Xmas Vacation

I'd like to share some photos from my Xmas trip at Cape Maclear, Zomba & Blantyre.  Had a fantastic time with new PC friends...

For Xmas, I joined several PCVs at Cape Maclear.  On Xmas Day, I went snorkeling among the beautiful cichild fish of Lake Malawi.  After snorkeling, the group had a wonderful Xmas dinner @ Gecko Lounge.

The Island where I snorkeled

Boat that took us snorkeling

View from boat on Lake Malawi

Fish Eagle going for the dive

Malawians Bathing & Washing on beach @ Cape Maclear

Xmas Dinner @ Gecko Lounge

Goodbye Cape Maclear

So the day after Xmas, we ventured along the road toward Zomba.  Zomba was the first capital of Malawi and is a busy city as a result.  The area is also known for the Zomba Plateau.

Storm is a brewing over Zomba Plateau

Here comes the rain

View of Zomba

Harry Potter-esque Chess Board @ Ku Chawe Sunbird Hotel

View from Zomba Plateau

Another View from Zomba Plateau

After chilling out and eating excellent food, I headed down to Blantyre, the largest city in Malawi.  I visited PAMET (Paper Making Education Trust) of Malawi, which makes paper products out of Baobob bark, banana leaves, and elephant dung. I was a bit squeamish of the elephant dung, so I bought several cards and a journal made of the other materials.  There is a club in Blantyre called Club Mustang Sally, so of course I had to check out the place...the bar had a pool inside that no one swims in.

Mustang Sally

After my tour of Southern Malawi, I headed back home to Salima.  My site mate had just arrived back from a trip to the States for Xmas.  We decided to extend our vacation one more day by going to Senga Bay, my second home in Malawi.

Baboons living by the lake

Momma baboon & baby trying to steal our chips

View from my swing :)

Safari Beach Lodge View

And that my friends, is how I spent Xmas & NYE sans decorated tree, snow, presents, or champagne.  But it was oh so worth it!!