I did it… I finally joined the blogosphere. As we head off to Blantyre, Malawi for two years, we thought this might be a good way to keep in touch with our family and friends and keep from flooding their inboxes with emails and pictures. So, we hope you enjoy reading about our adventures and learning more about this amazing country! “Muli Bwanji” means “how are you?” in Chichewa.
A little about us: Sandy is from Virginia and Kate is from North Carolina.  We both graduated from Davidson College in 2005. Until very recently, we lived in Washington DC. Sandy has a position with his NGO and we will be based in Blantyre for two years.Â
Sandy has spent time in Malawi before. He is excited to return, get started on exciting projects, and play some golf. A lot of golf.
Kate has never been to Africa before but has always wanted to go. She will miss her Folgers Instant Mocha Chocolate Cappacino and is looking forward to trying Jungle Pepper Pizza in Blantyre.
Kate and Sandy, June 2009
I am looking forward to following your amazing experience in Malawi. This is my first time on any kind of blog so I’m thrilled that Ginger shared it with me.
Stay safe and know you will be in my daily prayers.
Darla
Hello,
I came across your blog while researching an upcoming 7 1/2 month trip to Malawi starting in early October. My name is Mary, I’m originally from Tennessee but currently a grad student going to school in South Carolina. I’ll be staying primarily near Mulanje but hope to make it over to Blantyre fairly often for supplies. Would love to meet up with some fellow southerners there or at least hear any advice!
Regardless, I enjoy your blog and hope you keep having great adventures!
Best,
Mary Thompson
Hi Kate and Sandy. I was wondering about the cost of living in Malawi. What is expensive and what is cheap? How are rents or buying and running a car?
Thank you
Amelia
Hi guys,
Loved the blog, any chance you could add faceofmalawi to your blog roll? many thanks.
Also please join our community there.
DC
Hello!
My name is Yaiza Garcia and I am thinking of moving to Malawi, can you please provide me an e-mail address so I can conctact you and if you dont mind ask you a couple of questions?
Thanks a million
Hi Kate,
I’ve been relishing your blog as one of the very few up-to-date web sources I can find info on expat life in Blantyre. I’m very probably also going to have a two-year stint in Blantyre while my husband is there for research. We are actually down for a reconnosaince trip this week (in Blantyre from Monday 14 Feb for five days) and if you have any inclination or time, I’d absolutely love to meet up and pick your brain about relocating to Blantyre. We could even take you and your other half out to Jungle Pepper and chat over a glass of wine…
If you are able and would like to meet up, please get in touch. Might take me a day or so to reply depending on Internet access, but I would really value the opportunity to meet you.
Regardless, keep up the blog. It’s a great read!
Best regards,
Leslie
Hi Leslie, Hi Kate,
I have recently moved to Blantyre as well (coincidentally also for at least a two year stint due to my partner’s job) and am anxious to meet people and chat (preferably over wine!) about Blantyre and Malawi in general. If either of you would like to meet up please email me at quirine_b@hotmail.com.
Regards,
Quirine
Hi Sandy & Kate. Hope all is well in Malawi, now please don’t think I’m insane but I’m sure I recognise your faces! We were in Malawi last November (Myself, My wife Marike and our 4 year old Ella). Any chance you visited the Open Arms orphanage in Blantyre around the 12th/ 13th / 14th of November 2010? If so, drop me a mail and say hi, we are from England and we are planning to come back to Blantyre. Thanks, Mark
Hey, I ran into your blog whilst doing some research. I would love to have one of your stories published in our magazine. Do you have an email or number i can reach you at, I am also based in Blantyre Malawi. you can email us at media@hiscohouse.com
Great Blog, Hope you have continued fun in Malawi. I do miss it! I stumbled across your blog and its very interesting. I was born and brought up there alot has changed. My family still reside in Blantyre however, I live in Malaysia now. I will be visiting on holiday and come back every year. The fuel shortages are something of the new era and times we never had those problems years ago. Load sharing of electricty was not as bad as it is now either.
There is alot to see and the people are very frinedly hence Malawi is called the Warm Heart of Africa! The country is relatively safe and people are always willing to help. If you looking for adventure and excitement Malawi it is. However, I must add Blantyre is a small city and after a while it can get boring as there is not much to do one has to come up with their own entertainment with friends. The community is very small too that everyone knows someone and are connected some how.
Do keep your blog going and I wish you all the best in a hidden paradise Malawi!
Hello!
I’m a soon-to-be college grad planning to move to the northern region, near Sangilo, to teach at a secondary school. I’d love to pick your brain about different things such as cost of living (mainly food, I will have a house), buying a bicycle, and internet and phone usage.
Hello!
I just stumbled upon your blog and absolutely loving it! My husband and I moved to Malawi about 10 days ago. We will be here for about 18 months for his work. Will definitely keep on following your blog to keep up to date with the Malawian life!
Regards,
Elfriede*
Elfriede – thank you so much for your comment! Welcome to Malawi! If you need anything while you’re here – please let us know!
Please nurture your relationship with plenty of honest talk.
Hello Kate and Sandy,
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Cheers,
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Sandy and Kate,
I just came across your blog as I prepare for a 9 month stint in Blantyre on a Rotary Scholarship. My name is Danny Low, I’m from Seattle but considering UNC for medical school next year. I am going to be starting a Masters in Public Health at the College of Medicine and was wondering if you had any suggestions on how/where to find housing/apartment? I am coming November 9 and will be in Blantyre until early August. I’d love to meet up with you as well! Thanks for the help!
I was born in Malawi – amazing country. Now living in London but always consider myself an African – great blog.
Great to hear from you! It is indeed such an amazing place and hope you come visit!
I’m so happy to discover this blog! I’m a graduate student at Washington State University and will be traveling to Malawi for the month of July and part of August for work on sustainable agriculture. I’ll be stayiing at the Bunda College of Agriculture outside of Lilongwe. This blog will be a great resource. I’d love to visit Beany!