Because They're Burning Bricks

Posted By Sika on July 8, 2007

I got a phone! I got a phone! My # (including country code and access symbol thingie) is +265 9476765. If you’re calling from a land line, it’s 011 instead of +. I can receive text messages and calls free, but for me to call the U.S. costs me about $10 for 5 minutes, and since a call long enough for conversation would wipe out my monthly stipend, I ain’t doing that.

So first for more good news about bad news you didn’t even know was happening. See, the other day Bryce said something snotty, as he does, and I seriously contemplated splashing water on him. So seriously, in fact, that when I decided not to, I splashed water all over my own bag instead. This was problematic because I didn’t notice that the only thing in my bag to get wet was my palm pilot (of course). I continued not noticing for about 5 or 6 hours. At which point my palm would not turn on. As it dried, it turned on again, although the battery had lost most of its charge and the memory card wasn’t working, which is really the only part that makes it useful for here. So I recharged it from my solio and crossed my fingers. In the morning it wouldn’t turn on at all. So I attempted to charge my solio so I could charge my palm, which was difficult, considering the rain and the cloud cover (have I mentioned that it’s fucking cold here? Because it is. I wear long johns, a sweatshirt, pajama pants and 1-2 pairs of socks every night and still need 2 blankets, my silk sleep sack, and all 3 of my zitenje as covers.). I didn’t get enough power from the sun to recharge my palm, but today, when we left the villages and came to the college in Dedza where there’s electricity, I charged my palm again and lo and behold, it turned on! Now to see if it can hold a charge or if I’m SOL. I am so glad I brought my laptop.

Update, the battery wouldn’t hold a charge. Oh well.

Categories: Malawi
Tags: cold season, contact info, homestay, training, weather