Zomba, Blantyre, Liwonde, Monkey Bay, and the drive...Oh yeah..and work at Limbe!

Saturday, 4 July - Friday 10th July

On Saturday morning I got up ridiculously early (okay well not any earlier than I do go to work (6am), but freakin' early for a weekend) to go to Zomba, then Blantyre. The drive to Zomba, was full of nap times for myself, and the odd picture snap, but getting to Zomba I was full of energy. The drive up the mountain held spectacular views! It is absolutely insane how people can still bicycle up the mountain with a load which is about 5m long and weighs 150kg.
Once we got to Sunbird lodge and restaurant, the clouds moved in to cover the mountain top, and I enjoyed the cozy warmth of the fire while sipping of hot chocolate and reminiscing about the day in Nyanga.

In Blantrye we stayed at the most lovely and creatively designed house! I haven't posted pictures of the house because I want to ask permission still, but let me just say...I fell in love! The architectural use of arches and open spaces with different levels is entrancing. Blantyre actually also has a movie theatre! It is quite a fancy one and even has a chandelier by the concession stand. It is not doing very well though because it lacks patronage. For the life of me I cannot figure out why!

The next day we drove to Liwonde and enjoyed a sunset beverage while listening to the grumpy old men hippos debate river politics. At the house where we were staying, the hippos will actually come up to the windows to chomp away on the grass. I was hoping to hear them in the night so I could catch the 'hungry hungry hippos' in action, but unfortunately I slept too soundly!

On Monday we drove to Monkey Bay, and I got to the infamous Ilala (Keba would be proud - Jordan please let him know next time you see him!). The last major stop was to snorkel at the bay with the tropical fishies! I tried to catch the perfect pictures, but they are so speedy!
With the drive back to Lilongwe through Dedza, that ended the holiday weekend for me!

Monday morning, bright and early I reported to Limbe Leaf Tobacco Plant to start work. This week at the plant has been full and exhausting but still rewarding. There is just so much to do, and I coming acquainted with the factory hustle and bustle, and the politics that rides along side! I am really enjoying my time here so far!

For now, I'll leave you till next weekend! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the work week!
Cheers!