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Published: November 26th 2008
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On the drive from Chitemba Beach to Kandi Beach we stopped at a local market - Mzuzu Market to purchase an outfit for another person on the truck. The is for a dressing up night we have planned at Victoria Falls. As soon as we left the truck to go into the market the skies opened up above us and rain like I have never seen before came down and soaked us to the skin. As soon as the locals saw us coming it seemed they knew what we were after. Secret bin liners of clothes were hauled out from underneath tables and presented to us. On offer were things like leopard print mini skirts with matching miniature tops, long sparkly dresses, see through 80' style blouses with shoulder pads, dresses which wouldn't look out of place on a shepherdess. I was buying an outfit for Pat, our driver, so of course I opted for a very sparkly full length pink dress, silver belt and a silver and pink tiara. I am sure he will love me for it!
Our home for the next few days was Kandi Beach Camp. A really beautiful campsite right on a gorgeous beach. Lots
of 'hammocks with a view', a bar in the shape of Africa, dart board, pool table, table tennis, separate cafe. We knew we were going to be very happy here for a few days! From the beach we could see a little island in the lake and plans were quickly made to try and swim out to the island. We had a few drinks in the bar that night and firmed up the plans for in a few days time, including plans for myself and some others to take out the kayaks to be able to act as rescue boats should we be needed. Estimations were made that it would take about an hour to do the swim.
The following day was fairly chilled out once again. I went for a walk along the beach and got chatting to some of the locals who have given themselves great names like Vin Deisal, Tom Cruise and Mr T. I played darts (lost), Yahtzee (won), table tennis (no score kept) and snoozed in a hammock. Most importantly I got all my clothes washed and I allowed myself the luxury of paying someone else to do it rather than do it myself.
That evening we went to the local village for a traditional meal, singing and dancing. We all sat on mats on the floor and ate by candlelight and hurricane lamps. The food was not spectacular but at least it was authentic and we appreciated what they had managed to cook up for so many people. They were great hosts and after doing some dances for us encouraged us to get up and have a go ourselves which provided a lot of opportunity for people to cry with laughter.
The next day I decided that as I had been so lazy I should try and go for a run along the beach first thing in the morning. A few of us went, it was 6am and already so hot. I only managed 15 minutes and had to turn back early from the others. Running down the beach back to the campsite on my own, I was nearly there and came to a point where all the locals hang out. Seeing I was struggling they all leapt up and started cheering me on, shouting 'you can do it'. One of them even came and ran alongside me. Then they grabbed a
fishing net and trailed it over the beach as a finish line for me to run through. As I collapsed on the sand they all burst out laughing and gave me a bottle of water whilst I challenged them to go and have a go! This is just one example of the fantastic sense of humour of the people of Malawi. The other example being the names they choose for themselves. Talking to one of the locals that morning I met a guy called Mr Fantastic! Ha ha! Every conversation I seem to have with a local person seems to be peppered with laughter, they really are a lot more lighthearted than the Tanzanians. After the disastrous run we went for a dip in the lake which at that hour was like a millpond. The waves picked up a little later and one of the guys even managed to get some surfing action.
After a good breakfast it was time to get the kayaks out, and for the others to attempt the swim to the island. We found out it was only 790 meters out from the beach so they were confident they would be OK. Kayaking on the
lake was great. Hard work but at the same time very peaceful and calming too. Especially when we stopped and just took in the view of the lake shore from the kayak. We went around the island and then tried to give one of the swimmers a list back to the beach. What did we discover?? Two man kayaks are not made for three people. We capsized and we were rescued by a local guy in his dugout canoe. We got going again and capsized again. Deciding to give up the two of us stayed on whilst the other got a lift on the dugout.
After such an active morning I relaxed for the rest of the day sunbathing, lazing in a hammock and playing some darts with one of the local guys (I won - woo hoo). We had a good night in the bar with a few drinks when a few of the others and I thought it would be hilarious to go and turn peoples tents around so that they couldn't be able to find their door easily. Head torches were turned off and lots of turning was done. A few hours later when I arrived
at my tent drunk someone had done the same to us - we had been caught out. Took me ages to find the door and then found all my stuff inside all over the place. Marion my tent buddy had to sort it out and put me to bed - oh the shame!!
I have a mossie bite on my foot which looks like it is going a bit funny. Another guy on the trip has one which is infected and it looks painful. I hope mine isn't going the same way.
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Sue Cameron
non-member comment
Malawi
Malawi sounds fab. Love the idea of you doing a Baywatch type run along the beach - your stories made me giggle. Keep having fun babe. Thanks for the post card. See you very very soon. xxx