Jorge Leads us into the Bush - Trails are Nice

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  Ntcheu, Malawi
Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Yesterday we climbed up Ljimbe Mountain. This mountain is located a few miles away from the Chilopora residence. We walked about 2 miles to get to the base of it. On the way to the base of the mountain we met a gentleman named Goliet. He was on his way back to church. After chatting a bit, he volunteered to take us up part of the mountain. "How nice of him," I thought as we began walking. I think was expecting him to lead us up on a trail. Boy was I wrong.
 
Instead of hiking up a mountain like normal people do, we followed 'Gol' on the scenic thorn bush route. By scenic thorn bush route, I mean we traipsed through thorn bushes and briar patches with no discernable coordination. There was no trail or path, just brush. We literally walked directly into brush cover. Branches were slapping us in the face, thorns were digging into our legs, and everyone was generally miserable. About ¼ of the way up, we decided to fire 'Gol' and kindly told him we could fend for ourselves. I mean anyone with two eyes and no common sense can walk straight through thorn bushes. You had good intentions Gol, but you just didn't cut it. Isn't it ironic that Gol had the gall to take us through the bush? No pun intended.
 
After 'Gol's' dismissal we made our way towards the summit in a more orderly and educated fashion. I was leading by the way. Daylight issues kept us from reaching the top. Before heading down, we sat on a cliff for 20 minutes to appreciate the stunning scenery. The city of Ntcheu lay beneath us. We were in a different world.  
 
On the way down, while I was leading, we found a trail that conveniently took us straight to the bottom. I was proud of myself. We will tackle the mountain on another day. It won't take very long at all thanks to my uncanny exploration skills.
 
Another Monday has passed. Today seemed to drag. I can't pinpoint the reason thought. In all we saw eight patients. Malaria, pneumonia, hypertension, and fungal infection were among the diagnoses today.
 
The activities of our days are beginning to repeat. Thus, to keep things new and entertaining, I'll tell you about random mindless events that occur over the course of the day. Such as, today I killed a wasp. This was no ordinary wasp. This was a super-genetic freak wasp that was the size of a baby goat. Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit. It was quite a sight when I took the hand towel and, with great precision, whacked the monster wasp against the wall. Then acting as the man-exterminator, crushed the mouse-sized insect in one graceful motion with my heel. Yeah, I grew some hair on my chest today. 
 
At some points during the day there is very little to do. To entertain ourselves Aaron, Jenn, and I talk about mindless subjects for hours at a time. It's a 'Seinfeld in Africa' sort of thing. For example, while walking home from Zabi's the subject of child-naming came up during conversation. One person would say a name and the other two would decide if it was agreeable or not. Aaron mentioned the name Zach. I, personally, wouldn't name my son Zach. Jenn seemed to like the name because 'Zack Zephlin' brought her roses in third grade when she was grounded. I found this amusing. What a great reason to like a name.
 
We went on to discuss the perplexity of the name Zack. Do you spell it with an A or an E? Do you end the name with a CH, CK, C, or K? Potentially there are eight ways to spell it including Zach, Zack, Zac, Zak, Zeck, Zech, Zek, and Zec. In reality, the name spells confusion. The subject of Zach was debated for longer than it should have been. Africa on a Monday will do that.
 
It looks like Aaron and I will be able to tour the Balaka District Hospital tomorrow. Dr. C has a few contacts over there and has arranged a visit for us. I am excited to see the operations of an actual African hospital.
 
I hope to observe a surgery. The hospital contact told us Tuesdays are designated for elective procedures. When I think of elective surgeries I think of cosmetic surgeries or procedures not required to save lives. Thanks Dr. 90210 and Nip/Tuck. It will be interesting what 'elective' means in Africa. I doubt I'll be seeing any facelifts.
 
Jenn had a very important job today. While the rest of us were being highly productive with the last patient of the day, Jenn had the responsibility of being the security guard. She was charged with watching the patient's bicycle in the front yard. It could have been stolen, but thanks to Jenn's willingness to be the clinic's watch dog it was not thieved. I laughed at her. She laughed also. Then Aaron laughed at her. This was followed by all three of us laughing. Sorry that story was kind of lame.
 
Did I mention I like finding money? I'm just throwing it out there. Oh, and I like marina blue colored cars also. Random.
 
Alright. The creativity has expired for the night, as made evident in the previous paragraph. The journey is still unfolding. More to come.
 

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