I think we did a pretty decent job of showing off the country to Bob, Rebecca and Jacob.. We celebrated Christmas here with friends and really just laid low during the holiday.. Prior to celebrating Christmas, we packed into our truck and headed about 4.5 hours south to Liwonde National Park. We stayed in a very surreal camp that was out in the middle of nowhere.. Everything was in the bush, surrounded by wildlife.. The air was filled with bugs that decided to swarm Maura's food. The ground spotted with millipedes, scorpions and we think, a green mamba.. (jacob saw it while loading up the truck).. We did witness one of the most spectacular sunsets we've ever seen, and found giant crocodile and hippos on a boat safari... Our guide was about about to head out for the boat drive, then stopped and went back on land to fetch the life jackets... there were 8 of us, and they brought 4 life jackets.. We were surrounded by hippos and crocodiles, and a part of me wondered what would happen it we had a problem with the boat.. The river although heavily populated with crocs and hippos, was being used for fishing and washing laundry by the locals... Our guide said that just the day before a man was killed by a bunch of crocs while fishing..
In Liwonde we also took a disappointing game drive (sorry guys) and met a very eccentric young man named Frederick who was the owner of the lodge.. He enjoyed his wine, cigarettes and not wearing a shirt.. the place had skulls laying all over the place, ( check out the buffalo head below)
After Christmas, we headed to the lake... First we drove to Kuti Game Reserve for another night in the bush, before pushing up to a small town called Ngala, which sits right on Lake Malawi.. We stayed at Ngala Beach Lodge, enjoyed three delicious meals a day, cold beers , good gin and tonics and a great lake view from a swimming pool that our family kind of took over during our three days there.. In classic African fashion, we tried to organize a snorkeling trip with the kids that did not go down the way we hoped.. Sandy, the owner of the lodge called ahead for us to arrange a snorkeling trip at another lodge..She said it was arranged, no problem... When we drove to the place, the American gentleman running the business said he didn't know anything about it, and didn't have any gear for the kids.. That same day we organized a sunset cruise.. A lovely jaunt around the lake to take in the sights and sounds of a beautiful night... When we met the captain of the boat, we found out that it was a inflatable motor boat that only had room for 6 of us.. There were no life jackets, no noodles (which we were told would be available) and no drinks.. We just took off in this little boat out to the middle of the lake and were expected to relax off this raft and enjoy the sunset.. After about 20 minutes in the boat, I told the captain(who was wearing PJ's) that we wanted to go back and were finished with our "cruise"... he laughed a bit and we headed back ashore.. I had visions of us being stranded in the middle of the lake, in a deflated boat, with no life jackets for the kids.. And the water was very rough, much like the ocean..
We decided to hit the pool instead , where we spotted snakes, monitor lizards and monkeys all over the place.. Knowing that the deadliest snakes in the world were a distinct possibility while staying at the lodge was a very frightening experience.. But something you just have to get over and realize the chance of getting bit of hurt by a black mamba(even though they are seen in the area) very rare..
Needless to say, we had a great time.. Michelle had a few needed days off and we were able to relax for a few days with the kids and Bob and Rebecca.. We traveled through beautiful countryside, had no major problems on the road and just enjoyed being in Malawi.
I will say sleeping was rough.. The heat during the night hours was oppressive, and sometimes sleeping under a mosquito net while bugs, lizards and other creatures climb and crawl around you, makes it difficult to relax. I have never sweat so much while sleeping..
The last few days back at our home in Malawi, were classic Malawian days ..... I took Bob and rebecca around town to shop for cloth and other things.. Half the stores were closed, or were open , but closed( we didn't understand that one)...I took them to see where Michelle works and we all agreed that she is great and the work she is doing is something I'm not sure any of us could do..
New Year's Eve was "white guys dressed like African" night... We found some giant sparklers, ordered some Indian food and played Euchre.. A nice finish to the 10 days spend.
It's been great to connect with family and it comes at a good time. We are at the halfway point in our stay here, and now the kids can start the countdown to our date of departure.. We'll enjoy and savor our time here, but I think having family visit made everyone anxious about getting back to our home..
But, if I could say anything to anyone reading this blog... My suggestion would be to visit this part of the world.... It comes with its challenges and you have to be willing to roll with it and accept the fact that things will never, ever be the way you want them to be.. But you will meet some of the most wonderful and kind people in the world..
Hope all is well at home.. Happy New Year!!
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| view deck |
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| rotting buffalo head |
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| woman with child |
