A Wandering Sole

Montage Monday: Likoma Island

// June 21st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Africa, Malawi, Photo of the Week

Likoma Island, in Lake Malawi, is a taste of tropical paradise with an African setting. There are views of neighboring Chizumulu Island (pictured here along with some fishermen), and if you take a short walk to the other side of the island there are stunning views of Mozambique. Likoma Island boasts some of the most friendly people in Africa and no crime. It’s only 17 square kilometers and has a population of 6,000 people. As I write this, I can hear the waves off of the lake in my little hut on the beach. There is snorkeling, swimming, and amazing sunsets. Who knew you could find a place like this on a lake in Malawi?

Montage Monday: Malawi, A Reminder in Simplicity

// June 14th, 2010 // 7 Comments » // Malawi, Photo of the Week

As the plane was making its descent into Lilongwe, I had my face glued to the window. I felt like I was flying into the pages of a National Geographic magazine. I could see little villages as we were approaching the airport. In Malawi, the huts are still largely made of mud with grass roofs. While they look quite picturesque, reminding me of childhood visits to my grandmother’s where I flipped through stacks of National Geographics, its a reality check to how simple people can and do live. I technically have internet access now through my wireless modem again, however it’s so expensive, that I probably won’t be posting again until I reach Zambia. And it’s actually a nice break away from the fast paced technology-ridden world that we live in. I’m typing this up by candlight- there’s an electricity shortage in  Malawi and with the World Cup going on, they’ve shut off power between games. It’s not all that bad. Sure we (the volunteers) whined over not being able to heat up water for tea, but it’s hardly a sacrifice considering how people in other parts of the world live daily.

And on a final note: the people in Malawi really are as friendly as their reputations claim them to be.

RTW Travel: Three Months In

// June 8th, 2010 // 9 Comments » // Travel Review

I’ve said this before, and I’m pretty sure this will be the idea behind the first sentence of every review post, but Wow, this gap year is going so quickly. I can’t believe I left the States three months ago. It’s been yet another exciting month of travel, and I’m pretty pumped about my latest adventures. (more…)

Montage Monday: A Photo Essay of Nyiragongo Volcano

// June 7th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // DR Congo, Photo of the Week

Trekking the Nyiragongo Volcano was one of the most challenging accomplishments to date in my adventure-ridden journey. I’m glad that I did it, and even though I’m bummed that I didn’t get to see much of the lava lake, maybe I’ll give it another go when I forget how painful it was! Enjoy the trek!

View of Mt. Nyiragongo from Gisenyi

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Heart of Darkness: Trekking the Nyiragongo Volcano

// June 6th, 2010 // 7 Comments » // DR Congo

The much feared Nyiragongo Volcano

Did you catch yesterday’s initial post on the Congo? If not, check it out here.

The day was here. I had wanted to trek up Nyiragongo Volcano, to an active lava lake for two years now. It had been closed due to the rebels’ attacks on Goma in 2008 and had only been open again since March 1st of this year. Just three months after it’s opening, I was going to trek up one of Congo’s most fascinating natural wonders. (more…)

Heart of Darkness: Contemplating a Trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo

// June 5th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // DR Congo

This picture's worth a thousand words: Goma, Congo

Out of 664 pages in my guidebook, there are exactly 5 pages covering the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since my 2008 visit to Kenya, I’ve been intrigued by DR Congo. I read the book Blood River, and even though the name sounds discouraging, it was fascinating, and I actually wanted to take a ride on the wild side. (more…)