All Change
A week ago today, four months after arriving in Malawi, I packed my bags (and shed a tear or two) and headed southbound for Norman Carr Cottage, a peaceful haven that sits on the southern lakeshore, near Monkey Bay.
It was a long old journey. It's only about 230 km, but as demonstrated by the picture below, the roads are difficult, so it takes longer than it should. I had someone to drive me, so at least I didn't have the added pressure of being behind the steering wheel this time, but with a couple of stops along the way, it was a six hour journey door to door.
Taffy and Leoni, my lovely hosts at Norman Carr, greeted me like family (I've visited them several time on previous trips) and have been incredibly kind, which has helped with the difficult transition from my happy place in Nkhotakota.
Crocodile Tears
On my third night here, I was invited to a social gathering held at the farm of a crocodile farmer nearby. There were two particular things of note; my first experience of deep fried crocodile (interesting), and yet another example, of what a small world it is. During the conversation, it transpired that the crocodile farmer and his sister, who was also present at the gathering, grew up knowing the family of my Malawian friend who lives close to me in Cheshire.
Having been so busy in the past four months, the inevitable happened - as soon as I stopped, I felt totally exhausted, so I gave myself a few recovery days. Then, for fear of becoming a lazy lump, I decided I'd better stir my stumps, so have begun walking a neighbour's dog every day. He's a happy but devilish little chap (he has an unsociable habit of chasing monkeys and children), but it's good to have an excuse to walk every day.
What is the Purpose of Your Visit?
This familiar Visa question sprang to mind when I was emerging from my lazy downtime. I'm here to write, I had to remind myself, so that needs to become my main focus from now on. This coming week will involve some further research into the albino community here - so more of that in my next blog. Alongside that I have a new document set up which, so far, is limited in its content. Well, to be honest, all that I've typed is the heading, 'Chapter One'. Very much a work in progress. It may be necessary to start setting myself daily word targets and to start repeating the mantra, 'This is not a holiday' several times a day.
My work space is pretty spectacular, so no excuses...
Same Lake, Different Monkeys
My monkey obsession continues and I've enjoyed watching more of the cheeky blighters in a new environment. Getting up early watch the sunrise the other morning, I was delighted to find a family of monkeys having a whale of a time in Taffy's boats on the beach.
And More Distractions
A new environment has also meant a few different things to capture on my camera. The African Hoopoe below was particularly beautiful (although hard to get in focus). The Hammerhead and the Hadada Ibis were both impressive too.
There are cats (ten of them live here), birds, flowers and trees that I've felt the need to capture too. Note to self, tomorrow's tool of choice should be the laptop, not the camera. Those words won't write themselves.
Blogging Off
That's all until the weekend, when I shall endeavour to start posting my weekly blog on a Saturday again. In the meantime, if you don't already do so, please follow me on Instagram @malawi_enjoying-ourselves.
Thanks for reading.
Clare