For They Were Fishermen

5am-Three people, one bike

6am- Twenty-four people, one bus

7am- Twenty two people, one bus

9am- Fifteen people, one pick-up truck

10am- Five people, one paradise

After a complete day of traveling, we arrived at Senga Bay. The pictures don’t do Lake Malawi justice, but at the least they’ll speak louder than words. Even after our long day of traveling, we decided to make the boat trip to Lizard Island. We all went swimming, although I hesitate to call Peter’s attempt swimming. It was more like drowning. I know I’m not one to talk, but Josh literally had to rescue him. When we got to the island, Josh and Chase immediately took of their life jackets and dove in. Peter did the same, insisting that he knew how to swim. We quickly found out otherwise. The lake was a majesty of fish. They were delighted to have us intrude on their paradise.

After the swim, we hiked all around the island and took a boat back to the lodge. Next, we decided to hike up the mountain to what is arguably the most beautiful sight in all of Malawi. It’s incredible that so much fresh water exists in Malawi, untouched in a beautiful oasis. By five o’clock we were all hungry, exhausted, and trying desperately to stay awake until dinner. It was all worth it. We had Malawi’s signature fish, chambo, out on the lodge porch with all of the lodge visitors for one gigantic barbeque dinner. Again, we all tried desperately to stay awake at least until nine. The next thing we knew, we were all waking up to the sound of curious monkeys and the endless bliss of the lake. After an incredible breakfast we were ready to head back to Namitete. The weekend was a reminder of the luxuries we sometimes take for granted.

When we got to Lilongwe, mom and Chase were ready to show us their surprise. They took us to the mall. As we sat in an Italian restaurant and ate chicken sandwiches with French fries, we could have sworn we were back in the US. After dinner came the surprise- hot chocolate. I know what you’re thinking... hot chocolate?—so what! But it was literally... hot... chocolate. It was as if someone had taken a chocolate bar and melted it in a cup. It was the best dessert on the planet—a hidden gem to the rest of the world.

There is really no way to describe the lake, so I have included tons of pictures.