As per usual, a little longer between posts then I had planned. I am now blogging about the end of July, so only 4 months behind! No bother, keep on plugging away.
After a quick stop in Lilongwe, we packed up Blanche one more time. We were headed north, to Nyika Plateau. It was a long haul, 6 hours from Lilongwe to the park gate alone. From there, it was only 60km, but that took four hours!
Treated to quaint and lovely accommodations, and a doting staff as we were the only guests there. A small fire place greeted us as we pulled up in the dark that first night. Perfectly delightful.
Over the next few days, we biked, drove and walked and explored the big skies and beautiful views and wildlife. Friends had told us it was like being in the Scottish Highlands. Not sure if that's the case, but it was quite unique to the other places we've been in Malawi.
Lots of beautiful antelope, and plenty of zebra. We didn't see a leopard as we'd hoped, but that didn't take away from our overall pleasure and satisfaction while we were there. Kate and I say it again and again: we are blessed to explore and travel.
Since we were already in the north, we stopped at Mushroom Farm to stay a couple of days before heading back to Lilongwe. It is a cool backpacker spot situated on top of a cliff on the way up to Livingstonia. It overlooks Lake Malawi, where you can see Tanzania to the north and Mozambique to the east.
We also explored Livingstonia, which is a fascinating historical town build by Scottish missionaries. I'm reading a book right now called "The Scramble for Africa" which talks about the late 1800's and the imperial powers trying to establish colonies in Africa. It makes me feel a little sheepish that I knew so little of the history here, but I suppose now that we're here it's as good a time as any to learn.
My next post should be the South Africa trip, where Kate's parents, Charles and Melanie, joined us for 18 days of exploring in a really fantastic country. Needless to say I could be better about timely posts, but like anyone, it sure is easy to find ways to fill your time. I have been doing some unpaid work for UNICEF Child Protection here, so maybe a post in the future? I won't make any promises.
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