Malawian people

Children posing at Cape Maclear on Lake Malawi.

The children love to have their picture taken.  Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi.

Children fishing by on the shore.  Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi.

                Malawi is a landlocked country that is famous for catastrophes, famines, and AIDS.  But any savvy African traveler will tell you the real reason Malawi should be famous: their people.      

                While almost all Malawians understand Chichewa, English is widely spoken.  Since most Malawians speak English it is easy to identify their main attribute as some of the friendliest people you will ever encounter.  This is one reason that despite transportation problems (abysmal getting around), high infant mortality rate (8%, there’s only 1 doctor for every 65,000 people), low life expectancy (51 years old), and low income that people call Malawi the “Africa for Beginners”: their friendliness. 

                Their children are some of the most boisterous and engaging African children you will ever meet.  After one week I was thoroughly frustrated at getting around, but loving the people and country at the same time.