h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My younger son was born in the 7th Day Adventist clinic in Blantyre in Feb 76. A friend who had the same blood group as me had to stay sober for several days in case I needed any blood and then smuggled in brandy and soda for both of us.We left when Gordon was 4 months old and, despite a holiday in 78,he remembers even less of Malawi than you claim to. Faint ideas about going back for another holiday, but at the moment he's still clearing student debts.
I taught at the university in Zomba and the Harry Johnstone primary school and most of the time loved it, but memories are clouded by my husband having decided at the end of that contract that he's rather go home with someone else's wife and we haven't seen him since- always a danger for expatriates in Africa in the 70's.

I was christened at a Church of Scotland Church in Blantyre, but I’m not scottish. The church was built from bricks shaped like fruit, or so I’m told. It was long before 1976, so I’m probably more about your age than your son’s.

Since then, I’ve spent most of my time in the UK, though I did work in the Middle East for a year, so I know what it’s like to be an ex-pat. I just wish the internet had been up and running while I was out there. It would have saved a great deal on phone bills and heartache.

It must have been quite an experience to be left alone in Malawi with a baby. They say that anything that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

I’ve travelled quite a bit, but not as much as you. I know that living abroad is a completely different experience to visiting. Hong Kong must be quite interesting since the handover.

I’ve also had some teaching experience, but I gave that up recently. The level of administration these days makes actual ‘teaching” almost impossible.

Stay in touch.