Lake Malawi: 11th Aug 09

Today we had an early start, but the sun was already warm when we woke. Matt and I had a stroll on the lake shore which was nice. We then drove south to a different part of the lake and arrived at our campsite in the early afternoon.

On the way we stopped off at a market so the group could pick up carved wood souvenirs and ‘Malawi chairs’, elaborately carved wooden seats. Strangely all of the stall holders seemed as interested in swapping their wares for mobile phones and clothes as they did for money. So Emma, one of our group, managed to get an amazing Malawi chair for 9000 kwacha (about $60) and a pair of old Timberland boots – the haggling was very funny to watch!

Arrived at the beautiful campsite where we’ll stay for 2 days and most of the group decided to upgrade. We have a thatched room with a kettle so we can have as much tea as we like – which feels really luxurious. We even have 2 pet lizards!

In the evening we all gathered on the beach to watch the sun set and have a vodka party (purchased very cheaply at the supermarket earlier in the day). Far too much vodka was consumed by all but we had a great laugh and made a fire on the beach using some of the campsite fencing, hope they don’t mind! Stayed up WAY too late!