A Wandering Sole

Infectious: If Only I Were Talking About My Personality

// April 29th, 2011 // 21 Comments » // Bali, Malawi, Malaysia, South Africa, Travel Review

Note: This post has photos and details about medical ailments due to travel. If you are queasy or easily grossed out, perhaps it’s best to skip this one and check back in later!

February 2011. Friends were coming to stay at our house for the weekend. Two days before they were to  arrive, my sister decided we had to tell them. I thought it wasn’t a big deal, but then again, when you’ve had the same recurring (highly contagious) infection for, oh about 8 months, it probably shouldn’t be taken lightly. I had a severe staph infection.  (more…)

Nkhata Bay: Malawi’s Adventure Spot on the Lake

// July 25th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Malawi

Shopping for fabrics in Nkhata Bay

After arriving at Nkhata Bay via a local ferry, we dragged our tired selves to one of the most popular lodges in Nkhata Bay: Mayoka Village. Situated on a sloping hillside in Nkhata Bay, it offers camping, dorms, and cute chalets that are more like cozy cabins. (more…)

Chizumulu Island and More Boat Rides

// July 24th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // Malawi

Wakwenda Retreat on Chizumulu Island

Periodically scooping water from the boat with a leaky cannister

Switching Islands
After lounging around on Likoma Island for several days, it was time for a change of scenery. We hired a fishing boat and took a little ride over to neighboring Chizumulu Island. About half the population size of Likoma Island, Chizzy (as it is known among locals) is it’s quieter counterpart. We stayed at the only place on the island I think you can stay: Wakwenda Retreat. It took our little fishing boat about an hour to transfer us between the islands. Our hostel is on the backside of the island, so we weren’t able to get a view of it until we rounded the corner and pulled into the bay. Wakwenda Retreat was quite impressive. (more…)

Likoma Island: A Little African Paradise

// July 22nd, 2010 // 11 Comments » // Malawi

Resident dog Basil lives the life on Likoma Island

My initial reaction to Likoma Island was nothing short of pure contentment. Although my travel friends from the ferry and I thought we would be leaving just two days later to get back to mainland, it just wasn’t going to happen. You can’t spend two miserable days on a boat, only to spend two days on a relaxing island. So it was time to kick back and relax. (more…)

Montage Monday: Sunset on Chizumulu Island

// July 19th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi, Photo of the Week

Spending a couple of nights on Chizumulu Island on Lake Malawi, I was spoiled with some pretty sweet sunsets. From my accommodation at Wakwenda Retreat I could sit on one of the wooden platforms jutting out into the bay and look at this lovely masterpiece.

Drifting Away at Mango Drift

// July 17th, 2010 // No Comments » // Malawi

My room on Likoma Island

After having arrived at Mango Drift at midnight the night before when there was no electricity, I really had no idea what Likoma Island or my hostel looked like. (more…)

Rough Waters, An Even Rougher Ride on Malawi’s Ilala Ferry

// July 16th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Malawi

The ferry was quite possibly the worst transit experience of my life. It was due to leave at 10am. It left at noon. It was due in the next day according to the schedule at 1:30 pm. It arrived at 10pm. Aside from the bugs on the wall, the occasional rat sighting, the ants biting my ankles, the woman retching next to me, the orange peels all over the floor, the women and babies sleeping on the nasty floor, and the bad waves and seasickness, I guess it was a nice journey. (more…)

Sole Purpose: Back to School Foundation (Malawi)

// July 6th, 2010 // 4 Comments » // Africa, Malawi, Philanthropy, Volunteer

Garden and Tutoring Center

Wow! I feel so out of touch after being offline for nearly a month except for the occasional Montage Monday posting. Frankly, internet hasn’t gotten much better but I was excited to share with you about my latest volunteer post. I spent 25 wonderful days in Malawi, well nearly wonderful (ahem, Ilala Ferry ride). The first two weeks I was volunteering with the Back to School Foundation in Monkey Bay on Lake Malawi. It is a fantastic organization focusing on secondary education, and I only wish I had more time to spend there.
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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.