Unlike most volunteers in country, we’re allowed to cross into Malawi because of our proximity to the border and our isolation from the rest of Mozambique. So far we only ventured just across the border to shop and visit our PCV buddy, but this time we wanted to go to Lilongwe to preview the small capital city, which is the closest international airport for our upcoming visitors, Janet’s mom and step-dad. Transportation luck favored us again, just are clearing the immigration control a car stopped and offered to give us a ride. It happened to be the friends of our fellow Tete volunteers: a mother/daughter duo from Angola/Portugal on their way to Lilongwe for a day of shopping. They volunteered to show us all of their favourite stores. The capital city is very spread out, so it was lucky we were in a car. We visited various grocery stores catering to the ex-patriot crowd, one of which felt like a mini Whole Foods with beautiful displays, whole grain bread, bacon, feta cheese and other foreign products. Malawi has a substantial international aid community with people mostly from Great Britain, the US and other European countries who live in relative opulence. This became clear when we visited a small boutique center set in a professionally manicured garden, complete with water features and exotic fish and plants. The high-end boutiques featured couture clothes, jewellery and furniture made from precious ebony and hardwoods. We also met some Peace Corps Malawi volunteers, another married couple, who were closing their service the next day. They were celebrating with an ice cream Snickers bar dessert which we shared. They also gave us tips on PC discounts and general Malawi tourism. Although Lilongwe is mellow and great for shopping, it doesn’t have much to offer in terms of scenic or historic landmarks. But the people are friendly and we enjoyed our time there.
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