Our Journey to Ntcheu
Trip Start
May 29, 2007
1
10
41
Trip End
Jul 18, 2007
Ntcheu,
Malawi
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
About 50 km outside of Lilongwe Mark's car began to overheat. This was due to a radiator or water pump malfunction. We stopped along the highway to allow the engine to cool down and then began driving again. About 15 minutes later we were again forced to stop. Seeing no easy solution to the problem we got out of the car. Mark called Dr. Chilopora and the plan was for him to pick us up. Dr. Chilopora began driving right away because it was going to take him 2 hours to reach us. We had pulled off the highway at an 'African truck stop'. By African truck stop I mean around 9 rundown shanty shops selling the same merchandise, street solicitors selling useless crafts, and multiple vendors selling questionable food products.
The lunch hour was on us so we decided to try some of the street vendor cuisine. Hindsight tells me this was not a good decision. No one got sick, but after learning more about these food vendors.... well let's just say I won't be partaking of any street-side food again. The 'goat meat pit/stand' was our source for lunch. On his little grill, Entumbo (I made this name up for him later because I didn't catch his real name) had been cooking a variety of goat meat ranging from back-strap meat to liver. He also had a unique item cooking called 'awfuls'. We'll talk about that in a bit. The back-strap meat was delicious. He flavored the meat with garlic and we dipped it in a spicy pepper and salt mix.
Next, Entumbo sliced up the part of the goat known as the awfuls. Awfuls are also known as end-trails. This was the goat intestine and rectum. I'll try most things once and some things twice, but 'awfuls' was definitely a one time mistake. I was expecting to dislike awfuls from the beginning however the degree of my disgust was more intense than I predicted. To properly envision the taste of awfuls, close your eyes and imagine running around a yard which confines several dogs. As you run about, you accidentally step into a soft squishy brown pile. When you realize what you have done, you invert your shoe only to confirm that you have indeed stepped in an oversized pile of dog excrement. Then, the smell hits you. We have all smelled it. It's the smell of sun- warmed dog excrement and it's unforgetable. If you can imagine this smell, THIS IS WHAT AWFULS TASTE LIKE!
This was hands down the worst tasting thing I have ever put into my mouth. The smell and taste senses are closely linked thanks to then nasoparnyx (thanks Dr. Faber). Thus, this experience was like were tasting and smelling excrement at the same time. I was able to get it down without gagging. Aaron was not as fortunate. He almost lost it.
Finally Dr. Chilopora arrived to pick us up and we departed for his home. About 2 hours later we arrived in Ntcheu. The Chilopora home is lovely. There are several buildings within the Chilopora compound. There are quarters for their gardener, house keeper, and cook. The Chilopora garden is lovely and grows many different plants.
We enjoyed a meal around 8:00pm and chatted until around 9:00pm. It was then time for sleep. Dr. Chilopora wanted us well-rested in preparation for our first day at the Balaka clinic. What a day. The journey is still unfolding more to come.
Comments
What Were You Thinking!
Hello Phil!
Sounds like the adventure is going well! But...what were you thiniking - eating something called 'awfuls'?? I can understand if it was called 'Wonderfuls' or 'Tasteees', but calling it awfuls should have told you guys something?? Must have been an 'I dare you' from Aaron!
Glad you made it safely to the Chilipora's. Pleae give them our regards. Love you bud,
Dad