R & R on the way South

Joel and I finally made it to Nkhata Bay after a very long two days of traveling from Dar Es Salaam. We had been on a train, on numerous buses of all sizes, and finally a taxi. This was a-typical traveling in Africa, two+ long days in between fantastic destinations where you clould spend ages, esp. after the journey.

The train went 600 kms. in 30hrs., if I remember correctly. After arriving into Mbae, we stayed the night and arose early to catch a bus to the border, crossed the border, hopped on a mini-bus to the nearest town. In this town, we thought we could get some lunch, but unless you want dried fish there wasn{t much. We settled for thes OK rice-filled samosas, I had about ten of them. We waited ages for the bus to fill, which is what you have to do in Africa(it never leaves at any set time, only once it is full, which means every square inch. Then, we were off for Mzuzu, the closest main city to Nkhata Bay. We arrived fairly late into Nkhata Bay, and at this point just wanted to get there. There wasn't a bus until morning, but I arranged a taxi for the journey. And we arrived in Nkhata Bayt ready to relax. But, finding the hostel was a bit of a problem. The Mayoka Village(the hostal) is a bit off the track and the signs aren't wahat they could be. Eventually the cabbie let me out and I took my torch and went down a trail. After about fifteen minutes I came to the hotel, fantastic place. The owner offered me a beer and half of his dinner. I told him where the taxi was and he sent his watchman to direct him who still had Joel and the bags. He then told me that they were full! But, that they would set up a tent for us and told me that we could stay for free until a bugalow freed up! This was by far the best welcome I had had on my entire trip...And the bungalow we got the next day was right on the water with a deck and rivaled thailands accomadations. It was def. up there with the best!

Nkhata Bay is a small village on the massive lake that is Lake Malawi. A fresh water lake, that is outstandingly clear, it is renowned for it's inredible diving(some say some of the world's best in fresh water). Many people come here to get there PADI, which was definitely on my list. But, the class started a few days after arrival and went for five days. So, I just relaxed by the lake, soaked up the rays, went swimming, and generally enjoyed myself...until the nest long journey, which would end up being the worst of any, by far!