More scary stuff
Kathleen has txted to say how cool it was to see a snake up close when it fell out of a nearby tree.
Scary thing is that the snake was a Black Mamba – one of Africa’s most venomous. 
Let’s hope that it was a little too dazed from its fall to be bothered with a group trying to see a cool snake.
It seems that nature is reminding them of its presence.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)Shaking it up
The group has had a busy couple of days, visiting an orphanage and two other schools in the area.
But they’ve also had time to relax, visiting a ‘gorgeous and idyllic’ beach and playing volleyball. But then they had a little reminder that nature can be scary as well a beautiful. The area they are visiting is on a geological faultline and they experienced an earth tremor 
. ‘Very, very scary’ according to Rebecca.
Dancing the weekend away
Here’s a quick roundup of what the group has been up to. Thanks to Zoe and Rebecca for keeping in touch.
Saturday: Teaching the girls Scottish dances and learning some African ones. Disco on Saturday night.
Sunday: Church at 8:30 in the morning
Monday: Visits to Chinteche Hospital and Nkhata Bay
Other things: Msima = minging 
Overall it still sounds as though everyone is fine and still having a great time.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)Even more to see
From Rebecca and Alison:
“Hi! It’s bn rlly cl! Bats+milky way+heat+beach+wild puppies! So cute!”
Now, I’ll bet you’re thinking that those rabies injections weren’t such a bad idea after all 
No break from lessons
The group has now been to the school they are supporting – Bandawe Girls Secondary School. The plan is to spend a significant part of the rest of the stay visiting the school and getting to know new friends. And that means lessons! Zoe’s been in touch with the following:
“Interesting first day at the school, they are teaching us Tonga, the local language”
Now, for those who thought that Tonga was a Pacific island, then here’s your lesson for today. According to this article on Wikipedia (always to be read with reservations but useful nevertheless), the Tonga are an ethnic group believed to be from the northern part of Malawi.
Zoe also reports that it’s warm during the day, cold at night, everything’s interesting and there’s an awful lot to take in.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)Another snapshot of the journey
We’ll try to share some of the txts that filter through so that readers of the blog can get a flavour of the adventure the group is having. Here are some thoughts on the journey from Kathleen:
‘We r on th bus goin 2 th hotel. Its amazin! Its sunny n mr kamanga came 2 meet us at the airport n gave evry 1 a big hug. Iv been in 3 countries 2day kenya zambia n malawi. We hd a stop in zambia this mornin. Iv seen so much already!’
Once again, I think you get a real sense of the wonder and the sheer amazingness of this trip.
More as we get it.
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Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)Definitely not in Falkirk now
A couple of texts arrived this morning. Short and to the point as usual, but definitely capturing the essence of being in a different country:
“Wow! Baboons in garden! Rlly close!”
And another one close on its heels:
“Things r gr8! Went 2 fishing village. Children loved us+our cameras! Safari lodge beautiful! Saw monkeys!”
It sounds like they are having a fantastic time and I expect we’re all looking forward to seeing the photos when they get back.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)The next leg
At the moment the group should be settling down for an overnight stay in Nairobi airport. Not the most comfortable arrangement but since they have an early start probably a sensible one.
The next leg of their journey takes them from Nairobi to Lilongwe – but it’s a ‘circular’ (think bus routes) that goes via Lusaka airport in Zambia. You can get details on the Flightstats website. It does mean a longer outward trip but they’ll be on the short leg on the way home. Hopefully they’ll also get to see a bit more of the country from the air.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)And they’re off!
A surprisingly on-time and awake bunch of teachers, students and parents started gathering at the check-in concourse of Glasgow airport from around 3.40 this morning. One hour later everyone was checked in and heading for the security area.
The obligatory group photo was taken.
Even the rector, Mr Anderson and another teacher, Miss Derrick, came along to see everyone off – that has to be above and beyond the call of duty at 5am.
Amidst a few tears and plenty of hugs, the group were sent on their way and bleary-eyed parents headed home. At the time of writing the group are probably at 30000 feet somewhere over southern Europe heading for Nairobi. We look forward to hearing from them later today.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)Journals
During the trip, everyone is being encouraged to keep a journal to record their thoughts and experiences. It is hoped that they will then share these thoughts when they return and you can read them on the website.
If you plan on publishing your journal on the website, create it as a new page and make its ‘Parent’ page the ‘Journals’ section. You can write it as one single page, split it into pages or even into subsections. But however, you choose to present it, please share your thoughts with everyone reading.
Malawi 2008, The Editor | Comment (0)