http://amygottlieb.net amy gottlieb blog and site Sat, 03 Jan 2009 18:30:34 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en (New Year's Eve in Cape Maclear) Eric and I are continuing our adventures across Malawi. We just spent the last five days at Cape Maclear chilling out at one of my favorite spots in the entire country! Cape Maclear, a World Heritage Site as well as a national park, ... http://amygottlieb.net/2009/new-year%e2%80%99s-in-cape-maclear/ Two days before Eric arrived in Lilongwe we decided to change our Christmas plans from the beaches of Mozambique to the rugged plains of one of Africa’s finest wildlife sanctuaries. With 60 different animal species and over 400 species of birds, I think we chose wisely! We loaded our gear ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/christmas-in-south-luangwa/ As I sit on my balcony gazing out towards the Indian Ocean, I realize just how much I love my job and life in Africa. I am currently in Dar es Salaam attending an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Workshop sponsored by WHO. How fabulous to feel embraced by ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/another-whirlwind-trip/ (Amy and Paula) Thanksgiving this year was far from traditional. I decided to fly to Mozambique to meet up with Paula and her family for a little road trip up the coast. Approximately ten of us (including another couple and their children) loaded our gear in the car and caravanned ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/thanksgiving-in-mozambique/ (Ann, Kate, Lillian and Amy at Senga Bay) Life continues to remain interesting. First, one of my dear friends from Austin, Tina Applin, passed through Lilongwe as part of her 45-day overland adventure tour. In between searching for rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda, discovering the beauty of the Serengeti, ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/another-day-in-the-life/ (Shawn, Kate, Malen and Amy) I must say, this past week marked some major milestones both historically and personally! First, Malawians and Africans across the continent are elated by Obama’s triumph. In fact, President Bingu wa Mutharika, the President of Malawi, recently wrote a letter to Obama stating, ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/what-a-week/ (Amy in Senga Bay) For those of you familiar with PEPFAR speak, those two words, ‘COP Season’, are enough to send shudders down your spine. The COP – or the Country Operating Plan, is the tome that each PEPFAR country develops that describes major accomplishments to date and outlines the ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/cop-season/ One of Malawi’s biggest tourist events occurred this weekend – the fifth annual Lake of Stars Music Festival. International and African artists shared the stage at Livingstonia Beach, attracting record crowds to this sleepy little part of the country. (Friends at Lake of Stars) (Alisha, Katie, Cassandra, Jennifer and ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/lake-of-stars-music-festival/ (Kani and Amy – with Bunda Mountain in the background) I’ve rediscovered my passion for cycling over these last few weeks and truly feel as if I am finally on the road to recovery! My heart still aches every time I think of Andy, but I am beginning to feel ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/my-love-for-riding/ (Kani, Cassandra, Todd, and Amy) What a week! Malawi hosted the Regional Strategic Information (SI) Meeting – which probably means nothing to most of you. But, it was a fabulous opportunity for information sharing and knowledge transfer in the fields of Monitoring and Evaluation, Informatics and Surveillance (wow – ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/cycling-and-shooting-in-dedza/ (Amy and Alisha hiking at Dzalanyama Forest Reserve) September 11th is an extremely symbolic day…seven years ago my dear friend, Berry, was taken from us when her plane crashed into the World Trade Center. For years, I struggled with the anniversary of her death – how could such a beautiful ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/september-11th/ (Kate, Ann, Sara and Cassandra) It’s hard to believe that I’ve only been back in Malawi for ten days! My world has drastically changed yet eerily remains the same. I’ve come home to an intense work schedule, to my friends, to my dogs, and to a daily routine that ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/girls-weekend-at-senga-bay/ (Dining at Costa Do Sol - Maputo) So much has happened over the last few months. Unfortunately, I neither have the energy nor the desire to fully describe what has transpired. However, the process of updating my blog is somewhat cathartic – so I will briefly summarize the highlights. ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/endings-and-beginnings/ Malawi’s beauty continues to amaze me. After an emotionally charged week, my friends insisted that I join them in their jaunt to the small town of Mulanje, where the Mulanje Massif (with an elevation of 9,855 ft or 3,002 m) looms over the tea-growing district of Malawi below. ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/feeding-my-soul/ (Cadillac Mountain) This past month has been a whirlwind. So much has happened that it’s too exhausting to even begin to describe – so hope you’ll settle for a general overview. (Sami, Scott, Marshelle and Ben) Returning to Austin truly felt like ‘home’. I LOVED spending time with friends and family ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/back-in-the-usaand-back-in-malawi/ (Hotel Serena) Traveling in Africa is neither easy nor logical. Now, I want you to visualize the map of Africa as I begin to describe my circuitous route from Lilongwe to Kampala – what should have been maybe a two hour direct flight dragged out for 19 hours! The CDC ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/implementers-meeting-in-kamapala/ I must say, it certainly feels great to be back in the good old USA. No culture shock – just an innate appreciation for this materialistic society! Andy and I have been loving the plethora of restaurants, bars, shopping centers and grocery stores! Ironically, I returned to the states ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/training-in-atlanta/ My second week of Situational Analysis is almost complete. I can honestly say that this has been the most exhausting yet rewarding experience since my arrival in Malawi. To date, Chimwemwe and I have visited ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/livingstonia/ (Katete Mission Hospital) This past week has been an eye opener! After ten months of working in Malawi, I’ve FINALLY had an opportunity to spend extended time in the field. I am leading one of seven teams that are venturing across the country visiting all of the HIV/AIDS ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/situational-analysis/ (The family in Lilongwe) I must say, I have enjoyed every minute of my Mom and Steve’s visit, including all of Koshie’s jokes! And as if their presence weren’t enough, Scottie (my brother-in-law) is here, too! He’s been working in Malawi this past week on TDY for the President’s ... http://amygottlieb.net/2008/all-good-things-must-come-to-an-end/