Jennie's Blog (part 3)

Our next stop was to a guest house called Norman Carr Cottage on the massive Malawi Lake. Here we went on daily ‘booze cruises’ with the 2 owners Jenny and Taffy. Who we decided were like South African versions of Auntie Lizzie and Uncle Bertie. They were very accommodating, and even cut a booze cruise short when I realised I‘d drunken too much beer and needed the loo (urgently). They took us fish eagle spotting and got one of their workers to blow into the fish bait mouths in order that they’d stay afloat for longer.

The food was amazing - I had my first taste of both Chambo and Ox-tail. Both equally as tasty. Andrew and Fiona got into a heated debated with 2 young south African boys about everything political, and mum taught us all how to play Wist.

On the way back from the lake holiday we stopped off at a Dedza pottery place - mum and fiona got that content in awe look that they get when looking at Anta pottery and many matching plates and mugs were bought.

Instead of going back to the Dude Hut we made our way to Fi and Andrew’s friends house (they were away on holiday and had kindly let us stay). This is where I’m writing this from now. The house is positioned high up on the hill of a gated community in Blantyre, we can hear all the hustle and bustle and singing of the streets but the scenery around is all lovely hills and blue skies.

It’s hard to describe without sounding all smug and bragging, but it’s beautiful! And huge! We have been given a silver bell to call for the house staff. Which we say we feel uncomfortable using but do anyway. The beastie count here is quite high though and we had to remove a millipede (or evillipede as we’ve renamed them) from the bedroom at night. The food, yet again is delicious and we are slightly worried that Joseph and Peter- the people who work in the house - think all we do is eat, sun ourselves, eat a bit more, sun ourselves, drink, eat, drink and eat a bit more. Which is actually pretty accurate. They have two lovely dogs called Mia and Florida. We’ve managed to twice lock Florida in the Dining Room then paniced that she’s run away.

We’ve visited the shops (5 hours to get a half weekly food shop!) which was very interesting. Came across the brilliantly named Hav-Some-More Biscuits and mum found Knorr White Onion Soup stock. Apparently it’s been discontinued in the UK, and her 7-up pot roasts have never tasted the same since. Needless to say she was very excited.

We still have 3 days left, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of Blantyre. We’re going for a curry tonight, then Andrew’s taking us around a Mary’s Meals school tomorrow, which I’m very excited about. Then we’re booked in for some beauty treatments - I’m getting a oxygenating facial and a back massage for £30. Bargain!

Anyway, I fear I’ve ‘blethered’.
Signing off,
Jennie.