Richard writes…

We have had two hard days of travelling, spending time on buses and motorbikes, but mostly Malawian minibuses. These things are tough work. The highlight was definitely the half hour or so for which our 12-seater bus contained 20 adults, two small children, a builder's materials-style bag full of dried fish, some more bags of maize, seemingly about a mile of bamboo fence (coiled up), both of our backpacks, and a chicken. The sad thing is that we have a long way still to travel down Malawi so that might get beaten yet. I'll try not to think about it.

We spent last night in a campsite in Chitimba. Whilst there I met the happiest child in all of Africa. He had just caught a fish. It was a rather small fish and he was unlikely to feed his dog, let alone himself or his family with it, but it didn't seem to dampen his spirits. I don't think I have ever seen anyone so happy with anything, fish or otherwise, as this kid was. He insisted that I take many, many photos of him posing with his fish. I have posted the one that shows the fish in all its glory. Please let me know if you would like more photos of fish or boy. The excitement of the moment might have been lost on me.

We were also told (repeatedly), by Willie, the slightly mad but extremely interesting campsite owner that "The Swiss invented the watch, but Africa invented time", and also that "you will never return to your jobs in the office, I guarantee it". I don't know how true these things are, but our experience of transport suggests that the Swiss have some secrets to share with Southern Africans.

Anyway, we are now in Nhkata Bay. After not seeing another westerner so far, we are in a "resort" (of sorts) which is full of them. I'm about to eat Lasagne and Nic is about to eat a chicken burger (with cheese and bacon). Nic just asked for ketchup. After our minibus rides, we don't feel guilty.