Bikes, bikes and more bikes

The other day a sight to be hold was happening right by my house: a huge load of bikes was being transported. And when I say huge I mean an entire 18 wheeler loaded with bikes, stacked on top of each other.
We had to stop to snap the pictures and inquirie about the bikes. They were brand new, straight from India and to be sold in area 2. The tires were new and not yet inflated.
How many happy people will they make?
I wonder how long it will take me before I spot some around Lilongwe?

Feeding the crocs

One of my friends lives out in the country and has the distinct provilege of having a croc enclosure in his backyard! How many people do you know who keep crocs as "pets"? Granted, he's renting the house and didn't totally choose to have those crocs in his backyard, but they came with the house!
From the stories told about those crocs, eggs were found over 10 years ago on the shore of Lake Malawi by the owners of the house who picked them up, incubated them and saw over 10 crocs hatch! Out of that bunch only three remain!
But boy, are those things intimidating or what? They are kept in an enclosure with a pond, bushes and mud, the perfect environment to lounge in the sun all day and take a quick dip when too hot!
The crocs are fed about four kilos of meat once a week. After rattling the gate to the enclosure, their keeper aims and throws the food towards their mouths!
Feeding time is truly a sight to be seen, with those three predators lurking in the water and moving so quickly to catch their food! As I am watching this feeding, all I can think is that I am glad those three reptiles are on the other side of the fence and that I hope none of them will escape, again, as it seems one did a runner once, only to be caught quickly and safely put back into the enclosure!
Yet another first in Malawi: feeding your pet crocs ;-)

What on earth?

What on earth are those things? Simply the wings of flying ants! Those insects just appear out of nowhere, fly in swarms and, before they actually get used to flying, loose their wings and turn into crawling ants!
Finding the list wings in the morning when you open your door is quite baffling, at least the first time!

Yet another critter

It is quite common to see lizards, geckos and all kinds and sizes of a ants. Lately we've also seen "flying ants" who loose their wings mid flight and are an extremely sought after delicacy! Just the other day, at the market, they were being sold roasted- right next to the cucumbers!

This one pictured right above, though, still left me scratching my head. It's the prettiest beetle I've seen in a long time. Its blue and yellow shell may not be the best camouflage but it does pop on photos!
If you know its name or can find it, let me know. I've done a quick search, without too much success!

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