Glad to see you still check in after all my radio silence. I’m almost caught up and hopefully will be up to date and actively blogging about my time in Costa Rica (where I am as of last night) within the week or so.

What are you up to, now? Last time I checked back on your blog, it hadn’t been updated since the end of your Africa trip.

For your study of Chichewa and for your Malawian and Zambian connections you may be interested in our Chinyanja/ Chichewa Dictionary Project. Therefore, read the article by Charles Mpaka of Inter Press Service on the CE-EC Dictionary, http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=50717 . It can also be found under ‘Latest News’ on our website http://www.chichewadictionary.org

The article shows growing interest in the Dictionary, which is logical as it is unique in its kind. I am sure your Malawian and Zambian relations would be happy if they would receive it. Please allow me to send a request for assistance, or write for more information: info@chichewadictionary.org

Kind regards,

Steven Paas

I was particularly interested in this post, as it reminded me of my very first weekend in Malawi, when I went to a Chinkhoswe in Likhubula, Mulanje. Did you also partake in the eating of chicken to show your part in supporting the couple? Interestingly, that chinkhoswe was also of a Scottish Kate, and I am curious … it is many years, nine or ten, since I last saw her, and she looked remarkably like the Kate in your photo, so I was curious … could it be the same Kate? I understand that her first marriage ended, so it would not be completely impossible that my acquaintance from Songani could be marrying again in Zomba … I would love to hear from you, to learn if it is the same Kate, and if so, to pass on my greetings!

Some random notes on your other postings that I’ve read through so far … and have brought that funny feeling of happiness and sorrow to my stomach as I’ve read … handwashing … the chimbudzi!! true, true … did you used to lie awake at night listening to the Zomba howl? I wonder if you ever visited my Kachere friends based inside ZTC, and I completely agree that it is so important for anyone visiting Malawi to learn Chichewa (I’m fortunate enough to have a couple of friends at work in London who can speak a little Chichewa as well, I try to keep my hand in) … I wonder if you’ve had the chance to read The Jive Talker yet? About growing up as a young Malawian in the eighties. I’m sure you would find that as you read it, you would be reminded of your time there.

Thanks for the memories … and, again, if it is the same Kate M, nee Kate F, then please pass on my regards. If not, how wonderful that another Scotland-Malawi link has been made!

Muli bwanji? I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Zomba from 2001-2003. I lived for one year in Namasalima and then moved to the Zomba town, where I worked at the DHO. I’d love to be in touch with you and to ask you a few questions, if that would be ok?

I’m now working for USAID in India as a health officer.

All the best to you,

Aaron

Sigh, I loved my mama.

Besides Westlife is the only act in UK history to have their first seven singles go straight to Number 1 (I may be old but I know Wikipedia). and they’re Irish! what’s not to like?