Well, I'm back at our home by the bend. While on our trip I shot 911 images. I am reminded that, while things "ugly" are everywhere, beauty is also ever present. As we left I wondered what I would miss from the "comforts of home". I knew I would miss Jordan. But what about my bed? Hot showers? Internet? Regardless, of the "what" I was pretty sure I would come back to them.
As I sat in the Blantyre Airport waiting to come home, I wondered what I would miss. The answer hasn't been fully clear, but it felt like "People" and "Place". At Malamulo, the only "ugly Americans" are my friends and me. Perhaps some of what I wonder is if I will return. My wife and I very much enjoyed being there. We see opportunities: she in serving through the medical arts and me - well - I guess through the teaching and learning arts. We both see opportunities for our personal growth and development.
Joy and sadness are everywhere. People have hopes and dreams everywhere. There are trials and tribulations everywhere. The details are often different, but these are shared human experiences none-the-less. Many of the people we met have family members in South Africa. While there violence against non-South African Africans broke out in Jo'burg and spread around the country. Another shared human trait is frustration.
Nature, while victim of human abuse, will get the final word. What we do to nature we do to ourselves. Yet nature gives us beauty in the delicate flower, expansive vistas, animals doing their thing, and in the storms.
Anyhow, for the record, two hot showers were had: our overnight in Jo'burg and a week later in Liwonde. Otherwise, we used a pitcher of cold to lukewarm water for bathing; we slept on twin beds with mosquito netting; I only had four meals with cheese (three of which were pizza). Local internet was a slow dial up speed, "broadband" in Blantyre was still pretty slow. Still I was able to check email a few times a week; post a few pics here (but not view yours) and check facebook and linkedin several times.
We left South Bend as it thawed and had a few spring flowers. We returned to a fully engulfed essence of "green". Jordan came to the airport and locked onto my wife first and then looked around and saw me. Let me just say there is great joy in her reaction. . And I'm back to having cheese with nearly every meal.
Still for all that, we look forward to returning to Malawi for an extended period.
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Now in Cameroon
Well, we've made the big move. The wife and I are now living in Buea Cameroon. We arrived late on December 2. We are still adjusting. The Pentax K20D has come too, along with the 18-250 zoom lens. We have 256/64 kbps internet so don't look for a lot of submissions! Oh wait, I've been not doing to many anyhow. Well, okay, at least now I have an excuse.
Best to all and happy holidays to each and every one.
Pentax woes
Don't get me wrong, I love my Pentax K20D!! BUT I, while shooting the other day I noticed a vertical line (in landscape orientation). I have posted examples in my scrapbook. I've sent it in to Pentax Service and await word.
I also purchased DA* 50-135mm. I will say I am very happy with the lens, though it is much bigger than I expected. Still this is currently my only weather sealed lens.
On the personal side of things, the wife and I continue our plan to move to Cameroon. We don't yet have a firm date, but are looking at the week of Nov 29.
New Lens
Yes, finally! I ordered my second lens: Pentax FA 50mm 1.4. The price was right. Here is the first image:
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Cameroon
The wife and I are in Cameroon. After a wonderful day in Paris we arrived in Douala Cameroon and are now in Buea.
Today we went to Limbe,on the coast: botanical gardens, black sand beaches, etc. We'll be in Buea a few more days before heading further south.
Look for images first week of May.
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Twin beds, no showers, mosquito nets, no cheese, and Internet speed slower than a dead pigeon. Hummmm, I'd look for personal growth elsewhere.