Ball house of Malawi & Real Silence

The “ball house” of Malawi

When I looked for places to stay in Blantyre, Malawi, I did not select for architectural uniqueness.

I found a room on Air BnB for a great price that had excellent reviews. Part of the property was a home, three stories tall… in the shape of a massive ball.

Named “Sonke House” after the owner and architect, Jan Sonke, the home is part of a bigger property fifteen minutes from downtown Blantyre. It is literally a giant ball home - the only one of its kind on the continent of Africa.

I first stayed here two nights before heading to Mulanje in the south, but came back for one night on a stopover day.

By the time of my second stay I had ingratiated myself with my hosts - Mr. Sonke, originally from the Netherlands, and Mrs. Sonke from Blantyre area.

I was invited to go inside the ball home - a rare privilege.

In short, I was blown away. The inside of the home was absolutely beautiful. The design was truly like nothing I’d ever seen. I sat to have tea with the Sonke’s looking out over the city of Blantyre as I listened to the wild life of Mr. Sonke. I’d already spent much time chatting with Mrs. Sonke, bless her).

Fifty years living in Malawi, former Member of Parliament and Deputy Minister of Finance, business owner, major local philanthropist… he texts the President when he has something to say.

If you’re in Blantyre, Malawi - this place is must visit.

Charlie their German shepherd is also absolutely adorable.

Silence

During the week I spent climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it was the longest period of my life that I can recall where I was truly disconnected.

No cell signal, internet, or even electricity.

I realized the major difference between choosing to abstain from those modern day elements and not having the choice - power. It was out of my control, no energy was wasted wavering on whether I should check my email. My email was gone.

The silence that came from that experience was one I enjoyed so much that I will be planning to spend a week a year in similar conditions. Disconnected totally.

It doesn’t need to be on the tallest mountain in Africa, it could be a couple of hours from where you live. You don’t experience those unchartered parts of your mind until you decide to truly set sail for them.

Real silence is not putting your phone on silent mode. It’s disabling anything that runs on electricity.

You won’t know until you try it.

Sincerely,

Jacob

P.S. Mount Kilimanjaro - conquered. Jacob - physically wrecked.