Malawi Visits 2013-16: First week

Paul (Mr Carmichael), Tom (former student of St. Matthew's Academy) and I left Glasgow on Tuesday 14 October after a lovely farewell from family and friends. Our route was flying over to Amsterdam (Schipol Airport) then an overnight flight to Nairobi and finally a short flight to Malawi (Kamuzu International Airport Lilongwe). On arrival we were met by Fr. Phillip Nkunika, Parish Priest at St. Peter's Cathedral who is our host. he drove us all the way from the airport in Lilongwe to Mzuzu. Our journey, from beginning to end took 24 hrs. Fortunately everything went very smoothly. However, I must admit we were a little taken aback when all air passengers had a machine pointing at their forehead before entering the country; they were testing for Ebola.

Travelling by road to Mzuzu was wonderful. Just as I remember - the long, straight tarmac road, red dust contrasting with the greenery, beautiful purple trees and the particular smell of Africa - fires burning. It was wonderful once again to watch the people going about their daily business; chatting at stalls, selling fruit and veg., walking to market and children playing. Our lunch stop was at Kasungu - omelette and chips.

Finally we were delighted to arrive safely in Mzuzu. I feel so lucky to be able to visit St. Peter's Parish again. Thankfully, all our luggage arrived. We received a very warm welcome once again from everyone. The first few days it was very hot and dry; so hot we felt we could barely breathe at times. Then we experienced the first rains. It has rained several times. The rain comes down in torrents and it lasts for several hours at a time. Fortunately, the drainage channels appear to cope very well with the amount of water flowing. When indoors the sound of the rain is tremendously loud due to the aluminium roofs. Anyway, when we ventured out I was very lucky to have packed my inexpensive Wellingtons from Asda. I know they will be used many times during the rainy season which should start officially in November. We have also experienced thunder and lightning and power cuts....ah.. we really know we are in Malawi!

Now I understand why many of the young children know the rhyme "Rain, Rain go to Spain and never come back here again.""