Weekend at Matema

We had a beautiful weekend at Matema on the shore of Lake Nyasa - a huge lake on the border between Malawi and TZ.  Relaxing and reading and meeting some new folks.  Monday was the celebration of Julius Nyrere's death day which is a national holiday here.  There were lots of folks taking advantage and spending time at the lake.

We met lots of Germans either vacationing or living in Tanzania and having a quick trip for the weekend.  A couple of American Peace Corps kids and lots of others....it is always interesting getting a new perspective.  Our neighbor was a Filipino contractor who was overseeing a road project for a Chinese company - working with both Tanzanians and Chinese - he and his family have been here several years.

We had a very beautiful hike to a waterfall at the end of the Mwalalo river near Matema.  I did not make it to the waterfall having discovered that hiking over rocks and rappelling down cliffs was exactly as I expected....horrifying and not at all fun....I had my fill when hanging onto a tree on my way down to the alleged trail I miraculously avoided being impaled on a branch before landing on our guide's head.  I decided to wait in safety while Moyo our guide and Sean continued to the waterfall....I waited by the side of the river which turned out to be something of a super hiway for beautiful butterflies of every possible description....lovely way to spend the time!  Unfortunately I was not able to get any photos since those critters are fast.

Although we would love to go back we probably hit the best time before the November rains...when the misquitos get really bad - it was wonderful to have the opportunity to have a break and to see this beautiful spot.  Back to the classroom!