Dust

I am a real sap when it comes to nostalgia and sentiment.  Don't you agree there are some scents that can bring back some pretty intense memories? Sigh......that was yesterday.  At the expense of a horrible fire that broke out somewhere in the area and some incredibly strong winds there was a penetrating smell of burning and dust in the air.  And THAT is the smell of Malawi, Africa.  That is the scent that hits your nose when you step off the plane and and what you breathe day in and day out - most especially in the dry season. This is in part due to the dusty roads and dusty earth - alot less pavement overall and especially created by  the cooking fires that most Malawians use for their at least twice daily meal of nsima.

 See how to make a typical Malawian meal of nsima and ndiwo in a previous post here.
I poured myself a glass of red wine, sat right down on my back steps and took deep whiffs......walked about the yard reminiscing about all things Malawi in our time there.  Then I made the kids come out and said " Take a deep sniff"........" What is that smell?".......they all said " Malawi".   After supper, I went outside once more.  I couldn't shake the memory that smell was stirring up in my mind.  I felt like weeping and jumping for joy and I felt like sleeping outside and just remembering.  Yep....pretty sentimental.  I just can't help it.  Malawi will always be one of our homes. I love the Warm heart of Africa.  And I miss it.