Off to Chidewere Village

Off to the Village Day 8

 Having  completed the bike and mountain challenge, now the next adventure begins. It was sad saying good bye to my fellow cyclists, a night in Lilongwe on my own in order to get water and bags organised and then meeting Vincent at 8am and travelling Malawi style to the village. My little legs are still aching and Malawi Squat village toilets don't lend themselves to aching legs. I must remember to hold on to my glasses. Chidewere here I come.

The truck was full of people all travelling out to different villages and included mums and small babies all trying to keep cool in the hot Malawi sun.

Travelling Malawi style was quite an adventure and only 800MK

My first taste of raw cassava in Kabwaze 2 hours later. They arranged for the truck to carry us on to Chidewere, but first it had to be reloaded.

Vincent arranged somebody to help carry our heavy bags in Lilongwe. Yes that bag is mine full of things for the school from fellow cyclists and 10 litres of bottled water. I also had two other full bags which were all placed in the truck.


 After hours of bumping along in the truck with people getting on and off at different villages, we finally reached Kabwaze. Here some of the teachers met us on bicycles and after a reloading with bottles of fanta and pepsi we were off again to Chidewere (only 10 minutes more) and we were there!

Leo Chinseu the head teacher made me feel very welcome. I stayed in his house sharing a room with his older daughter Elise. It was good of everybody to meet me particularly as this is their school holiday.

Vincent gets to grips with a computer in Lilongwe.

A great welcome from the teachers. Tomorrow there is to be a welcome ceremony. It was strange seeing pictures of Gilmerton teachers and management on the wall in the Chidewere School office. Can't believe that I am really here!