African posts, while often characterized by the hardships encountered there, come with a surprising ton of perks. These perks (along with the natural warmth of the people) are so enticing that they encourage many a person to serve out the remainder of their tours in Africa. These people have even earned themselves a name within the foreign service community. They’re known as “Africa People.”
I’m curious to see whether we’ll become “Africa People”. Obviously it’s way too early to tell, but I can definitely see how this place wins people over. I thought it’d be fun to share with you a few of the many ‘perks’ we’ve experienced here in Lilongwe:
1. Massive yards and spacious houses. In all our other posts, condos and apartments were the norm but here everyone gets a big house and yard. I had forgotten how nice it was to have space. Nia is making good use of it!
2. The Glorious Weather. It is 75 and sunny here every day. The temp is so perfect, in fact, that we simply keep the windows open all day and let the breeze blow through the house. In our last 3 posts that was not an option either due to the fluctuating temps, the load traffic noise or pollution. It’s such a gift to enjoy the fresh air (which is pollution-free, for the most part).
3. Kondes (Kahn-dees). Africa’s version of the screen porch. Every house has one and they’re perfect for sipping a glass of wine at the end of the day or lounging and reading a book on Saturday.
4. Half day Fridays. The Embassy work week is 7:30 to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursday (with a 45 min lunch each day). On Friday, however, the Embassy closes at 12:30. In Peru, we had this perk in the 3 summer months. Here, it’s year round.
Nick and I have a standing date on Friday afternoons. I pick him up at 12:30 and we enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local joints. Then it’s nap or massage time, often followed by an evening bbq at someone’s house. Yes, Fridays are divine. Such a perfect way to kick off the weekend!
5. Being immersed in nature. Living in Lilongwe feels much more akin to living in the country than the city. No joke, I hear birds more frequently than I do cars! I’ve really enjoyed being reconnected to nature. It’s helped me slow down and be more grounded in the present. The frequency of animal sightings has also brought this additional sense of awe and wonder to everyday activities.
I could go on and on, of course. Inexpensive household help, incredible travel and a laid-back pace of life are all other obvious perks that I don’t need to write about in detail. Suffice to say, Africa has a lot going for it.
If I were to sum it up, life here feels like a throwback to simpler times. Technology doesn’t have a hold on people like it does in the US, advertising is non-existent and it’s ridiculously safe. In many ways, it reminds me of my childhood and the care-free, safe existence I experienced then. I’ve actually been quite nostalgic lately and just feeling so damn happy that Nia is getting a taste of the idyllic conditions of my youth.
