The Magic of Malawi, Africa

Driving from Lilongwe heading towards Monkey Bay, which is at the foot of Lake Malawi, I became aware that I was passing more people more frequently as I went higher up the Dedza Mountains. Curiosity got the better of me, and I stopped at a roadside caravan for lunch and quizzed the Madala (term of respect when addressing a wise old African father). On the menu that day was Mopani worms with Matabele (thick brown porridge) or barbequed mice on sticks with Matabele. The Madala told that in the next village, which was almost 20 kilometers away, there was a tribal witch doctor that had “powers” when throwing the lotaola (bones). The Madala claimed the lotaola spirits spoke with the Sangoma and told him which potion to mix for his patient. His patient would dutifully drink this muti and supposedly be cured of AIDS.

“That would explain the purpose in their stride,” I thought. I was fascinated at their blind belief and decided to see it for myself.

I found the village, off the beaten track at the end of a single lane of soft red sand. There were many reed huts built close to the Baobab trees, with immaculately swept earth around them. Little picanin’s (toddlers) were darting here and their, chasing chickens, their smiling mother’s looking on while pounding maize. I knew this was where the Sangoma held court as several large groups had gathered to one side of the village pump, patiently waiting to be summoned. The local women were a colorful and noisy explosion of skirts and plastic containers. They shrieked with hilarity at the gossip being told. I parked my Land Cruiser and ventured out amongst them. They were kind and friendly, and the women adored my young son, Ashley, touching and clucking about his blonde hair.

I came across a village school with its classroom beneath the trees. The teacher smiled when he saw me and gestured that I approach. He spoke fluent English and translated what I said to his pupils. I introduced myself and Ashley, and told them why I was in their country. They laughed and clapped hands and seemed overjoyed. The teacher then dismissed the class, telling them to play soccer for a while. Two young boys took Ashley by the hand and led him to their “soccer field,” Several other villagers joined the teacher, who fervently translated all I said. They were all enthusiastic about what they did, what they grew, and were very positive about their future for their children. I felt humbled by these people who opened their hearts to me.

When I got back into my car to continue the journey, Ashley asked if he could give his soccer ball, which was in the boot, to his new friends. He took his ball and ran over to the pupils who were standing under the trees waiting to wave us a farewell. He told the teacher he wanted his friends to have his soccer ball and remember him by it. In exchange, the class representative gave Ashley their soccer ball, sharing the same sentiment. Beaming from ear to ear, Ashley told me about the ritual trade and then showed me the ball they had given him – it was composed of a large bundle of plastic bags, which were tied up with string.

Back on the tarred road, I passed many plantations of what looked to be Macademia trees. As it was weekend, farm Lorries were traveling to Blantyre -- it was customary for the local farmer’s to treat laborers and their families to a day out in the town once a month. They were all dressed for the occasion and overflowed the Lorries. Beaming, happy people, obviously excited at the day’s prospects, waved excitedly as I passed.

Apart from the friendly people, I noticed Malawi’s little villages had curiously worded signs adorning shops and other premises, some of which I found mildly amusing – a chemist called “Dealers’ Drugstore,” a shoe shop called “Buy One Get One Free,” a haberdashery named “You Sew and Sew,” and an out of business furniture store in the middle of nowhere, aptly named “Suite F.A.”

I boarded an overnight steam ferry, leaving Cape Maclear and bound for Chilumba in the north. Sitting with my feet up against the decks railings, I relaxed with an ice-cold beer while Ashley and a newfound friend played on the deck.

At Chilumba, I disembarked and drove towards Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania. It was a long road traveling through some of the most picturesque African villages I had yet seen -- part of the route passed through a private game reserve where I encountered a group of Masai warriors riding bicycles. Their red robes were flowing behind them in their slipstream, their spears clutched in one hand, and ringing their bells with the other hand in greeting as I passed.

A little further up the road, I pulled in at a roadside stall. The Masai cyclist soon caught up and also stopped for a drink. They were awesomely tall and dignified looking men in brilliantly bright robes, elaborate hair plaited and dyed red, huge holes in their earlobes, splendid jewelry and glistening spears. In pidgin English, they asked how I got my hair to be straight and what mud I put on Ashley’s hair to make it so white?

Approaching Dar Es Salaam’s city outskirts, I passed hundreds of cyclists. I paused at a busy cross road and was fascinated to see a cyclist in a giant bird costume passing in front of me. Ashley was beside himself with excitement, yet there was no reaction from the local Africans to a huge bird cycling through their town.

On arrival at my hotel, I decided to immediately freshen up as my disheveled appearance had led to me being occasionally greeted as “Master.” So I had a shower and put on a dress, hoping this would prevent any further confusion.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, Ashley and I watched a spectacular sunset from our hotel balcony. Lost in thought, I contemplated the journey ahead and reflected on the people we had met earlier. Later, whilst tucking Ashley into bed, he asked when we would return to Malawi. “I want to go back there mummy.” I gently smoothed his hair and whispered, “I do too, my boy. One day, one day soon,” and tucked his plastic bag and string soccer ball in next to him. This is a promise I endeavor to keep.