Dedza

I was in Dedza a couple of weeks ago.

The mountains are beautiful, and it is
only about two hours drive south of Lilongwe.

These ladies were just walking down the street.
They are using really colorful cloth
both for skirts and
to tie babies on their backs.

These men are bicycle porters. They carry
passengers on their bikes or transport cargo. I am
amazed at the loads that they are able to balance.

More crops

The maize has been tasseling for a couple of weeks, now.
It has been hot and dry for a week, so that it it may not be
pollinating well.



The biggest cash crop in this region is tobacco,
which I had never seen until I got here.

The soybeans at the research station look nice, too.

Birds!

Malawi is supposed to be a bird-watchers paradise.

This black and white bird is all around Lilongwe.
It is similar in size and behavior to a mockingbird.
It sings several songs, too.

I've been trying to get a shot of this black and red bird for
several weeks. It is more afraid of me walking than
of the pickup.

Finally he sat still for me on Thursday.
I have no idea what kind of bird he is.