Arrived!

We are now in the offices of AYISE, looking out the open window I can see the top of the papaya tree and hear the fairly regular crowing of a nearby cockrel. Our flights from Heathrow via J'burg and (unexpectedly) Lilongwe went fine, no lost luggage, no extortion or bribes, and all pretty much on time.

We're currently the only volunteers, although many are expected in June - August, so we have the place to ourselves (along with the 2 security guards every night, reduced to one during the day) and Marcel (the Director) is in working today too. The accomodation and offices are all within a walled compound, within the large township of Bangwe. The township appears to be busy and bustling, but our compound is a haven of tranquility.

Initial observations:

• Minibus drivers (the majority of public transport is minibus) obey no rules
• everyone we've met so far has been very kind and welcoming (cliche, I know, but true)
• not very many mozzies yet, phew!
• pretty warm weather, but not unbearable - that will come in October!
• AYISE seems to be staffed by very motivated people, and I hope we can help them to achieve their goals
• the quality of the technology and accomodation in AYISE is much better than we expected

I hope to post again soon, the internet seems pretty good - maybe next time I'll try photos too!