Malawi is known as the warm heart of Africa but driving over the border I would say it was nothing of the sort!!! First incident was some man shouting 'i'l shoot you in Malawi' to the truck and then second was when I was waving at some kids a man pointed at me, his hands in the shape of a gun and pulled the 'trigger'. Warm heart... Really?
Anyway, moving on to the more lovely things of Malawi!
Our first camp site was on the edge of lake Malawi. The lake is also known as the calendar lake as it is 365km long and 52km wide - the waves lap at the shore just like an ocean, but fresh water!
In the morning a few of the people went to see the local witch doctor (not my vibe) so we were able to sleep in and I even had time to paint my toe nails and relax listening to the waves!
In a couple of nights we had a fancy dress planned - the theme being anything that's hideous - so we stopped in one of the local towns to buy some of the second hand clothes. I couldn't believe what revolting clothes get sent here - and we all managed to find something for a couple of dollars (photos below!) we all drew a names out a hat and I was very pleased to get James - he is the johnny bravo look alike ;)
Next camp site was Kande beach which was really huge and filled with other over land trucks! Dave and I were desperate for a bed for a few days so we upgraded and got a little shack on the beach... Definitely not luxury but the view from our little balcony couldn't be beaten!
For dins we were having a pork roast and the guide offered for us to go and watch it being slaughtered. I didn't want to, but eventually got convinced to go along for the walk through the village... As soon as the pig came into view and a knife was drawn, I ran in the opposite direction and tried to chat to the local kids to drown out the screaming. Wasn't the nicest experience but it was over in a few seconds!
The kids were intrigued with my nail polish and I still had it in my handbag so I whipped it out and started painting a finger each, within a few minutes all the boys and girls had two or three nails each in bright pink!
The one child had a few baby birds who had fallen out of the nest which he was 'looking after'. They were so little I don't think they would make it through the day ;(
There was one little girl who took such a fancy to me and wouldn't stop holding my hand of climbing on top of me - she is the one with big hair (we called her Mel b ;) ) I wanted to take her with me!!
James and Cat decided to take the catamaran out for a sail but unfortunately due to strong currents and the boat filling with water they managed to flip the boat upside down. Being the great friends we are, we didn't even notice for about 10 minutes and eventually the owner sped out to saved them! Thankfully they were safe - although the catamaran wasn't in the greatest shape (the rescue boat ripped the sail!)
The pig that eve was delicious and the dress up party was such fun! Everyone was in a party mood and we spent the eve at the bar playing games etc- the pics below show a few of the best moments ;)
Next day we woke to some rain and straight after breakfast Dave and I headed back to bed and slept for a few more hours! We woke, ate lunch and then went back to bed read our books/ listened to music / painted our nails ;) Such a relaxing day, and well deserved after the last few drive days we have had!!!
That eve we went to the chiefs house for a traditional Malawian meal. As we walked there we gathered a crowd of kids who insisted on holding hands or being carried. One child wanted to be swung around (the game one two three jump and swing) and the boys thought it would be funny to fling him right over... I did warn them he was a skinny chap and on their first attempt they threw him over and dislocated his shoulder!!! He was in pain but once it was rectified he was dancing again and wanted to carry on playing... Africa makes you tough ;)
Once we arrived at the chiefs house his family brought us our dins and we all sat on the floor and ate together. After the meal about 50 kids sang to us and we had to join in, singing our name and telling them where we were from.. they loved the fact I was from Africa too! After the singing we danced together, the little kids teaching us the African style dancing ;) I was devastated that Mel B wasn't there but James managed to make a new BFF!
Next day we were up early (to the sunset below) to make our way into Zambia!
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