A Wandering Sole

My Little Bell from Thailand

// December 8th, 2012 // 7 Comments » // Kenya, Malawi, Thailand, Volunteer

Working in Kibera

Time

I have now been in Kenya for 10 days and it has been a super. crazy. chaotic 10 days! And I plan on telling you all about it very soon. But as I sit here on this Saturday morning, freshly showered and sitting on my new cozy couch, I have been reflecting on the importance of how we spend our time. After days spent walking miles in the hot afternoon sun, I have come home each day here absolutely exhausted (last night I accidentally dozed for a few minutes at 6:00 waiting to Skype with a friend), but I come home each day feeling so thankful and realize that my life is so much more enriched. The past few days I have spent less time on trying to rearrange my life and get settled into a new apartment and more time focusing on my social enterprise. I have had my first couple of informal meetings and am trying to develop a timeline. Although I am very passionate and excited about my future plans here and with my business back in the U.S., it has become more obvious to me how much pressure there is to succeed. (more…)

Infectious: If Only I Were Talking About My Personality

// April 29th, 2011 // 21 Comments » // Bali, Malawi, Malaysia, South Africa, Travel Review

Note: This post has photos and details about medical ailments due to travel. If you are queasy or easily grossed out, perhaps it’s best to skip this one and check back in later!

February 2011. Friends were coming to stay at our house for the weekend. Two days before they were to  arrive, my sister decided we had to tell them. I thought it wasn’t a big deal, but then again, when you’ve had the same recurring (highly contagious) infection for, oh about 8 months, it probably shouldn’t be taken lightly. I had a severe staph infection.  (more…)

Nkhata Bay: Malawi’s Adventure Spot on the Lake

// July 25th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Malawi

Shopping for fabrics in Nkhata Bay

After arriving at Nkhata Bay via a local ferry, we dragged our tired selves to one of the most popular lodges in Nkhata Bay: Mayoka Village. Situated on a sloping hillside in Nkhata Bay, it offers camping, dorms, and cute chalets that are more like cozy cabins. (more…)

Chizumulu Island and More Boat Rides

// July 24th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Malawi

Wakwenda Retreat on Chizumulu Island

Periodically scooping water from the boat with a leaky cannister

Switching Islands
After lounging around on Likoma Island for several days, it was time for a change of scenery. We hired a fishing boat and took a little ride over to neighboring Chizumulu Island. About half the population size of Likoma Island, Chizzy (as it is known among locals) is it’s quieter counterpart. We stayed at the only place on the island I think you can stay: Wakwenda Retreat. It took our little fishing boat about an hour to transfer us between the islands. Our hostel is on the backside of the island, so we weren’t able to get a view of it until we rounded the corner and pulled into the bay. Wakwenda Retreat was quite impressive. (more…)

Likoma Island: A Little African Paradise

// July 22nd, 2010 // 11 Comments » // Malawi

Resident dog Basil lives the life on Likoma Island

My initial reaction to Likoma Island was nothing short of pure contentment. Although my travel friends from the ferry and I thought we would be leaving just two days later to get back to mainland, it just wasn’t going to happen. You can’t spend two miserable days on a boat, only to spend two days on a relaxing island. So it was time to kick back and relax. (more…)

Montage Monday: Sunset on Chizumulu Island

// July 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi, Photo of the Week

Spending a couple of nights on Chizumulu Island on Lake Malawi, I was spoiled with some pretty sweet sunsets. From my accommodation at Wakwenda Retreat I could sit on one of the wooden platforms jutting out into the bay and look at this lovely masterpiece.