good and very supportive of all the runners.  Despite looking ‘like I was the grim Reaper’s stand in’ as one kind friend put it, I managed to complete the course in just over the hour – which was about what I thought I would do but sadly not what I wanted to do ! One of the reasons I took part was to raise money for VSO (Voluntary Services Overseas) and my forthcoming work in Malawi.
I also took part to prove how fit I was – failed; to beat my time for last year – failed; as well as to smile for the whole of the 10k – failed, although I did manage to put my 2 thumbs up when told to ! ( I do sometimes mix up my fingers and thumbs  – my apologies to the little old lady who shouted “well done  – Two thumbs up” !)
But as far as raising money was/is concerned I am absolutely in awe of how generous people are, even so far as the guy called Alan who donated to my JustGiving page by adding,   “Im the guy who passed you on the Trinity 10K on Blackpool prom. Keep up the good work.” (Did he really have to get in the dig about passing me ? ) – just amazing. All of you who have donated I am really touched by your generosity and actually all your comments have really made a difference.  Some of the donations are from people I have known for a long long time, some are from ex pupils of schools where I have worked, while others are from people I have really only just got to know.  Actually it’s not just the donations but also the comments that people have made to me  (ignoring the ‘You must be absolutely off your rocker” and that of course is the Radio Edit version ! ) that have really made me think how lucky I am to know such a great group of people.  Rightly or wrongly all of these people I now feel have become even stronger friends. I just hope that this ‘friendship’ will continue in a ‘communication’ form over the next 12 months when I absolutely know that I will need all the support that I can get.  Your support will now mean such a lot to me.  Thank you

My next 10k is on May 28th in Manchester.  For those of you who haven’t donated yet but would like to do so my JustGiving page can be accessed by clicking on the JustGiving links on this blog.   I’m 83% of the way to reaching my total  Thank you all so much

To emphasise this friendship support, the following day after the 10k I had my birthday. I had more e-wishes for my birthday than I have ever had; no cards though but maybe that’s a sign of the times ! …………………  I did really just kidding !  Witness the one on the left with the inside inscription – “Saw this card and thought it was totally appropriate !”    …………..  I don’t know what they mean !

 

 

 

Again thank you all so much for your thoughts,  generosity, conversations, messages  – really touched.   Next Post – the malaria drug quandary !!!!!!!

Don’t forget add any comments below – I love to get them

Countdown has started!

Countdown has started – or ‘I would count down but I’m not sure where I’m counting to and slight interruption to proceedings – well 2 actually!’

First of all can I thank all those of you who have donated on Justgiving.  I am bowled over by the kindness and generosity of people.  I think I’ve said thank you to everyone so far but if I haven’t my apologies and I will do –  promise.  For those of you who want to donate and haven’t the link to my Justgiving page is at the bottom of this page. or at the side of the page, in the heading………although its not really the heading as it’s on the side but you know what I mean !

In order to prepare for Sunday’s 10k at Blackpool I have been trying to run every day ….. Failed miserably .  Decided I would do every other day – failed miserably again ! So now I kind of do it when I get the chance.  According to my Fitbit I do exactly the same time for every 10k  run.  I’m thinking there is something wrong with the GPS on it as Im sure that I should be getting faster. ! Think I might send it back and get one that tells me I’m getting faster every run I do.  Mind you as I’m running round my ‘meagre’ 10k I can’t help but think of the fantastic achievement of Cat and Sarah Cartmell who completed the London Marathon last weekend.  An amazing achievement – I taught them everything they know about running !  Well I didn’t really but they were very  little girls in my first School as Head Teacher – so something must have rubbed off ! A brilliant effort by both of you.

Also, was really excited as my t-shirt came for Sunday’s run – didn’t realise it costs to add pictures so it’s probably the most expensive t-shirt in the world so guess I’ll have to wear it more than once ! !
If you see me running give me a shout -number 547 ………  if its anything like last year I’ll be at the back tracking the guy in the bear costume !

My running training has also been slightly disrupted by an amazing ‘happening’ last Tuesday. The birth of 2 beautiful granddaughters – Sophie and Naomi.

 
Again when I look at them everything else just pails into insignificance.  They came home a couple of days ago and they are absolutely gorgeous and amazing little girls.  I know that they will be given all the love in the world by friends and relatives.  Just brings into sharper focus those in other countries who won’t be as fortunate as these two. And kind of makes me think I’m doing the right thing about trying to give something to an area of the world where the babies and children like these aren’t as fortunate

Nevertheless less I shall miss them and of course their crazy sister Heidi  ( you try standing on one leg, hands together and close your eyes – I tried and fell over !)  but look forward to getting loads of photos.

Lots of people have asked me how Im feeling about going and to be honest it’s a huge mixture of feelings and emotions (is that the same thing?) – you name it I think I’ve experienced it over the last couple of weeks. Excitement, fear, nervousness, confusion, ………. As the day gets closer to go I guess these emotions will get stronger .  I say as the day gets closer I haven’t actually got a day yet, all I know is that it’s around 21st June which is about 6 weeks – Many say ‘You’ve got loads of time’, while some say ‘Oooooh you’ve not got long’ !  Thanks !

Ive completed a 2 week on-line training course dealing with cultural issues, VSO values. aims of the project etc  How to deal with corruption when/if you encounter it.  Don’t get much experience of that in Goosnargh although there was that time at the village Veg and Produce show when a very insignificant little marrow won ‘The Best in Show” but enough said about that the better – I’m over it now ( apparently not !)   Need to go and collect my Malaria tablets – 450 !! That’ll be fun going through customs !

Next week I hope to find out a little bit more about what Im doing – I mean who on earth would go over 5,000 miles to a very hot country, on their own  and not know what they were doing ???? Ridiculous !

Don’t forget Justgiving page at the bottom 😉 and please do post any comments on here – there is a little ‘Comments’ link on the top of the page – its not very big but I’m working on it !

Off to Malawi !

or What happens when you don’t read your emails properly

So after stopping as a Head Teacher (I refuse to use the “R” word !) and working for a few companies with schools, I was idly looking through my 1,350 unanswered emails when I came across an email from VSO ( Voluntary Services Overseas ) . Well – why not I thought. Good idea! I have to say it was Christmas and I was feeling ‘Good will to all men !’ Possibly a few Christmas drinks ….And ……..And so began my adventure to Malawi !

In about 8 weeks time I will be off to Mangochi in Malawi as an ‘Unlocking Talent’ Educational Specialist , supported by VSO, working on a Unicef project called “Child Friendly Schools’ incorporating DET (Digital Educational Technology) into the classroom teachers’ practice.

Following discussions with Julia, whose support for my mad idea was amazing, the next step was to inform our 3 daughters. How to  approach the subject that you may be going away for 12 months ……………

“I’m just going away for a few months, well 12 possibly ………..”
“You know I’ve always said I’d like to go and work abroad, well…………”
“May not be around for a little while but………”
in the end I decided to just say:
“I’m off to Malawi for a year, on my own, to work with schools!”  …………………………..And their reaction ………..

“Go for it !”

The support of the 4 ladies of the Barnes’ household has been brilliant. Without their positive reactions I couldn’t have even thought about going.

So decision made ! Interviews successfully undertaken ! Preparations underway.

Medical and Inoculations were the next hurdle. Now who is my doctor? …………Fortunately my medical examination proved I was fit – contrary to how I feel after completing fitness training every Tuesday and Saturday ! My medical history was roughly the thickness of a very small pamphlet . So after a life of drinking copious mugs of coffee, and I mean copious, eating on a very sporadic basis and generally not looking after my health at all, I was passed A1 fit !  Who’d have thought it ? Now I’m half way through my injections I feel a bit like a pin cushion.

The next part of my journey  is to fundraise for VSO and the great work it undertakes.  And that is where you come in ! You didn’t really think you were going to get away with it did you ?  I’m taking part in the Blackpool 10k Fun Run on May 7th (as part of my pre-birthday celebrations!)  It would be fantastic if you could sponsor me either pre or post the event.  Just click on any of the buttons below and Id be really really appreciative and so would he ………..

Hopefully I will get better at working out how this all works in time for when I go to Malawi. Please do follow me or leave a comment by clicking on ‘Comment’ at the top of the page   Thanks

(Oh and thanks to @87History and the @ICTevangelist, without whose help I wouldn’t even have got this far with this blog !)

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