A Green, please!

Go to any bar or restaurant and you can order a Green. So what is this famous Green? It's a bottle of ordinary Carlsberg beer, brewed in Malawi. Officially opened on 14th December 1968 , Carlsberg Malawi Brewery Limited (CMBL) was the first Carlsberg brewery outside Denmark. Up to this day, it is still the only brewing and beer packaging facility in Malawi and still owns a 97 percent market share! It's a
Complete Carlsberg monopoly in the country.
Being from Belgium myself you'd think I am a beer connoisseur.. I like a beer once in a while but not the ordinary beer. I'm more of a Jupiler, Kriek or Hoegaarden type of girl.
Nonetheless, I've tried drinking a Green and really just don't care for it. I think for one it has to do with what I perceive an inconsistency quality.
Even the bottles are inconsistent! Check out the photo- same bar, same crate, two bottle designs!
Most people here do enjoy their Green... Unless there is a shortage, which has happened a few times in the past year! Those shortages don't make people happy.
So next time you're in Malawi, grab a Green, have a sundowner with friends and enjoy the Warm Heart of Africa!

Ant invasion

Since I moved into my new place I've been fighting ants wanting to come hang in my kitchen. There is a door directly going outside and the problem is that it's completely flush to the outside. So ants don't have any obstacle preventing them from joining me in the house.
After trying to use sprays I had to resort to the heavy stuff: poison chalk and killer powder! I wasn't sure they were going to work, but boy was I wrong.
I treated the entire area almost 3 weeks ago. Since then everyday I am brushing off dead ants! It's like it's a never ending supply!!
While I was gone for 6 days on a business trip no one cleaned up the ants. Check out of the photos. They are pretty graphic!!
Âmes sensibles, s'abstenir!!

Obstructed view

This morning on our way to school, the children and I saw this man, carrying the biggest load of hay. It was so big you couldn't even see his head.

There's something to say about sunsets!

Ever since I've been here sunsets have taken on a life of their own. I marvel at their beauty and magnificence. It doesn't matter where you are, it will be gorgeous. This picture here was taken today on my walk home from work.... A picture is worth a thousand words, so enjoy!

Police escort

Early early this morning I flew back to Lilongwe after a quick business trip to Madagascar. I was aboard the "Nairobi- Lusaka- Lilongwe- Nairobi Express" a night flight that takes forever. Upon arrival at Kamuzu International Airport, my driver wasn't there to pick me up. A quick call confirmed that he was asleep in bed, but he quickly said he'd be on his way. So I had to wait about 20 minutes for him to get there. At 1:00 in the afternoon the airport arrival is full of activity, but at 2:00 in the morning it's quite dead and empty. I sat down on a bench and hoped he would arrive quickly.
Upon seeing me on the bench a couple of police asked me if I needed help. I told them my driver was on the way. So what did they do?
They just sat themselves on the bench next to me and waited with me until the driver arrived. They didn't have to do that, but knew how empty the place was. It was a reassuring and very welcomed move on their part. Zikomo Malawi Police!

Land and Lakes Café

Have an hour to spare on a Saturday morning? Go check out the new location of Land and Lakes Safari and have a morning tea at their little cafe. Nice menu, good apple pie... And very fashionable teapot cozies!
It's located on Laws avenue right by old town.
Enjoy

That's just a big ol' cat!

This afternoon the children and I went to a Braai at the wildlife centre. After eating and visiting with friends we went for the tour of the animals. Our guide Winnie was amazing. She went all the way to where Bella, the one eyed lioness was hiding and, by calling her name, had Bella follow her all the way to where we were all standing. Bella is an old lioness who was rescued from bad treatment in Roumania. She had a cataract and completely lost her eye. Anyways today Bella was following Winnie, purring as she moved along the fence and even rolling on the ground, hoping for some good belly rubs. That was probably one of the coolest animal encounters we have had. My son Alex was standing ther, mesmerized by Bella and said it best:"she's just a big ol'cat, that Bella!". One moment to treasure for sure!

Gallantry

Funny how little things mean a lot. This early evening I was walking home and past three guys chatting. One was holding his bike as he was visiting with his friends. Upon seeing me pass them, this man lifted his hat and told me good evening! I know it sounds old fashioned but that gesture was cool and so not done anymore. How many guys actually still wear hats?

What's that on the ground?

Waking is one of my favorite ways of seeing a city, as it gives you a direct feel for what the locals see and how walkers interact with the city, its streets, vehicles and people.
Lilongwe is a rather pedestrian friendly city as its the most use way of getting around and most streets, although they don't have "official" sidewalks, have much trodden dirt paths used as sidewalks.
Unfortunately trash does lie around and a closer look turns out quite surprising items, the most surprising one being the little alcohol one gulp packets. They litter every street.
So yes, it is possible to get one shot of your favorite spirit on the go and to swallow it on the side of the steer! Different for sure but I have seen stranger!