We had left the hot humid life in Malawi without any
thoughts of what to expect. Travelling
Cape Maclear, Malawi, to Cape Town , South Africa opened our eyes...
To mountains: we walked circling around the stunning sites
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| The peak of lions head |
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| Climbing table mountain |
To money: we observed the fast life where there were
incentives to move things forward
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| Sea point |
To coasts: we walked the picturesque lanscapes full of
unique species and wildlife
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| The drive along chapmans peak |
To museums: we documented the creative arts, wildlife and
fascinating science of the world
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| Aquarium |
These were all based around beautiful company
gardens which was just 1 part of the city centre in which we explored. We were really lucky to balance both
tourism and the city as a place to live and work having met up with Winston’s
fellow friends and family.Many Malawians go to South Africa because of the
deprived economy in Malawi. We met some really great people who loved to look
after us and show us different places (after all they were Malawian!)
I cannot forget Jill Ingram either based in Cape Town who
had swept us under her wing once again after I had met her 5 years ago with cyclist
Steve (who is still cycling the world, just finishing…www.cyclingthe6.com). Once again as kind, energetic and full of
information as ever she picked Winston and I up for a fun day out then we met
her family.
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| Sightseeing in Kistenbosch Gardens |
Backpacking and meeting such a variety of different people
took us to contrasting neighbourhoods. I even met a Kalahari 2
nd
generation bushman who had made a name for himself by complaining to the press
about how the government had once again moved him and his family to another
township settlement. He had a tremendous low cost built house designed and
built with the inspirational earth architect Stephen Lamb.
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| Xoma, the owner of the Light House, Hout Bay |
Having researched in
Malawi, I went to Cape Town to meet and expand my sustainable architectural and construction knowledge. I forced meetings with
Vernon, from Collis & Associates and Andy Horn. Both inspirational with different
specialities I absorbed the information knowing it would develop my work back in Malawi.
The most adventurous experience of all was the abseiling off
Table Mountain that Chizzy (Winston’s brother) made a complementary activity as
this was his work.
This was the best view after I walked off the side of the
1000m above sea level mountain backwards and twirled around after the 112m drop
that displayed every cloud and coastline.
Not to forget the horseriding:
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| Horseriding at Pinelands Eco Village |
Winston and I saw many contrasts and relaxed for our holiday
but also kept busy walking, talking and learning about the faster pace of life
with so many benefits and problems because of development.
After all of our fun and excitement it was definitely time
to go home and meet our well known communities of friends. Definitely the warm
heart 100 times more relaxed and friendly here with no obvious crime.
I always looked forward to my work: exciting building
projects and my beautiful home now green as the rains had cleared all the
spells of dust away. The land had grown, risen with tall maize rather than
buildings. Maybe this is just the way it should be?
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| My short cut / path to my house, Lilongwe |
