Since arriving in Malawi 1 1/2 years ago, I’ve come full circle with my relationship to motorbikes. I arrived, terrified, clumsy and useless (although I did get a marriage proposal out of my first solo-tumble during practice). I watched in awe as my EWB colleagues Amanda, Mike, Garret and Alynne – all equally new to Malawi – zoomed around the football field we were practicing in.
After a year and a half of sitting on the back of field staff’s motorbikes and going to numerous rural communities with them, it’s time for me to give it a go. I’ve been learning to ride their motobikes for the past 6 months, but now, I’m the happy owner of my own little Yamaha Vespa that I can whip around Accra with (don’t worry – I’ll be careful. No desire to get in a mess with a trotro.)
Cliff, my Ghanaian-American friend giving me lessons in moto-riding
It might still get re-painted Aresenal Red (my favorite football team and favorite colour), since with my yellow racing helmet, a green leather jacket (still have to find one of those) and black riding gloves I’ll look like a little Black Star of Ghana – just in time for the 2010 World Cup. With a pair of black star shaped glasses the outfit would be complete.
Vroooom!!!
