We left the house just after 7 a.m. The official program was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and the public was to be permitted in afterward. We joined the lines at the big iron gates at 8:45, where there were a few hundred people in front of us. It was a long wait--about 2 hours. Mum met a lady in line that she recognized from a private schools' meeting about 5 years ago. Some people started pushing when it looked as though the gates would open. Arnold made a plea to a young soldier for the two "grandmothers" to be shown consideration: please let them go in so they are not trampled. It worked. The four of us joined arms and entered the gates, with people running around us within a minute or two.
Photos were NOT allowed anywhere on the grounds, so I tried my best to remember details so I could write them down later.
We walked up a hill--half a kilometre, perhaps more. The place was slightly run-down, in need of some upkeep. No one has lived there full-time since the first president, Dr. Kamuzu Hastings Banda built it as his official residence. Nevertheless, the grounds were still spectacular. It reminded me of Stanley Park, with massive trees, expansive lawns, and rock-lined paths. The sidewalk that wound up the hill was inlaid with small white rocks for the entire distance. Really beautiful.
There was another long wait at the second gate in front of the buildings. The wonderful breeze seem to vanish for 45 minutes, and it got HOT. My scalp is just slightly burnt today.
The building behind the second set of huge gates was not the actual palace. Rather, it was a reception building, used for holding meetings.
(photos found online)
I was told that the palace itself was up at the very top of the other side of the hill by the cliff. It couldn't be seen from here. The breezeway/access to the viewing room was granite-tiled in several different earth tones. Beautiful. Between the gate and the breezeway were tropical gardens. One plant in particular caught my eye. It had long stalks of what resembled ostrich feathers. They were off-white and they must have been 3 meters tall. I've seen them in the craft sections of stores. When I find out the name of it I'll locate a photo online and post it here.
(Got it: it's called pampas grass. Thanks to Leonora and Merna!)
Oh, and the view! Rolling hills and mountains, all green, as far as the eye could see, under a brilliant blue sky.
Soldiers ensured that people walked non-stop, with no gaps in the line as we entered the viewing area. A quick walk past the coffin, which had a window in it, revealing the president's head and shoulders. There were women's guilds singing, seated on either side of the walkway. A young women just two steps in front of me collapsed, sobbing hysterically. Two women and a man lifted her up and carted her off. I almost tripped over a large bump in the carpet right there!
In a moment we were out the other side and headed down the exit lane. We caught a ride on a minibus so the trip down the hill was quick. Oh, my! There must have been 2000 people lined up to get in!
We went into town and had lunch at Martin's Tasty Foods--chicken "stew" (which was a section of chicken in stewed tomatoes) with rice and small green string beans. Yes, it was tasty!
Monday has been declared a national holiday in recognition of the funeral that will take place.
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I think that it is good, what you are doing. I think that it is funny that you are not aloud to take pictures inside there. I also think that the name Mutharika is a neat name. I hope you are doing good up there, and i hope you are doing good. I like what you are doing good up there.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Good to hear from you again :)
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