Illegal Again

Sorry for not being in touch. Internet access has been poor. I spend ages trying to post blogs but I've failed miserably in the last couple of weeks. Its just the way things work, or don't work, in Malawi. I sent a CD with the photos to JB and he posted them for me. The Internet is so slow here it would have taken me a month to upload them.

I spent a whole day with a journalist from the Scotsman. It was a good fun day. There has been a 3 day feature in the paper this week and I got a 1 sentence quote! there was also a photographer with her. I've never been so photographed but I told him he could only used the photos if he made me look 5 foot 9 inches and 9 stone. Clearly he failed and didn't use the pictures.

The conference on the lake was really good. It was brilliant to hear what other volunteers are doing and it was very motivating. Apart from that the sundowners went down a treat and the lake and swimming pool were very inviting. The transport didn't turn up on the last day so we had to spend and extra morning by the pool while we waited for another bus. So life remains tough.

I think the college think they have won the lottery getting a Psyche nurse. They haven't let me out of the mental hospital. Its amazing how quickly I've got back into mental health and I'm really enjoying it. The students are appreciative of the support and input that they were not getting before. We only have students there for the next 6 weeks then I'll have to go to St Luke's to the medical and surgical wards. I'm thinking of writing a procedure manual for the students so if any of you have anything like that and can send it to JB electronically he can send it out to me and I can go swimming in stead.

I'm still without furniture and a car. The person I'm getting them from has delayed her departure so I still have 2 borrowed chairs, a bed from the college and a mattress from Debbie, that doesn't fit the bed, and 2 cardboard boxes turned upside down that are now giving way under the strain of my clutter. I should get the car and furniture at the end of next week but I'll wait and see. I've been let down so many times I'll just take it as it comes. I've had a fence built round my house and that went to plan. The guys turned up a 5 every morning and the noise woke me up, well you can't have it all ways.

For the second time I'm an Illegal in Malawi. VSO have not got our work permits or visas. We wrote to them when we were illegal last time and they got us another 30 day visa but that has now expired. One of the girls is going home for a couple of weeks and is worried about getting back into the country. So if I'm deported you'll know why, a bit different from a colleague of mine. I've booked up for the Malawi T in the Park, a 3 day concert on the lake. There will be artists from all over the world and it should be great fun. I'm going to take the week off and do a bit travelling in Malawi. Apart from that we plan to go to Mozambique for Christmas and spend some time on the beach but I'm sure I'll do a bit more travelling before then.

Keep the comments coming. I love hearing from everyone and once I get my furniture I'll be ready for visitors.