wrapping UP

Until the late 1970s, the capital of Malawi was the perfectly beautiful town of Zomba. This picturesque town is set at the foothills of lush, verdant mountains and the hilly terrain is drop-dead gorgeous. Now this is a place that makes sense to make the capital. The weather is breezy, cool in the shade, warm in the sun, and the hills would whip your calves into shape in no time.

BeaUtifUl Zomba

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Our home for the night was a rather uninspired hotel in a beautiful setting. Warning…rant. Malawi really is crazy expensive. Our hotel was UUS$100 per night, a price I refused to pay and negotiated to half that. But still. The linens were tolerable on the twin and double bed, the shower barely had any pressure, a naked bulb hung from the ceiling, the advertised TV and wireless Internet didn’t work. Seriously, to whom are these places catering??;

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I complain aboUt minibUsses, bUt at least I'm not riding on this.

On the minibus one last time (insert little happy dance here) to Blantyre. Actually finding it to be a cool city with lots of beautiful panoramic views of the mountains, an active market and a plethora of eateries. Prices astound me. Our UsU$35/night is getting Us three twin beds with semi-clean linens, a partially functioning bathroom in a downtown location. Cockroach visits throughout the day are free. We thought we’d move on to a nicer place after one night, but we’ve visited every hotel within walking distance that we can find and they are all USU$100-200/night.  Those Under U$185 classify as slightly yucky.

Press yoURself close enoUgh to the wall to feel the drizzle from the shower head and yoU risk pUnctUring yoUr abdomen.

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I was warned that Malawi was expensive, but UI have been overwhelmed at the cost of living here. With gas at USU$8.00/gallon (if it’s available…there are frequently hours-long waits at the pumps) and some of the lowest per capita income in the world, I mourn for the Malawians. I’ve not met warmer, more gracious people, and UI don’t know how they make it. Food costs are nearly identical to those in the US, sometimes higher. At least my weaknesses for avocado and mango are cheap here.

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Signing off for a bit. Iris is yelling ‘Fanta! Fanta!’ which must mean the addiction is official. I also overheard Grant talking about how Iris' gyrating belly reminds him of the Lady Gaga video he saw three nights ago in a bar/restaUrant. Yikes--mUst go investigate this.