August 23, 2009
Yesterday marked one month of time in Malawi. I was actually pretty surprised that I have been here for that long. Everything is going well here for the most part. We have been plowing through the interviews to get them translated and transcribed. I sit with a translator every day from 8:00 - 4:30 and type them into my computer as he translates them for me. Sometimes I learn a lot and sometimes, it is just monotonous. For example, I learned that in this region of Malawi, there is a matrilocal and matrilineal culture. This means that when two people marry, they move to the residence of the woman’s family and live in the compound there. Also, all marriage negotiations are done by uncles and not by fathers. If two people want to get married, their mother’s brothers are the ones that arrange it and discuss the bride price. These things are not readily apparent in the interviews but my translator explains them to me. They are important for understanding the context of the study.
Mangochi is a very small town. On our days off, we often make the trek to People’s (a grocery store with basic necessities) or go to the market. Sometimes, when we just need a thing or two, we still think it is worth it because it gives us something to do! I enjoy living here and the people are really friendly but I will also be glad to get back to Blantyre to larger stores and to things to do.
This weekend, there was a conference of all of the doctors in Malawi (which begs the question- what about all of the patients?). I didn’t go because I had to work with one of our interviewers but Andrea did and said that it was good. They held it at this resort by the lake, which I am sure was a good mix of business and pleasure for the doctors. Our boss, Frank, drove into town for it and took us to the opening party on Friday night. He passed us drink after drink and wanted to make sure that we were having a good time. One of the pathologists was exceedingly drunk and decided to show everyone what he could do on the limbo set up. He gyrated his hips in a way that I could not repeat even if I tried and ultimately got through on the
lowest rung. After this party was over, Frank loaded us up in his truck and took us to the after party at a local club. I swear, at some points, I was the only person on the dance floor. I just danced and danced and danced all night. Finally, at 2 am, we asked Frank to take us back. He obliged (although I am pretty sure that he went back to the club after dropping us off). He had a presentation at 9 the next morning too- so I am sort of interested to know how that went! This weekend so far has involved a day of work, sleeping in until 8 today (which is unheard of!) and recovering from our night of craziness. I need to do some laundry etc so hopefully it is a productive day.
That’s all I got.
<3
Yesterday marked one month of time in Malawi. I was actually pretty surprised that I have been here for that long. Everything is going well here for the most part. We have been plowing through the interviews to get them translated and transcribed. I sit with a translator every day from 8:00 - 4:30 and type them into my computer as he translates them for me. Sometimes I learn a lot and sometimes, it is just monotonous. For example, I learned that in this region of Malawi, there is a matrilocal and matrilineal culture. This means that when two people marry, they move to the residence of the woman’s family and live in the compound there. Also, all marriage negotiations are done by uncles and not by fathers. If two people want to get married, their mother’s brothers are the ones that arrange it and discuss the bride price. These things are not readily apparent in the interviews but my translator explains them to me. They are important for understanding the context of the study.
Mangochi is a very small town. On our days off, we often make the trek to People’s (a grocery store with basic necessities) or go to the market. Sometimes, when we just need a thing or two, we still think it is worth it because it gives us something to do! I enjoy living here and the people are really friendly but I will also be glad to get back to Blantyre to larger stores and to things to do.
This weekend, there was a conference of all of the doctors in Malawi (which begs the question- what about all of the patients?). I didn’t go because I had to work with one of our interviewers but Andrea did and said that it was good. They held it at this resort by the lake, which I am sure was a good mix of business and pleasure for the doctors. Our boss, Frank, drove into town for it and took us to the opening party on Friday night. He passed us drink after drink and wanted to make sure that we were having a good time. One of the pathologists was exceedingly drunk and decided to show everyone what he could do on the limbo set up. He gyrated his hips in a way that I could not repeat even if I tried and ultimately got through on the
lowest rung. After this party was over, Frank loaded us up in his truck and took us to the after party at a local club. I swear, at some points, I was the only person on the dance floor. I just danced and danced and danced all night. Finally, at 2 am, we asked Frank to take us back. He obliged (although I am pretty sure that he went back to the club after dropping us off). He had a presentation at 9 the next morning too- so I am sort of interested to know how that went! This weekend so far has involved a day of work, sleeping in until 8 today (which is unheard of!) and recovering from our night of craziness. I need to do some laundry etc so hopefully it is a productive day.That’s all I got.
<3
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