I decided to stay in Blantyre for my first weekend in Malawi. It's been difficult to use the services in the town during the week as by the time I finish at the orphanage (4.30pm) the internet places are closing, as are many of the shops. It's only the mall called 'Shoprite' that remains open longer until about 7 or 8pm (but taxi's can be tricky to get from there unless you have taxi phone numbers). A tale of woe from Zimbabwe On Friday night as I got up from using the hostel computer, wanting to head straight to bed, I [View Full Entry]

---

---

I had my first cup of tea at the orphanage today, and it made all the difference! Simple things! I plucked up courage to ask the project manager if I could have some of his strong loose tea leaves and borrow his mug (they don't have milk in the village, although you can get powered stuff). Caffeine at last! And there is something so comforting about drinking tea (I'm reminding myself about the tea drinking descriptions in the No 1 Ladies Detective books) as I sat outside with some of the orphanage staff learning more about their lives. It's Friday today [View Full Entry]

---

---

Each day starts with gorgeous sunshine and by the time the infants lie down on the reed mats for their afternoon nap at 12:30 the rain will have been built up to 'beat down' mode. The roof of the hall is corrugated iron and the volume of the rain pelting down is incredible - but surprisingly most of the orphans remain sound asleep through it. Thunder and lightning are never far off too. Rain, rain and muddy red earth, and children walking barefoot. ...My first task this morning was to attend to the girl with the cut toe - the wound [View Full Entry]

---

---

Today was my second day in the orphanage - as I came to the doorway the infants (aged 2 1/2 - 5) rushed to hug me. They continually push and shove and fight for toys, and they hit each other for the chance to grab my hand or sit on my lap. I guess they've been shaped by the harsh world around them and fight for everything they can get. Even bits of broken plastic (rubbish) are seen as 'toys' to play with for hours, and squabble over. One child had an open wound across the top of her big toe. [View Full Entry]

---

---

Malawi - the warm heart of Africa - is known for its friendly hospitable people. And indeed wherever I go I receive a heartfelt welcome. Last night I dined with 5 pastors and their wives at the Reverend's house. There was food aplenty - meats, peas, maize, rice, potatoes, and some coated termites - a delicacy which is apparently too good to hang around - as they were eaten up before I got to try any! After the food came the dancing, and I copied the women as best I could. Then the singing - a special song welcoming me. Then [View Full Entry]

---

---

Please note this blog is a personal account of my time in Malawi, sometimes I will have to write things quickly when I get a chance to be on the internet. I know that family, friends, colleagues, and contacts will be looking at this. I hope not to offend but if anything I say doesn't come across so well - please give me the benefit of the doubt - my heart is trying to be in the right place. -------- ...As you might guess by the entry title - I've arrived. My flight from London to Jo'burg and onto Blantyre all [View Full Entry]

---

---