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| Malawi and Kenya 2009 |
On 25th June I left Dublin with my 15 year old son Fiontan on our great adventure, six weeks of travelling in Africa. This was planned
as a private visit but a number of people had given me cash to take to the needy. More of which later.
After checking in at Dublin security was a nightmare and we just made it to the gate in time only to be informed that there was a delay
on the flight. As the stop over in Amsterdam was short we were worried that we wouldn't make the connection but the folk at Aer
Lingus and KLM pulled out all the stops and we were met at the top of the ramp and escorted to the Nairobi Plane. Fiontan got the
seat with the dodgey video screen and was not impressed but other than that the flight was uneventful. We arrived in Nairobi and
after a few hours on to Lilongwe.
With 8 hours to kill we decided to take a taxi into town for a look around. Dropped in the middle of town we went for a walk. The sights
and sounds and smells were something to behold. Going for lunch reminded me of how careful you need to be when ordering food.
The burger came and looked fantastic but one bite was enough as it was raw in the middle.
Lilongwe is a sprawling mess. Thousands of people packed into slums and living on the streets. I think Fiontan was quite surprised
by it all but was new and exciting. The onward flight to Blantyre was uneventful and we arrived at 5pm in the evening.
As promised Mary O Neill met us at the airport and we headed for her house. It was great to catch up with all the news and gossip.
We spent the weekend with Mary and Family. On the Sunday they took us to a local wildlife park where I had my first real encounter
with the big game. It was fantastic to meet Diane again with the added pleasure of being introduced to her family. I knew she was
quality and that was confirmed by the fact she has a son called Louis. Her husband Patrick is a true gentleman and I don't think I
have ever felt more at ease with a person that I had just met. Then when you think it can't get any better we were introduced to Laura.
Laura is the final member of the Trinity that is Ubwino. Laura is fantastic. She really has her head screwed on and like everyone else
made us so welcome. We borrowed her car (above) and were set to travel. Monday 29th and destination Namitembo to meet up with
Fr. Owen again. I suppose this is a good a time to introduce Sarah. Sarah is a beautiful young lady who has taken on the role of head
at the Nursery school at Namitembo. We would get to know her over the next few weeks along with her boyfriend Sandip also known
as Ian and Tanya who was living at the Mission.
Time has run out for now but check back soon as now I have started I will get the whole story online soon. Lughaidh 24/4/10
as a private visit but a number of people had given me cash to take to the needy. More of which later.
After checking in at Dublin security was a nightmare and we just made it to the gate in time only to be informed that there was a delay
on the flight. As the stop over in Amsterdam was short we were worried that we wouldn't make the connection but the folk at Aer
Lingus and KLM pulled out all the stops and we were met at the top of the ramp and escorted to the Nairobi Plane. Fiontan got the
seat with the dodgey video screen and was not impressed but other than that the flight was uneventful. We arrived in Nairobi and
after a few hours on to Lilongwe.
With 8 hours to kill we decided to take a taxi into town for a look around. Dropped in the middle of town we went for a walk. The sights
and sounds and smells were something to behold. Going for lunch reminded me of how careful you need to be when ordering food.
The burger came and looked fantastic but one bite was enough as it was raw in the middle.
Lilongwe is a sprawling mess. Thousands of people packed into slums and living on the streets. I think Fiontan was quite surprised
by it all but was new and exciting. The onward flight to Blantyre was uneventful and we arrived at 5pm in the evening.
As promised Mary O Neill met us at the airport and we headed for her house. It was great to catch up with all the news and gossip.
We spent the weekend with Mary and Family. On the Sunday they took us to a local wildlife park where I had my first real encounter
with the big game. It was fantastic to meet Diane again with the added pleasure of being introduced to her family. I knew she was
quality and that was confirmed by the fact she has a son called Louis. Her husband Patrick is a true gentleman and I don't think I
have ever felt more at ease with a person that I had just met. Then when you think it can't get any better we were introduced to Laura.
Laura is the final member of the Trinity that is Ubwino. Laura is fantastic. She really has her head screwed on and like everyone else
made us so welcome. We borrowed her car (above) and were set to travel. Monday 29th and destination Namitembo to meet up with
Fr. Owen again. I suppose this is a good a time to introduce Sarah. Sarah is a beautiful young lady who has taken on the role of head
at the Nursery school at Namitembo. We would get to know her over the next few weeks along with her boyfriend Sandip also known
as Ian and Tanya who was living at the Mission.
Time has run out for now but check back soon as now I have started I will get the whole story online soon. Lughaidh 24/4/10
| Fiontan, Katie and Rosie prepare for the journey to Zomba Jail to deliver books donated from Ireland see below for the after picture its worth it. |
| Sarah Tanya Sandip/Ian |