Malawi Time....

Well finally we have found the backpacker's holy grail, that place so beautiful you just don't want to leave. We've been in Cape Maclear, on the southern tip of Lake Malawi for 10 days now, every one blissful in its simplicity. The lake glitters like diamonds when the sun shines upon it, the hammocks sway in the soft breeze and the fish eagles spread their wings waiting to dive for a tasty catch. We've also got hooked on a local game called Bao, and even set up a tournament with our Dutch and French travelling companions - Yemi is through to the semi final, even though I beat him! The locals here are great characters with the best nicknames ever....so far we have met Soft, Fantastic, Gift, Macmorris, and apparently there are also guys called Cheese on Toast and Happy Coconut in the area.

In a couple of days we will be tearing ourselves away from Cape Maclear to head north, to another chillout spot called Nkata Bay. Sometimes it's hard work being a backpacker...I guess it definately makes up for those hard and sweaty days on the road, when you've been bumping along for hours with your nose in someone's armpit! Anyway, me and the Cat have been around the block enough times to know a good spot when we find one, and this is one of them. As always, Yemi's laid back charm and endless patience means that the locals welcome him as one of their own, and the local kids always say 'hello, how are you?' as you walk by and want to hold your hand - so different from any white kids we come across who are so shy in comparison!

Much love and hugs
The Bear & The Cat xxx

ps More photos to follow soon....