Weclome to the Village

Having been on the move for the best part of three months my journey through Africa has dropped down a few gears since arriving in Malawi, as I always knew it would. The journey from Lusaka to Lilongwe was interesting to say the least, and it was with a great sense of relief that I made it back to a country that is very close to my heart in one piece.

The View From Work

When I was in Malawi last year I made tentative plans to return to Nkhata Bay in order to work, and as luck would have it life has brought me back here to capitalise on that chance. Situated on the shores of Lake Malawi there is a backpackers that is like no other I have stayed in before, and easily makes it in to my top three of all time.

Mayoka's Bar - Where All The Work Gets Done

Allow me to introduce you to Mayoka Village, my home for the next two months. Built on the shore of the lake this community based backpackers is tucked away at the foot of a hill and offers anyone who ventures there the most relaxing of times. There is not a room in the place without a view of the lake, which is a majestic sight as the sun dances over it's surface.

Another Busy Day At Work

In my time I have worked behind a few bars, and given they have all been in Cardiff the views from behind the bar have often been of drunken Valley girls that make hippos look attractive, or fights to mate with said hippo-girls. Here, thankfully, it is different, here I work behind a bar looking out over the lake, a sight that can't be beaten as far as bar views go.

A Perfect Place To Chill

And it's not as if it's a hard life as far as my work goes, four nights a week in return for all my food and accommodation - and those who know me will understand I can eat a lot of food! Look up the meaning of the word 'work' in the dictionary and I am pretty sure you won't find any mention of playing pool or socialising with fellow backpackers, yet during an avergae seven hour shift at least two are spent doing exactly that.

Welcome to My Office

Away from work life in Nkhata Bay is slow to say the least, with nobody but a small gang of craftsmen in a hurry to do anything at all - and these guys are only in a hurry to get your money so they can return to the rigours of getting high or drunk. One can while away days lazing by, or in, the lake, wandering the dusty sreets of the small town or simply sat under a tree with a good book.

The Path to Freedom

Up until now I have been on the move quite reguarly, and whilst that has its advantages there is one down side from my writing point of view - just as you are begining to scratch at the surface of life in any given country it is time to move on. However, with a permanent base here for the next two months it allows me to really explore and delve into the culture here in Malawi. And remember for those who want to see what I really do whilst travelling visit http://travel.sky.com/inspiration/blogs/Through-African-Eyes.

Weclome to the Village

Nkhata Bay, Malawi