Neonauts

The last tree in a stripped land,
Zomba Plateau, Malawi

Hiking the trails of the steep-sided and flat-topped plateau that stands over the Zomba region, we saw the stark difference between the few, small remaining patches of forest and the broad swathes of land denuded for charcoal and lumber. We heard the difference too: one was a riot of bird and insect life, the other just sounded like the wind.

Only 8% of Malawians are on the power grid, and still many those who are can't afford to use much electricity. So trees are taken from the land and burned in order for people to feed themselves. It's not an easy problem.

This lone tree stood on the edge of the plateau surrounded by fallen neighbours. Artistically, this isn't much of a photo, but its subject gripped my heart.

Zomba Plateau, Malawi

And so to our final stop – a return to where we began our travels a year earlier: "the warm heart of Africa", Malawi.

Three months of living and working in a country at the opposite end of the socioeconomic ladder. And yet, so much is familiar. Like beauty.

And in Zomba we found plenty of beauty. With our base as the heavenly we explored the lush rainforest and high plateau towering over the Zomba region.

Sunset from Sunset Bar, Yao Noi, Thailand

I guess the last few days of our travels will be full of sunset images, because you look for them more when you know you will soon be far from the tropics.

Yao Noi is one of the least spoiled islands in the breathtaking archipelago around western Thailand. And it was about a fifteen second walk from our charming little rickety cabin to the best bar on the island. This is the view from the bar.