After breakfast we got in the truck and set off. We stopped on the way for a view of Lake Malawi from up high but unfortunately due to the haze it wasn't such a good view. After climbing back up the hill and another short journey in the truck we arrived at a small market town, Mzuzu.

This is where everyone shopped for their fancy dress costumes for this evening's party. I was amazed by all the second hand shoes and clothes here - its obviously where all the trucks stop for their fancy dress clothes as all the locals knew what we wanted and were showing us lots of crazy clothes. Eventually Neil and I chose some leopard print material to make Tarzan and Jane outfits from.

After stopping for lunch along the way (its great how we just stop in the middle of nowhere, get everything out, and then pack up again - brilliant!) we soon arrived at our camp site for the night - Kande Beach. We spent the afternoon making our costumes and chilling out before the party began. With our costumes on and homemade weapons in hand we enjoyed dinner, Vernon's punch and party games before dancing the night away in (and on) the campsite bar - great night!

I was suffering from a slight hangover this morning, so after eating just a banana for breakfast I had some more sleep in the shade. I woke up a couple of hours later feeling much better so we headed down to the beach where we shared a parasol with Barbara and Keith. After relaxing and paddling I had a lovely long shower before lunch.

At 3pm we went on a village walk hosted by a local man called Banjo. As soon as we left the campsite we were accosted by village people trying to sell us their crafts. Banjo showed us his house and the village water pump before we went to the school and the clinic. This wasn't as interesting as it should have been as all they really wanted was our donations, more than they wanted to tell us about their services. The clinic was far better than the school but still not great. It was such a shame as we all wanted to learn more. We were also mobbed by children holding our hands and walking along with us which was really sweet.

It was a long walk back to camp and I was tired and fed up with the inane chatter by the locals who were not interested in us at all, they just wanted out cash! I think this experience has made me realise how sanitised the nature of overland trucking is. We rarely mix with the local people and I think this village tour was a slight culture shock to me. It was good to see the school and the clinic and they made me appreciate what we have at home.

Back at camp we sorted our stuff out before the light disappeared - it's so frustrating to be camping when it gets dark especially as we move on so often! It was then time for dinner and the spit roast pork that had been cooking all day long. It did not disappoint - it was delicious (the sneaky bit of crackling I was given by Piet was the best bit!) It was so good that I ate it so fast and ended up making myself feel a bit ill!

The truck next to us were having their fancy dress party and were really rowdy but I must have been tired as I fell fast asleep at 9pm and slept right through!

Hope you are enjoyimg the blog! Lots of love xxx