Tom's tea plantation

Rest and relaxation on lake Milawi

Hi All,

Above shot is actually in Zanzibar - but currently in Milawi. We've camped in two locations and have been able to rest and explore on some of the most rediculously idyllic beaches. The weather's been so hot you can't walk bare footed and the Milawi gin is delicious. I've done some walking and swimming etc, and climbed for 6 hours in 40 degrees to see a waterfall and explore remote village living. I've also been enjoying the fresh mango's which have been falling from the trees (and taste mild and honey like). A few of us went to Church on Sunday - what a wonderful experience to see Christianity bind people all over the world, and work across such different cultures (photos below). A lovely girl called Nat took all the photos attached - my camera is seriously not up to scratch.

 But before you get angry with how relaxed and sunned I've been - it's not all been perfect....

A few days ago myself and three others (Sarah, Nats and Tosh) decided to go on a bit of an adventure to find a friend of a friend's tea plantation (where I am currently). We set off at 6pm and arrived just before sunrise the next day after a very crowded bus, a number of police stops, a flooded bridge, a walk in the dark across a wooden plank to a second bus, a short sleep on the road waiting for the second bus (sorry ma - this bit really upsets her, but I had been so ill, and the others did watch over me - particularly Tosh who's been a husband to all of us whilst travelling remotely) and general illness for the entire journey. But we met a lovely lady, I'm calling angel 'Angelina' who insisted I put myhead on her lap to sleep (the seats were impossibe and  I was feeling so ill), so after a chuckle to myself, I rested my head on her lap and slept for a fair chunk on the jounrey. I have her address, so will write to thank her for looking after me.

The tea plantation is 4.5thousant hectors - and houses 2 schools, a dispencery, a social club, and a small village for 30% of the workers etc. It also grows macadamian nuts - which I ate far far far too many of whilst being shown round the factory (delicious).

We had tea, cakes and Milawi gin with Tom's (the chap we were visiting) grandparents. His grandfather founded the plantation - it was the first tea plantation in Milawi. He was also one of 4 ex-colonials to be invited into the new government post independence, and is still on the board of 30 companies (at the age of 80). Amazing day - and on a less profound level - what a luxury to have a night in a bed.

Crossing the Mozambique border tomorrow morning - setting off at 4am (ish) to join the other travellers which we're meeting on the other side. Tom is joining our travels so all very excited for the next leg (and desperately looking forward to Harare).

Much love x

More Girls

Serengetti and the crater

We also saw some lions nose to nose  (ooow - just managed to upload - see below). Seriously exciting being so close. The leopard was also super cool, hanging from the tree above this shot was a disembodied head of a gazel staring down at us.

I will also add that I was pretty terrified going to the loo at night..... Got some bush camping coming up in a few nights so that should be equally as fun......

Stone Town - Zanzibar

Hi All,
I'm in the Stone Town - stunning labyrinth like, narrow streets, carved wooden doors and white washed buildings. Very easy to wander round a few corners and wind up lost (or just 'exploring' for longer than you'd planned). Will try to upload some photos - but connections are super slow and have taken lots on someone I've met's camera.

Last night I went to a night fish market where all the fish (Marlin, king fish, shark fin,tuna, lobster, scallop, prawn, etc) cooked in front of you - with garlic/ coconut naan's and chapattis (sp?), falaffel and samosas - all served with salad and chili sauce. I ate until I was stuffed for $3USD (approx).Again I have amazing photos on friends camera - will upload connection permitting.

I also explored the old slave market site and sat in the underground chamber where they waited before being sold. It's was too shallow to stand and people would die of suffocation there. Zanzibar was the slave trade hub for the East of Africa until 1873 (when Livingstone was successful in shutting it down). Now a Christian Church stands on the site - and the high alter is where the whipping post was. Very moving. Am finding this trip has really inspired my faith.

Today I'm heading up to the north of the island for a 'half' full moon party - and some relaxation. The camping is getting pretty wearing - so a good shower and a proper room for a few nights will be amazing.

A few nights ago I upgraded with a friend to a little shack on a beach near Dar and swam in the Indian ocean - it was honestly warmer than any shower I've had since I've been away.

sorry for long one again.....

x

The Girls