Kande Beach, Lake Malawi

Here, we have a full day to relax and just veg or we can take in some of the optional activities.  Lake Malawi and Kande Beach are just awesome.  A beautiful beach and lovely warm clear fresh water.  You first think you are at a seaside resort as the lake is so large you can’t see the opposite shore, but when you hit the water you suddenly realize “no salty smell or taste” and no crusty residue when you dry off.

Kande Beach Evening

At 8:00 a.m. some of our group joined a local villager and went in search of a pig to purchase from a local farmer, have it slaughtered and then slow cooked over an open fire for most of the day in preparation for supper.  Those that partook in the pig activity returned with what I would call a horrifying story.  After a pig was selected the farmer straight away stabbed the pig in the heart with a knife, without first stunning it with a blow to the head.  I guess the squealing was horrible.  The blood was then captured by the villagers for drinking and then the carcass was made ready for cooking.  I am glad I didn’t go!

Village Hut

Next on the agenda was a walk through the village with a local guide.  We visited several humble homes, visited the local well and hand pump which was donated by a charity and then a visit to the local school where we chatted with the principal and then a visit to the local rustic hospital where just the basic health care is provided.  In tow was a group of local craftsmen buttering us up with questions about our homelands.  You just know that the sales pitch and pressure to purchase craft items was coming and it did.  They were all over us at the end of the tour.  Despite the pressure from the vendors, the tour was informative and gave a good insight into village life.

School Children

Next on my agenda was an afternoon snorkeling trip to the offshore island.  This was fantastic, the colorful array of fish species was amazing.  We were warned by the guide to keep in mind that we were snorkeling in fresh water and not sea water.  The difference being in the density of the water.  It is much easier to dive deeper into the less buoyant fresh water than sea water, but by the same token, you don’t rise as quickly from the depths as you would in sea water.  This was most noticeable on my first dive; when I was returning to the surface for air, I damn near didn’t make it.  It took much longer than it would in sea water.

After snorkeling I did a little internet stuff (very expensive and slow) and then settled in for the roast pig supper.  I hit the bed early this evening; I think the snorkeling wore me out, and we have an early start tomorrow.

Village Well

Until tomorrow.