Hot in Malawi

So here I am blogging from downtown Baltyre, Malawi. Hot today, as it has been most days. Although it's more like an absence of weather for the average Brit; just a blue sky with that big shiny thing in it every day. This must be where it went to, as it has put in relatively few appearances in the UK this summer.

Malawi is a place of contrasts, as perhaps is most of Africa. Lots of folk walking long distances along dusty roads, not able to afford the fares on the rather ropey looking minivans that speed along packed to gunnels. And yet more than a few 4x4 shiny gas guzzlers also make stately progress along the same roads. Maternity outpatients (the patch of grass outside the maternity ward) has been as busy as usual this week. The feeding programme doing a brisk trade. Medical care for most, basic if not non-existent unless they can afford private care. Yet the College is expanding its course to provide the next generation with more doctors and nurses and therapists - that is if the country can avoid them being sucked into the health care systems of the rich north in Europe and the USA.