Vacation Diaries - As seen through the eyes of Rochana Cooray; a Sri Lankan wanderer in Malawi
Malawi - The warm heart of Africa
My trip to Malawi was my first ever trip to the African continent. While it was quite a short trip in duration, it was one of the happiest weeks of my year so far. My first trip to Africa was atypical in the sense that I didn’t go on a safari or do anything very touristy. Instead I got to spent time with warm, happy Malawian families and experience the country’s cities and beaches and become a total boss at a traditional Malawian game called Bawo!
Malawi is a small landlocked nation in Southeastern Africa with a population of roughly 17 million people. The main geographical feature in Malawi is Lake Malawi, which runs along much of the eastern border of the country. Surrounded by a National Park this area is home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Because I stayed with friends I was able to experience the life of an average Malawian. I went on a road trip, travelled on public transport and discovered the bicycle taxi (yes, it’s a thing! and it is super fun!), ate some great street food and learnt how to play a traditional Malawian game called Bawo from a security guard at a national monument. I also got to attend a Malawian wedding which was beautiful and included lots and lots of dancing!
One of the first things I noticed about Malawi was the generally relaxed atmosphere that everyone seemed to have around them. Travelling from the always busy Washington D.C., it was truly refreshing to live at a slower, more relaxed pace for a few days. This relaxed atmosphere translated into Malawians being more patient drivers. Though many of the roads were in a less than ideal (to put it lightly) condition, traffic was very well behaved and I witnessed no road rage even during rush hour (which is more than I can say for us Sri Lankans).
Some of my favorite moments in Malawi were spent by the lake in an area called Cape McClear. It is a beautiful beach area where one can enjoy snorkelling, eagle feeding, diving and swimming. Feeding the beautiful blue Mbuna fish and watching the Eagles at the edge of a beautiful island were the definite highlights of my trip.
One of the things that I most admired about Malawians - besides the insane amount of Fanta they are able to consume on a daily basis - was the positive attitude and generous spirit of everyone that I met during my time there. I loved my time in Malawi and am excited to explore what the rest of the African continent has to offer!
Note down!
Best mode of travel in Malawi?
Best mode of travel is by car or whatever private mode of transport.
Most common thing you'll see in Malawi?
I don't know that but there is one common tangible thing. But something that I did notice was the popularity of Fanta, and all the different flavors of Fanta that are available there!
Make the most of your trip to Malawi by….?
Make the most of your trip by interacting with the wonderful people in Malawi and visiting as many different ares of the country as you possibly can.
By Eshani Seneviratne
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