Blogs from Lake Malawi, Malawi, Africa - page 18

We had a quick taste of African-Portuguese crossing northern Mozambique for two days en route to Malawi, our proposed chill-out destination. It was a beautiful ride through Tete region in Mozambique, and trying to speak Portuguese (Mozambique's national language) really wetted my appetite for more of this Latin influenced - almost flirty by nature - country. After spending time in Zimbabwe there seemed to be a more vibrant feel in Mozambique (not surprisingly!) with people dressed-up to go out on a Sunday night - I later discovered Sunday to be the biggest day for Mozambicans to party! After four border-crossings in two days with the usual rigmarole of paper-work and being whisked-off to the side-room for "compulsory insurance and taxes" we arrived in Malawi. The focus of 'beach-life' propelled us to travel in the dark until ... read more

Lake Malawi Drove from our overnight stop in Iringa to Lake Malawi, passing through Mbeya and Mikumi National Park. Unfortunately Rach developed the super squits in the afternoon, which isn't pleasant when you're on a truck for hours. Driving through the mountains, Lake Malawi emerged as a huge, sparkling blue expanse of water. We arrived at a beachside campsite at the northern tip of the lake for an overnight stop. Went for a walk along the beach and got accosted by a bunch of endearing little boys who were playing football. They were proper little businessmen, befriending you so you'll buy their postcards or bracelets. Kandi Beach No chance to lie in thanks to a persistent cockerel crowing at 5am. We could have cheerfully wrung its neck! With Rach pumped full of imodium, we journeyed ... read more

Tues 29 May Headed north along lakeshore and then inland up a 15km horrendous rough and steep road climbing 1500m to Livingstonia - site of the Scottish Mission founded by the Scotsman Dr Robert Laws. Stayed overnight at the ‘Mushroom Farm Lodge’ - a small backpacker lodge with 1500m vertical views. Local lads guided us to a waterfall with a cave behind where people reputedly hid to avoid paying taxes. Not being too keen on heights I chickened out and left Tamsin to the locals - personally I would rather have paid the taxes than have hidden there Wed 30 May Wandered around Livingstonia - looked like a cross between a ‘model village’, an army base, a council estate, and a posh public school. All neatly laid out with a huge church, a hospital, a ... read more

Thurs 24 May So here I am, your guest blogger - Leigh / Dad / DDLL (short for daddy long legs - self explanatory I trust). I’m new to this and a bit unhappy that it’s a public forum so can’t be too rude about anyone in case they tune in. Arrive Lilongwe from overnight flight via long stopover in Nairobi and spend afternoon sorting out arrangements. A good night’s sleep and then leap out of bed (after untangling myself from mosquito net). Does one leave glasses, book, etc outside the net or bring them inside onto the bed ? Anyway refreshed as only one hour time change from UK. Fri 25 May Likoma Island Off to Lilongwe airport for my 4 seater (including pilot) flight to Likoma Island. This saves several days delay in ... read more

Tuesday 15th After my 4 day weekend this was the day to start getting things sorted. Cecelia and I went to the Teachers Development Centre, which is attached to St Peters school and waited for Mr Ngwale. He was late and I got frustrated so started to go through things with Cecelia. St Peters gave us a list of the resources they are short of and we went through seeing which ones need money and which can be made at the workshop. Mr Ngwali finally came and the Head teacher was also there. I looked in the teachers book to see what the next science lesson they would be teaching next week and thus what lesson they would observe me teaching- it was heating liquids Thursday 17th Over Wednesday and Thursday Cecelia and I got ... read more