Malawi is a beautiful country extending in a narrow strip along the western shore of Lake Malawi. The lake covers one-fifth of the country’s total area. People are very friendly. Most speak English. The first Europeans to reach Malawi were the Portuguese in 1616, but the most famous explorer to Continue Reading
Impressions
Observations about Burundi
Burundi has experienced a similar history to Rwanda. They were both German then Belgian colonies, and both have experienced civil wars and ethnic violence along Hutu-Tutsi lines. The violence in Burundi continued until very recently, with the last rebel group laying down its arms in 2008. Burundi is the most Continue Reading
Observations about Rwanda
Rwanda is known at the ‘Land of 1000 Hills’. It is a lush green country, with many mountains, almost all of which are cultivated by hand in a beautiful patchwork. It is expensive. Prices in the capital, Kigale, are about the same as Vancouver. Imported goods are a lot more Continue Reading
Observations about Kenya
Some of our observations about Kenya: The temperature and humidity varies greatly based on elevation and proximity to the ocean. Very few people smoke. Far fewer than in Canada. The ‘matatu’, a shared mini-bus holding 16 people, is the most common form of transport. Accidents are common despite safety improvements. Continue Reading
Observations from Egypt
Every hotel room is a smoking room. Even the straight men hold hands. People here dress better than we do. People are generally very friendly. Most don’t have the language skills to carry on a conversation with us, but you can tell that they want to. Everyone says “welcome”. The Continue Reading