Post #2: I Applaud My Own Consistency
Everything seems to be falling into place in just the way that we'd hoped. I'm praying that James won't give me the old "I told you so." That would be just too annoying. When I had been crying maniacally at the beginning of our time in Lilongwe, I remember pleading with him to not say it when it eventually worked out. Because deep down, I knew it would. It always does, but that's not a convenient thought when you feel like drowning in despair.
But, both of us feel like it's been a lot smoother and an easier transition than we had in Taipei. In Taipei when we first moved there, we were renting a bedroom, basically, for an exorbitant amount of money and had no place to escape from each other, and there wasn't really any English in our part of town.
We still don't quite have a place to escape from each other in the evenings because the sun goes down at 6 and all evening activities we're involved in on weekdays end at 6. But, we do have two rooms in the house now, so that's something. Don't worry; escaping is perhaps a harsh-sounding word for newlyweds. Shouldn't we just yearn to be in each other's arms every hour of the day? No, thank you :). For being a romance author, I wouldn't say I'm super lovey-dovey. That was a surprise to me. But, both of us like to have our own time or our own activities once a week or so. In Taipei, I was out at night during the week at least twice and so was he. So, we're on the search for nighttime weekly activities that extend beyond suppertime! Other than that, here we've felt a super warm welcome and have already chosen activities to get involved with. Why, even today I signed up for a Chichewa tutor! Aren't I assimilated?
And I've only had like 3 freakouts over our new life: I'd say that pretty much means I'm winning. After a month, it feels like we've gotten into a sort of swing of things, and it wasn't too difficult. We were so ready to move on from our old swing of things, that we welcomed the change in pace, or should I say swing speed?
Malawi has been one of those places thus far where you take a deep breath and sigh "Ahh" as you make yourself comfortable on your veranda furniture with your glass of wine. Strangely enough, I haven't felt this contented and calm in a long time. Maybe it's from coming off a crazy whirlwind of a year. But, (and I don't want to jinx it--I'm oddly superstitious), I feel like we made a good choice. Everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. Everyone is friendly. People are not in a rush. Let's repeat: People are not in a rush. And while that can be incredibly frustrating, it's actually quite calming. You can't get through any interactions too quickly.
Like in the States, you'd go up to someone with a question or with something you need and say, "Hi, I need this thing..." No need for formalities. But, here, you go up to do that and start talking, and you'll be greeted with a slow smile, and a calm, not-in-a-rush, "Hi, how are you?" It throws you off guard at first because I'm a northeastern American. We move quickly, and we need things done efficiently! We don't have time for such nonsense. But, it has turned out to be pretty wonderful. So, you pause, you smile back, and you say, "I'm fine, how are you?" And then you can move on.
Even when we get stopped by the police (which has been an annoying amount of times), they will do the same to you. This last time I got stopped (I had been looking at my phone for directions while driving---eek!), the officer came up, and I thought I'd be cool and use my Chichewa to disarm him. So I said, "Muli bwanji", meaning 'how are you' and thought that I was super cool and that I would definitely not get a ticket. Unfortunately, my eager attempts to be cool are never rewarded. When will I learn? The response to that question is to say "Ndili bwino, kaya inu?" 'I am good, how are you?', but either my adrenaline was pounding through my ears and put an obstacle between my brain and the understanding or he was speaking too quickly. I did not understand, and so I responded with a confused, open mouth look. (Police officer-1, Keri-0). Then, he laughed and spoke in English. I think he had mercy upon me in my fresh to Malawi look and awkwardness, and he ended up not giving me a ticket. Thank heavens! Perhaps social awkwardness has eventually paid off? (doubtful).
But, even though we're sighing with contented airs and enjoying our early evening activities over here, the memory of my time in Taiwan still comes back to give me a nice twinge of pain when it's feeling feisty. The other day, James and I went to a Chinese restaurant, and while I don't like Taiwanese food mostly, (which has many similarities to Chinese food), there are some dishes that became like a warm friend. And at this restaurant, James and I ordered these things, and when we touched our oily forks to our tongues, it made me smile. It felt like going to an old home for a bit: pleasant and comfortable, and your heart aches with the fondness for it. You don't want to go back, but you do need those times of remembering, even if it's just for a moment.
In conclusion, I have created a few goals for myself thus far after my first month experiences: Learn Chichewa better before attempting to use it with the police or other authorities; schedule social events beyond 6 pm (will I be breaking social law?), and keep appreciating the slowness of life here. I'm getting good at my relaxed, contented sounds. If you're in need of a little R and R, you're welcome to come to join me. Veranda's available.
But, both of us feel like it's been a lot smoother and an easier transition than we had in Taipei. In Taipei when we first moved there, we were renting a bedroom, basically, for an exorbitant amount of money and had no place to escape from each other, and there wasn't really any English in our part of town.
We still don't quite have a place to escape from each other in the evenings because the sun goes down at 6 and all evening activities we're involved in on weekdays end at 6. But, we do have two rooms in the house now, so that's something. Don't worry; escaping is perhaps a harsh-sounding word for newlyweds. Shouldn't we just yearn to be in each other's arms every hour of the day? No, thank you :). For being a romance author, I wouldn't say I'm super lovey-dovey. That was a surprise to me. But, both of us like to have our own time or our own activities once a week or so. In Taipei, I was out at night during the week at least twice and so was he. So, we're on the search for nighttime weekly activities that extend beyond suppertime! Other than that, here we've felt a super warm welcome and have already chosen activities to get involved with. Why, even today I signed up for a Chichewa tutor! Aren't I assimilated?
And I've only had like 3 freakouts over our new life: I'd say that pretty much means I'm winning. After a month, it feels like we've gotten into a sort of swing of things, and it wasn't too difficult. We were so ready to move on from our old swing of things, that we welcomed the change in pace, or should I say swing speed?
Malawi has been one of those places thus far where you take a deep breath and sigh "Ahh" as you make yourself comfortable on your veranda furniture with your glass of wine. Strangely enough, I haven't felt this contented and calm in a long time. Maybe it's from coming off a crazy whirlwind of a year. But, (and I don't want to jinx it--I'm oddly superstitious), I feel like we made a good choice. Everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. Everyone is friendly. People are not in a rush. Let's repeat: People are not in a rush. And while that can be incredibly frustrating, it's actually quite calming. You can't get through any interactions too quickly.
Like in the States, you'd go up to someone with a question or with something you need and say, "Hi, I need this thing..." No need for formalities. But, here, you go up to do that and start talking, and you'll be greeted with a slow smile, and a calm, not-in-a-rush, "Hi, how are you?" It throws you off guard at first because I'm a northeastern American. We move quickly, and we need things done efficiently! We don't have time for such nonsense. But, it has turned out to be pretty wonderful. So, you pause, you smile back, and you say, "I'm fine, how are you?" And then you can move on.
Even when we get stopped by the police (which has been an annoying amount of times), they will do the same to you. This last time I got stopped (I had been looking at my phone for directions while driving---eek!), the officer came up, and I thought I'd be cool and use my Chichewa to disarm him. So I said, "Muli bwanji", meaning 'how are you' and thought that I was super cool and that I would definitely not get a ticket. Unfortunately, my eager attempts to be cool are never rewarded. When will I learn? The response to that question is to say "Ndili bwino, kaya inu?" 'I am good, how are you?', but either my adrenaline was pounding through my ears and put an obstacle between my brain and the understanding or he was speaking too quickly. I did not understand, and so I responded with a confused, open mouth look. (Police officer-1, Keri-0). Then, he laughed and spoke in English. I think he had mercy upon me in my fresh to Malawi look and awkwardness, and he ended up not giving me a ticket. Thank heavens! Perhaps social awkwardness has eventually paid off? (doubtful).
But, even though we're sighing with contented airs and enjoying our early evening activities over here, the memory of my time in Taiwan still comes back to give me a nice twinge of pain when it's feeling feisty. The other day, James and I went to a Chinese restaurant, and while I don't like Taiwanese food mostly, (which has many similarities to Chinese food), there are some dishes that became like a warm friend. And at this restaurant, James and I ordered these things, and when we touched our oily forks to our tongues, it made me smile. It felt like going to an old home for a bit: pleasant and comfortable, and your heart aches with the fondness for it. You don't want to go back, but you do need those times of remembering, even if it's just for a moment.
In conclusion, I have created a few goals for myself thus far after my first month experiences: Learn Chichewa better before attempting to use it with the police or other authorities; schedule social events beyond 6 pm (will I be breaking social law?), and keep appreciating the slowness of life here. I'm getting good at my relaxed, contented sounds. If you're in need of a little R and R, you're welcome to come to join me. Veranda's available.
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