South Africa to Malawi and Cape Maclear

---

Geo: -26.1538, 28.0389

July 1
Did our final pack and got to the airport and said
our goodbyes to Rob. They didn't charge us for the second bag we
checked. Ate one last breakfast at the Mugg and Bean and then out to
the boarding area. Call for our flight and we took the bus out to the
plane but OOOPS!, they had taken us to the wrong plane. Found the
correct plane, very nice and had a pleasant flight to Llongwe.

Landed
in Llongwe without a hitch and had the usual backlog clearing customs
and immigration. Each person is photographed, their finger and thumb
prints scanned and then you are free to go. But, of course this takes
time. They came and pulled us out of the line to go to the head of a
new line. Once we cleared, got our luggage and changed $200 US for some
Malawi Kwacha.

Headed for the door and Siles was there to
greet us with a sign board and so off we went to his vehicle. Of
course, there were the "extra" helpers that once they touch your
luggage, you owe them something. Still not familiar with new currency
and was told not giving them enough! Got in the car and off we went.

Siles skirted the city and also took the scenic route to get to Chembe. He
was the most courteous driver we have been with and was also very
careful going through towns so he would not get a speeding ticket. The
countryside is very nice and we did not realize how many nice hills
there were in the country. The last part of the drive there were so
many baobab trees all along the route.

Got to Chembe Eagle's
Nest right as the sun was setting. We had traveled through the village
and were directed which way to go. Fortunately Mariana was on duty and
showed us where we could set up our tent. There was only one other
person up on the bluff and we got ourselves set up in record time.
There is a fence around the place and we will see what everything looks
like in the morning.

Walked down to check out the sink area and
met a couple from Netherlands that were camping down there. They were
excited about the World Cup game that was going to be played between the
US and Netherlands that evening. Went on into the Lodge and ordered
dinner. Robert had the fish and Laura had the filet. The dining area
is a large open thatched area that looked very nice.

After dinner had a drink or two but did not stay awake for the big game.

---