Having had a stressful and hectic introduction to Malawi last week, I decided to take up the offer of going to see Lake Malawi with my fellow volunteer and her friends this weekend. Though I was skeptical, my friend insisted that the Lake was so big that there were bays and beaches all along it which had become very popular expat tourist spots. What I didn’t know, was that going with a bunch of white people on a beach trip in Africa is a concept that comes with its own complications, high points and contradictions.
The best parts of the weekend…
- Actually finding a beach along the lake, complete with sands, rocks and waves. The dark blue water and the small islands jutting out were untouched and breathtaking.
- Peace Corp volunteers! No matter what country I visit, Peace Corp volunteers are a breed of their own. They are interesting people to talk to with very deep insights into the country they stay in and are willing to play drinking games, anytime of the night or day!
- Hitch-hiking our way back to Lilongwe with a bunch of Indian-origin-Malawian guys who were oh-so-helpful. I don't think they imagined their Sunday evening drive to be with 5 noisy giggly girls squished in the back-seat of a Toyota
- Riding bike taxis and being waved at and whistled at by all the villagers. With a caravan of 5 bike taxis carrying firengis, the circus had come to town, clearly!
- Meeting the brash, amusing and very cute South African couple. Married for 20 years, with 5 boys and still so in love with each other so as to make fun of each other the whole time!
The not-so-good parts of the weekend…
- Trying very hard to mingle with a bunch of North American girls and failing. Feeling sensitive and isolated is the worst thing you can do to yourself in your first week in any new country
- Making ISD calls to try and rid myself of the isolation, and calling the wrong person to help
- Not knowing how to swim and therefore not being able to paddle boat deep into the lake
- Not being liberal enough to go skinny dipping in Malawi
- The inflation in Malawi! My weekly allowance all but vanished in 2 days. And I didn’t even drink enough to throw up in the bushes!
Just read this post. Great to reminisce about such a fun and ridiculous weekend...
ReplyDeleteI must say that I felt very sad to read your 'worst-part' section - you didn't fail! I'm sorry, we must have been a bit insensitive and in our own cultural bubble. I remember thinking you were lovely and wanting to spend more time with you though :)
That weekend was when we started to get to know each other and it took us to a great friendship, complete with morning runs and muggings...
Much North American love and apologies. xo