andy warner fleming

2010-01-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

2010-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

Secret Backcontry Stash- Earning Turns

mom is a common theme

2009-12-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

newspapers, books, and computers

2009-12-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

my parents every night work out their brains with words that are put together in new patterns that communicate new ideas and sometimes recycled thoughts

Winter Sol

2009-12-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today- Christmas Eve on-line video grad course- busy work too the max

Volunteering with good friends at Camp Good Days Kazoo Fundraiser- one large fundraiser

Andy and Katie's baby shower- nice gifts- fun friends

Sapitwa- "Do Not Go There"

2009-05-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Sapitwa is a Chichewa word for "do not go there." It is also the name of the tallest peak on Mulanje Mountain in Malawi. Sapitwa may be the third tallest mountain in Africa- I'm not sure- I know it is the longest and steepest I've ever walked downhill and my knees can tell you if you want to speak with them sometime.

Pete and Regan near the peak

Regan and me at the lightening rod- that also marks the peak- multipurpose.

First lunch on peak day- Beans and cheese sandwich. I projectile vomited later that night from the railing right behind me- bad water.

I broke my point and click camera and I'm thinking of opening it up to fix it

2009-04-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

Loading up the bikes to carry wood 15k down hill barefoot or with sandals to sell as firewood

Great book and great view- what more can one ask for- maybe putting the knowledge into practice.

Swam everyday in the lake and about to have a fish bbq.

April- A New Year

2009-04-16T04:20:00.000-07:00

Fall on Mulanje Mountain in Mulanje

Sleeping in a mountain hut on Mulanje Mountain- I had the loft w/ a view.

Full moon over Zomba with a slow shutter speed.

On the way to a deep dive in Lake Malawi.

3-2-1 roll off the side of the boat.

SCUBA Diving at Capemaclear

2009-04-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

I went SCUBA diving in Lake Malawi at CapeMaclear- I earned a nice cut on my eye and my open water diving certification to 18 meters.

Lilongwe (Capital) and Cape Maclear Lake Malawi

2009-04-02T22:48:00.000-07:00

Ted (founder) and Jonny from Africycle and Tony Wheeler (founder of Lonely Planet) 50 bicycles were donated to aid organizations in Malawi.

Hubcaps on the way to Lilongwe.

Dugout canoe nearing sunset.

Sunset on Capemaclear.

Environmental Awareness Rally and March

2009-03-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

I was invited by Douglas, the headmaster at Chawe Primary School, to march in a rally with his students and Sunbird employees to protect the environment.

Chawe Primary and Junior High Students Volunteered to Make Signs and March on Sunday March 15, 2009

The Next Generation Caring for Their Environment

Zomba Center- Making Your Voice Heard

Footprints

Planting 250 Trees on the Mountain w/ Chawe Primary School

2009-03-12T23:12:00.001-07:00

7th Grade Chawe School Teacher and His Daughter

Steward of the Earth and Tree

Participating In Greening Malawi

Tree Planting Day

2009-03-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

Chawe Elementary Students Planting Trees

Water is used to wash hands and water the trees- nothing is wasted.

Bringing the next generation of tree planters.

As a member of the Honeoye Falls-Lima Green Team I donated 50 seedlings to be planted and I was asked to speak in front of all the students and distinguished guests- pretty cool experience.

Educational Fitness

2009-03-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Zomba Red Lions Professional Football Team vs. Central Region 3-0

Team Practice Prayer

"No Sweet Without Sweet" well- it is true.

Chancellor College

Sir Harry Johnson Pool- A New Member for Lap Swimming

Maize is the Largest Grown and Consumed Food In Malawi

2009-03-02T08:24:00.001-08:00

Trying My Hand At Separating the Good From the Bad

Maize Kernels

The First Grind- Shells the Maize

The Second Grind- Makes it into Maize Flour

Red Seeds

2009-02-26T23:02:00.000-08:00

Feb. 2009

2009-02-25T22:44:00.000-08:00

At the maize mill- shaking the shelled maize

Fresh water on the Zomba P.

Balaka and Mulanje

2009-02-24T22:18:00.000-08:00

Bicycle Lanes

14 cents to cross

Brother and Sister selling lemons by the water crossing

Church on a hillside in Mulanje

Kids in the Field

2009-02-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

Styling

Friendship

Family

Shakespeare

2009-02-23T22:44:00.000-08:00

“From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhood’s cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day"

-William Shakespeare - Henry V

Field Work

2009-02-22T23:07:00.000-08:00

Natures Umbrellas and Children

Capturing

Field Work

2009-02-22T22:50:00.000-08:00

Chancellor College Students Interviewers Crossing the River on Piggyback- 35 cents each way

It is the rainy season in Malawi and some roads may be impossible- you don't know till you try

Driving home at night from a full work day

Some things may have nothing but they are still beautiful

Wyson- my groups driver and all around good guy

12 Days Living and Working in the Field- Balaka and Mulanje

2009-02-22T22:11:00.001-08:00

We walked for hours in maize fields to find the villages and homes of respondents

Mulanje tea estates- hand picked to awake millions

Tobacco is a cash crop and is grown by many farmers in the north

Drying tobacco leaves- strung and hung by hand

Eating after a long day in the field

Juria's 5th Adventure in Malawi

2009-02-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

Fording a Raging River

People I live with

2009-02-07T12:00:00.000-08:00

Walking if Fields of Maize Forever

A Mai Hair Stying

People I live with and meet during the day

2009-02-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Jess in the waterfall pool midday

Niall early morning in the house.

Pete midday riding down the Zomba Mountain in the back of a Land Rover

Me resting

Roda's House, Building a Stone Wall

2009-02-05T22:14:00.000-08:00

Husband is a tailor and night guard and wife is a cook- they have seven children, a home, and a garden.

Building a Stone Wall to save the tree from erosion- location- outside our gate.

Completed wall- tree huggers unite.

Walking Home and Walking the Ridgeline In Zomba

2009-02-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Wearing Shades On Your Head Or Trees

2009-02-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Home In Home and Home In Nature

2009-01-30T00:48:00.000-08:00

Our Home in Zomba.

Tea Estate In Mulanje- Outdoors Home

Diamond Swedi- From Abulea Trading Center

2009-01-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

Today is ThUrSdAy

2009-01-28T21:44:00.001-08:00

Abulea Trading Center

Sprouting Wings to Fly

Hiking to a waterfall in Mulanje

Sticker in the rental car.

Public Transport

Mount Mulanje- Hiking Trip

2009-01-26T02:14:00.000-08:00

Merrian, Niall, and Andy

Standing on a rock in the tea estates.

Learning about tea leaves.

Getting up early to watch the sun rise.

Our heads are in the clouds.

All Animals and A Zomba Skyline

2009-01-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

Pete Working

A Snail Working

A Gecko Working

A Skyline Being

Amai

2009-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

Amai telling me the story of the snake that was above her in the tree that he uncle chopped the tail off before it could bite her.

Taking a walk with Amai.

We all live in a yellow submarine- thanks Kim for the clothes.

Malawi- Zomba Activities

2009-01-23T00:40:00.000-08:00

Abambo Sydney reserving the Great Hall at Chancellor College for his wedding.

Guard at the cell tower hiding from the black mamba we saw.

The "Mushroom Hilton" that we built to grow mushrooms.

Playing with a slow shutter speed while playing darts.

Molly the neighbors horse.

OBAMA- AFRICA AND THE WORLD

2009-01-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

A proud moment for America and the world- breaking barriers.

We watched Obama become the 44th President of the U.S.A with our neighbors.

There will be many steps to take in these difficult times- it's time to get to work.

Tuesday in Malawi

2009-01-20T01:18:00.000-08:00

Baby Scorpion that supposedly can pack one whallop of a bite.

Hanging at night.

Splash of red in a sea of green.

Daybreak- returning from a night fishing on Lake Malawi.

Going to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. Waiting. We are at the dentist- Smile.

Do what you love and what is meaningful.
"We don’t get a chance to do that many things, and every one should be really excellent. Because this is our life.

Life is brief, and then you die, you know?

And we’ve all chosen to do this with our lives. So it better be damn good. It better be worth it."
Steve Jobs

Honor to Know Zach DeRidder- In Honor- Passing 01/18/2009

2009-01-18T20:42:00.000-08:00

Zach- Thank you for sharing your friendship with me and us all- God speed.

Uplifted, Steps, Films, and a Baboon

2009-01-18T20:26:00.000-08:00

Don't let your feet hit the ground. Orphan Group Liwonde.
Friends feet in-line. Orphan Group Zomba.
Only movie theater in Malawi-Blantyre.
Baboon sunning in the Botanical Garden- Zomba.

Sunny Days Cycling Lake Malawi

2009-01-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

Choose Your Own Adventure

2009-01-12T22:44:00.001-08:00

Solitary Reading In the Botanical Gardens
Guard Duck Chuck On Laundry Patrol
Friends in All Sizes

Mixxing Pixels

2009-01-12T22:17:00.000-08:00

Grasshopper Stance
Looking Over Lake Malawi Contemplating Nothing
Mua Mission Mask
If Wood Could Sing

2008 Some Nice Days

2009-01-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

Christmas at Grace Orphanage- First Food - then Dancing
Golf
UDF Rally- Yellow
New Years Eve at Masuku Cottage- the Final 2008 Sunset

Cycling Up North West Lake Malawi Shore over 400 kilometers

2008-12-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ted Putting Together Bikes at Africycle for Our Tour

2008-12-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

Holiday Party for 29 Orphans w/ Merriam and Getting Ready to Bicycle Lake Malawi

2008-12-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

The Rains Are Here- Celebration

2008-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

Pet Grasshopper, Work Meeting, Guns and Flowers

2008-11-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

Smiling Work

2008-11-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

Let Your Eyes Speak

2008-11-22T23:04:00.000-08:00

Radio Tower on top of Zomba

2008-11-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

Botanical Garden Rock Walk in Zomba and Wooden Bridge

2008-11-18T10:36:00.000-08:00

2008-11-03T12:00:00.001-08:00

Luckily this snake lived more than one hour from my home.
Selling charcoal by the side of the road. It is great for cooking beans, but the sale is causing rapid deforestation. One big bag can be purchased for less than $3.50.
Sunday mountain bike ride- miles of up hills and miles of downhills. It was over 90 degrees- the downhills are natural air conditioning.
Getting on close to four weeks growing my beard. It is natural sunblock and works as mosquito netting.

LIfe

2008-10-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

battling the 90 degree heat, sharing the tarmac, gentleman getting a ride across the Shire river, the boat captain, group village meeting

Doing Field Work, Game, A Mai and Blackson

2008-10-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

Rat Surgery to Rule Out Witchcraft, Looking Through the Glass, Girls In the Field

2008-10-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Morning Sunrise, One Big Spider Hit By a Flip Flop

2008-10-07T04:49:00.000-07:00

Cutting Wood on the Mountain and Take Your Daughter to Work Day

2008-10-04T01:09:00.001-07:00

Primary School Feeding Program

2008-09-27T22:34:00.000-07:00

Primary schools in Malawi have morning feeding program for the children. The porriage is made mostly from maize and added vitamens. It is cooked in large vats and poured into cups that most of the children drink from as they do not have spoons.

Great Days

2008-09-23T12:09:00.002-07:00

Sunset Sept. 23

School Visits with Primary School Students

Sunsets and Kids Playing

2008-09-20T23:53:00.001-07:00

The sunset is around 530pm every evening

Scale map of the Zomba Pleatue

Children around a secondary school during the day

Shire River and Buying Fish

2008-09-12T12:22:00.001-07:00

The Shire river runs through Malawi and provides water for agriculture. Many people make their living by farming in Malawi. People also fish the waters. The fishers use dug out canoes made from hand carved trees, lines with steel hooks, and bowls to bail the water that enters the canoes through leaks.

Here are some pictures from the Shire river, a dug out canoe, a fisherman paddling his canoe, fish for purchase, and driving around with fish in the hot African sun.

2008-09-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

A Lesson in Brick Making

2008-09-09T09:54:00.001-07:00

Many houses in Malawi are made from bricks. This is a very good thing as the people use slash and burn techniques to clear land and for farming. Bricks are locally made by digging up the red clay from the earth, mixing the earth with water, putting it into a brick mold, and then baking the bricks so they get that dark red color- are stronger- and more water resistant. Here are some photos of the brick ovens that people build. The holes in the bottom are where the wood goes for the fire/baking and they are covered in dirt to keep the heat in. After the bricks are fired they are then taken from the pile as needed for building. I really like the locally made concept. Brick making here is relatively inexpensive and creates fire proof housing. One issue with brick making is that it takes the soil from the land and there are some erosion issues associated with this.

Boy and His Goat, Mother and Daughter, Near the Top of Zomba Malawi

2008-09-04T09:12:00.001-07:00

Malawi Facts

2008-09-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.handsontv.info/series5/03_Packing%20a%20Punch_reports/report6.html

I love my experience here in Malawi. My time here is eye opening, exciting, and fun. I also have to remember that I live a privilaged existence even here in Malawi. I have housing, I have Internet, and I have a bank account that I can draw from when I need to purchase food. My food choice is limited by what is on the shelves, not by what I can afford.

The following information is from Hands On: The Earth Report: From TVE

In Malawi, 6.3 million people are defined as poor, which means that almost two-thirds of the country’s population are unable to fulfil their basic economic, political, social, psychological, and physiological needs.

Pervasive Poverty
Poverty in Malawi is widespread, deep and severe. It is caused by a number of factors, including low levels of education, poor health status (including widespread HIV/AIDS), lack of off-farm employment, rapid population growth and gender inequalities. The country ranked 162 out of 175 in the Human Development Index (HDI) of the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Human Development Report 2003. The HDI measures achievements in terms of life expectancy, educational attainment and adjusted real income. The rural population are disproportionately affected by these problems, with 67 per cent of rural people below the poverty line compared to 54 per cent of those in urban areas. With 90 per cent of Malawi’s population living in rural areas, and because poverty is more pervasive in rural areas, 91.3 per cent of the poor live in rural areas.

A household from Kumongo village, Lilongwe
Malikesi, of the Kumongo village, mentions that January and February are the worst months of the year because of food shortages and a scarcity of money. To cope with this situation he works harder in his firewood business. He makes two trips a day on his bicycle selling firewood in Lilongwe. If he is still unable to make ends meet, he seeks help from his relatives. If they are unable to help, he goes to his friends. Any amount he borrows has to be repaid in full – no instalments. His wife has reciprocal relationships with her neighbours. Salt is shared without having to return it. However, a bar of soap or a plate of maize flour has to be returned.
(Source: Shah et al., 2002)

Health problems pose a serious threat to the ability of the rural population to raise themselves out of poverty. Life expectancy at birth has been falling, reaching as low as 39 years in 2000. This is partly due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, with an estimated 16 per cent of the population infected. Infant, child and maternal mortality rates are high by global standards. In 2000, infant and under-five mortality rates were estimated to be 104 and 189 deaths per 1000 live births. This is caused in large part by a lack of access to adequate health services, demonstrated by the fact that health workers attend only 43 per cent of births. Children in Malawi are generally malnourished. In 2000, almost half of the children under the age of 5 were found to have a low height for their age (stunted). The poor consume only 66 per cent of the recommended daily calorie requirement.

2008-09-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Morning National Anthem

Girls Coming to Our Meeting

Outdoor Classroom

Daily School Routine

Map of a School

2008-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Children In Classroom

Classroom Saying

Classroom Example

Social Studies Wall

Kids Looking in the Door and Our Truck

Field Experience

2008-09-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've been traveling by 4x4 truck to schools and villages in the Zomba region. We have a 4x4 truck and the majority of the roads are dirt- so in essence everyday we go off-roading. The rains come in two months and everything turns to mud- that is going to be interesting.
I'm enjoying visiting schools and meeting the girls in the program. Here are some shots of our team- an American researcher who I will be taking over for, and three Malawian research assistants.

Africycle

2008-08-26T05:13:00.000-07:00

2008-08-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

I am now in Zomba and I am very happy to be here. Zomba was just designated a city and there are great hills, lakes, and people that reside here. Yesterday I was able to do some mountain biking and do some bicycle repair at Africycle. I am impressed with all the great work being done in Malawi to assist others. I really enjoyed taking the time to assist at Africycle and even if it was grabbing parts out of bins for the mechanics and tightening some bolts it feels fulfilling to be involved.

Yesterday I bicycled up the Zomba mountain to the lodge. The climb was all up hill and it took me over an hour. The down hill took me 15 minutes. I think I am the only person in Zomba with a helmet. There were other people with bicycles, but they were carrying large load of wood down the mountain to sell. There were also many kids selling wild strawberries, rasberries, and bananas. I have savored all three and they are fantastic.

I met a Noel from Australia who is a designer and engineer. He is working in design and also teaching computer classes at a local high school. We were speaking about bicycleing and he invited me to Africycle where he was going to help repair some bicycles. Africycle is a nonprofit orgainization that collects bicycles in Cananda and ships them to Malawi. They have a warehouse and repair building 3 miles out of Zomba and they have a waiting list for bicycles as they have become very popular and are fulfilling a need for inexpensive quality transportation. The website is africycle.org and here is a write up on the organization.

Who We Are Africycle is a charitable organization bringing people together to improve access to bicycles in Africa.
Based in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada, Africycle functions through many facets, bringing communities together to pursue the common goal of providing people in Malawi access quality used bicycles. Many Malawians experience difficulty accessing quality bicycles, due to economic constraints and the limited availability of affordable, reliable bicycles in the local market. Africycle believes that by providing bicycles it can be a catalyst for sustainable and effective development in Malawian communities. To accomplish this mission, Africycle follows a defined plan of action which consists of two parts on opposite ends of the planet: The ‘Recycle-a-Bike’ program in Canada and a bicycle repair shop and distribution center in Malawi

Man with three chickens on his back, kids in a village near Balaka- she ran out from a bath to get in a photo, little girl-big smile, backyard river

2008-08-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

2008-08-25T04:53:00.000-07:00

2008-08-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

Malawi blog august 21 2008
I have been fortunate to spend the week traveling to villages with the VCT counselors in the University of Pennsylvania and Chancellor College. The research study is examining beliefs and behaviors. The study provides free HIV testing to participants so people are aware of their status and can then go to the hospital to receive HIV medication. The study uses vans to reach villages and hires a mostly Malawian staff to conduct the fieldwork.
I have really enjoyed my time traveling throughout the villages talking with the Malawian counselors and meeting many of the Malawian people and children in the villages. During interviews I have played soccer with the children and danced to music from the van speakers. The people are very warm hearted and kind. When the kids see me they yell out Inzugu which means white person. I really enjoy all the warm smiles, waves, thumbs ups, and calling out “bobo” and “shopshop”- which translates into “what's up.”
I know how to say- How are you? I'm fine, and you? Thank you. What's up.
Sharing the love- two of the graduate students from the University of Pennsalyavnia were flying out home and the VCT counselors put together a going away party complete with song, poems, decorations, gifts, food, soda, and music. The graduate students worked for two months on the research study and went into the field with the VCT counselors. In speaking with the graduate students I heard a lot about how the Malawian VCT counselors had a huge impact on them and they were sad to leave Malawi- turns out the students also had a big impact on the VCT counselors- what a great connection that was made and what a great send off for the graduate students.
Here are a number of photos.
My brother and his wife where we were staying in Blyntare for the first night.
The new hospital in Neno that Regan will be working at when it opens- built by Partners in Health (PIH).
Famous African Tree during the drive from Neno to Balaka.
Sunday soccer game- mostly without shoes.
Getting ready for the day.
Man carrying chickens on his back.
Kids in village.
Girl in village.
My current backyard on what I've named Hippo River.

Steve sharing his shades, stick fighting, hole in the wall in Coffee Bay, beach shot, elephants going to the watering hole

2008-08-17T00:37:00.000-07:00

South Africa Has a Lot to Share

2008-08-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am having a great beginning to my year in Africa. My good friend from college Steve Davis is working on his doctorate in African Studies in Cape Town for the year and he has been able to make friends with many South Africans. We were able to travel throughout the Eastern Cape and stay at local people's houses and really experience the local culture. We also were able to visit the township in Cape Town and see the living conditions for many of the people of South Africa.

I am currently in Malawi, I flew in today, and I'm with my brother and his wife Regan. They are putting me to work right away, which I am grateful for, and Monday I will be going to the villages with researchers to where I will assist with HIV tests and survey data. I'm happy to begin to meet people and experience the culture.

I have thought of this often and I am here to learn. I am excited to learn.

Here are some photos- Our first home stay in Mthata, near where Nelson Mandela was born and has his home, playing soccer with local children, and a woman ironing a shirt in the township to begin the day.