Packing Advice

Looking back at how I packed for Malawi, there are things I am proud of and others that I would change if I could go back in time.

5 things I did right

- Taking clothes I like to see myself in. It's easy to fall back on stereotypes about Africa and its dress codes. Yes I was going to Africa, but no I wasn't going to a 6 month safari trip. Don't pack your suitcase with beige trousers, white shirts and army-green hats, unless that's just your regular style.

- Physiotherapy things. I took with me a little pocketbook that I could consult whenever I was in doubt. Taking my uniform was also handy, I wouldn't have wanted to wear my daily clothes to hospital every day.

- Sports gear. Why wouldn't I? I used my trainers every week. Football, tennis, jogging, Zumba, mountain climbing...

- Medication. Although I (thankfully) didn't use a fifth of the pills I took, it was comforting to know they were there. The few times that I needed them were enough to make them worth it.

- Electronic appliances. Thank GOD for technology. My iPod, my phone, my laptop.

5 things I regret

- Not taking a hoodie. We all know Africa's climate is warmer than most of the world but believe me, it gets chilly.

- If you don't wear it at home, you won't wear it at all. There were some items of clothing that I thought might be handy and appropriate for daily wear in Malawi, even though I'd never worn them in Lisbon or London. Waste of space given that they were never worn during my 6 months.

- Thinking that I won't find anything in Malawi. I must have thought I was going to the end of the world where nothing can be purchased. I packed useless things like notepads, pens, envelopes, shampoos, toothpaste, paperclips, etc.

- Kindle. Exchanging books with friends was more fun than I anticipated. Not once did I open the Kindle I took with me, and yet I always had an endless supply of books to read.

- Forgetting the little things that make me a little happier. Did my Malawi experience make me less materialistic? Maybe. Nevertheless, there are tiny superficial things that make you feel good about yourself. A pair of heels. Make-up. Nail polish. A nice watch. A fancy dress.

No doubt I'll still make mistakes next time I pack..

I am grateful; therefore I plant a seed.

Someone once told me that when you visit a place you should only take photos and leave footprints. I agree, and (almost) did that. On the morning of my flight I decided to thank Malawi for all the beautiful memories it provided me with. What better way than planting a tree?

It was a special moment, and I recommend it to everyone. It was my way to say thank you, and I almost heard the world thank me in return (forgive me, I'm a little sensitive today).

I'm sorry I didn't see your true beauty, Maputo

It's so interesting how your view on things change over time. Going back to my first posts ever, I didn't really paint Maputo as a beautiful place. In all fairness I had just arrived from Europe where the grass is green, the birds sing and the butterflies smile... A few days ago my friends in Malawi would say "You're so lucky you're staying some days in Maputo before heading home! Such a great place!" I raised an eyebrow everytime and thought, "That's not really how I remember it."

Nevertheless, I am fascinated at how my perspective of this city has changed after living 6 months in Blantyre. When I landed in Maputo yesterday I couldn't believe how many pavements there were. And street lights that worked! The next day we went to a shopping centre (a shopping centre!) and I couldn't believe how clean and civilised it was. The shelves at the supermarket fully stocked, and so much cheese! Oh how I miss cheese.

It's been good spending some days here. But I think I'm ready to go home now. If I can't be in Malawi I'd rather just be sent home to mum and dad.

4am and I decided to start packing.

These past 2 weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. People reminding me how soon I'm leaving ("Oh my god, you've only got 9 days left!!"), goodbye dinners, farewell parties, departing gifts and a lot of love. It'll be hard to leave this place. Curiously enough, most people look me in the eyes and say "You... there is no way you'll be leaving Malawi for good. You'll be back one day, you'll see."

Quite honestly, I like to hear that. I'd love to come back one day, but not just yet. It's time to open new doors and start a fresh phase of my life- and the world is at my feet! So many things I want to be doing. So for now I have left my footprints in this country and will surely keep in touch with the good friends I have made.

Back to packing!