The shadows of Malawi
Here, day falls to night in abrupt fashion; there is no sunset, and our never-ending journey deepens in the darkness. One would imagine and expect a dusty deserted African road when in fact it is crowded with shadows: shadows of women; of children, of men running; of people on bicycles and foot at the side of the road rigorously travelling without light.
Phalombe Hospital
It is a group of buildings around an open common area that welcomes the visiting relatives because more than just helping out their relatives in the hospital they must also prepare food for themselves and its recovering patients.
This place is a real village in itself, one that lives life daily: of human patient relations; of women chatting; of the endless waiting times; of innumerous children and their games who if healthy are bashful and cheerful. On the grass stretched out drying are coloured cloths worn by women with real elegance.
The hospital wards are large rooms with old iron beds and washable oilcloth mattresses but not all of them are equipped with mosquito nets protecting them against malaria and yellow fever; sheets are a luxury here. During the night, the rooms also host visitors who spread out to sleep on the naked floor. Unfortunately, the heat is unbearable.
