Top 10 Things I Learned in Malawi

1. How to count large amounts of cash quickly.
You get about 150 Malawian Kwacha (MK)for $1CAD. The largest bill is a MK 500 but a meal could cost anywhere between MK 3000 & 10,000 (for 2). So basically it’s like paying for a $90 meal with $5 bills (see picture for a typical "nice dinner out" bill, ie. not chicken & chips, see #4).
2. Look Right… I’m mean Left…. I mean Right
Getting used to cars coming at you on the other side of the road takes time… particularly when traffic lights aren’t working.
3. The Guy yelling at you from the Minivan is just a bus driver
The minbus system in Malawi is quite organized. The drivers have routes and pay licenses, but the vans are often in pretty rough shape. And when one pulls up next to you and beckons you inside, it’s okay that’s just his job... but don’t try this at home
4. Chicken and Chips
The locals must live on this cause they're everywhere… check the African version of KFC called Luv Dat Chicken!
5. How to shake hands… Malawi style
We finally had to ask, it’s a bit involved. And if they really like you they’ll often hold your hand until you’re finished all the pleasantries.
6. I’m a Mzungu, deal with it
You do stand out when you’re as white and blond (and tall?) as I am… there’s no way to disguise it, and no, you do not look cool if you try…
7. Unplug the kids
Dance, run and play… North American kids are losing some of this… the children in Lilongwe are very happy and full of life
8. Wisdom, Wonderful, Success and Trouble are names
There’s a trend here to name children based on what you feel about them at the time of their birth. This results in names we might consider unusual… I’d hate to know what my name would be given the hard time I gave my Ma during pregnancy!
9. Lock your door and beware of “the spray”
Hotels here spray their rooms every night to prevent mosquitoes. But when their staff have a job to do , they do it… even if you’re in the shower and ask them to come back later!
10. Canada extends past Quebec!
This one’s for Blake… who knew those Eastern provinces could be so sensitive!