Wednesday night we had our cultural presentation from Francewell. He is a local man who offers lectures in Malawian traditions and culture. The group really seemed to enjoy learning about the Malawian way of life. It is all very eye opening and makes you look at the adults and children in such a new way. We learned about the family structure, coming of age traditions as well as marriage. We also learned about the religions and economics in Malawi. Francewell is great because no questions are off limits. He makes the group feel very comfortable in asking just about anything. About half way through the lecture we shared dinner with he and his colleague and then he continued for another short while. It began to get quite cold as we were all sitting outside so we lit one of the small clay fire pits and it really started to push heat out! Several of us were huddled around warming our hands and bodies. People are always surprised that it can get so cold here. It is winter here so in the evenings it does get very chilly. Our days have been beautiful and hot so maybe it’s the stark contrast that chills us at night so much. After Francewell was done we were all quick to bed knowing we had our drive to lake early in the morning.

Everyone woke up on time except me this morning. Not because I chose to sleep, but because Sai decided to let me. He has been our wake up call since we all arrived so we haven’t been setting alarms. I was glad for the extra hour though because I had been up for two hours through the night between 2:30 and 4:30 unable to sleep. Once we were all up we slowly ate our breakfast and then began packing the bus. The group was set to have one night at the lake and then two nights in the national park on safari. With our nap sacks packed we boarded the bus all very excited. It took a few minutes but before long we figured out how to plug an iPod into the bus and had our music playing. Lots of singing and giggles as we started off for the lake.

The drive with stops is about 2 hours. It’s a beautiful drive through the countryside and much different scenery than the group has seen up until now. Even though we stay just outside of the city we are still close to it so the group really hasn’t seen rural Malawi yet. There were some questions and observations along the way which to me is always great! This is how I know people are interested and paying attention not only to what they see, but also making connections to what they have learned thus far. We made just one bathroom stop which was quick and then we met Guy at the grocery store near the lake property. This way we could transfer luggage into the trucks and then do some shopping for drinks and snacks for the weekend. The bus can’t go down the long dirt road to the lake so that’s why we had to transfer all bags and all of us into vehicles that could handle the road.

After piling into the trucks off we went! We could all tell we were getting close to the lake because the weather began to feel a bit warmer. I decided to stop at the curio market and let the volunteers do a little shopping. This market here near the lake is my favorite of all the curio markets in Malawi. It’s along a long stretch of highway just before the dirt turn off. There are many many stalls of vendors all lined up. It’s so fun to watch the visitors barter with the locals and pick out the treasures to take home to their friends and family. Guy and I sat in chairs and just watched 😉 all good fun. Once finished we pilled back into the trucks and drove the last 10 of 15 min.

Arriving at the lake was wonderful. Lake Malawi is something to be seen. It looks just like the ocean and if you haven’t seen it before it’s size is overwhelming. The group was in awe as we took them to see their bungalows and showed them the privet beach. We all knew it was going to be a great afternoon! Everyone changed clothes and met down by the water to lounge and read and enjoy some chatting with lunch.

Most of the group did decide to swim in the lake. I have been traveling in Malawi for years and I never have….until today 😉 the water was so clear and the sun was so hot I just couldn’t resist. The water felt great and we all had fun snorkeling and kayaking all afternoon. After showers we ate a nice meal of chicken curry and chatted into the evening. In the end we played some fun silly games and had a lot of laughs. This always seems to be the time when the group begins to bond. I know that each of us shared some personal stories and felt much more connected as we trekked up the hill to bed.

The group will be leaving in the morning for their safari so they were all anxious to get plenty of rest. My plan is to stay at the lake for the next two days and attend a good friends wedding.

I’ll save the events of Friday for the next blog. Now its actually Friday evening and I’m sitting on the porch of my lake bungalow typing this blog listening to the waves lap on the shore. It’s only 6:30, but already very dark and the bugs have crept out. I’m headed down to the main area to eat dinner with friends. I’m sure by now the group has arrived in the national park. I know they will have an amazing time!