Blantyre

Blantyre is the second largest city in Malawi. It is the commercial capital where most of the industries and commercial activities are situated. It is a small bustling city located among mountains- the shire highlands. The name Blantyre is after the place from where the explorer David Livingstone came from.

Blantyre city between mountains Soche, Ndirande, Chiradzulu and Michiru

 It has a deeper history than other sprawling cities like Jo'berg and Harare. The present population of Blantyre is around 7 and half lakhs with around 25,000 expats. The weather in Blantyre is cool through out but turns a little hot in the month of October - November , the beginning of summer and the rains. It has mainly 2 seasons- the wet season from November to April and then up to July it is the dry season with some  winter chillness which continues as dry season in summer till October.

National Bank building- an important landmark.

The college of medicine which is the only medical college in Malawi is located in Blantyre. Other important institutions like the Malawi polytechnic , university of Malawi colleges, Kamuzu college of nursing are all in Blantyre.

Shoprite and Game - the only mall in Blantyre.

The only major shopping mall is the Chichri mall along Chipembere highway. It has the Shoprite and game chain of stores. All domestic and imported items of food, grocery and day to day items are present in these shops.

One of the main roads in Blantyre is Haile Selassie road on which the hindu temple is situated.

The banks road which has the headquarters of the many banks in malawi

One commendable thing about the city is the traffic which is disciplined and drivers stick to only lane driving.

Drivers stick to lane driving

 
 There are many eat outs here but we don't go to any of them and so that has not been part of our life .
     A recent introduction is the KFC which seems to be empty whenever we cross that part of the road.
Our life in Malawi has been laid back and mostly peaceful with entertainment restricted to having friends at home or visiting friends and exploring Malawi travelling by road during holidays.