Tuesday, May 5, 2009

NKHATA-BAY IS A HOTSPOT DISTRICT

Desperation grew as the bus continued to delay to pick us from our base on a long trip to the north. Of alarm was a call from Mr. Dzimbiri, another character on trip, yes he is to be our driver-that my assistant cameraman won’t find space in bus that I had to tell him to unpack his things and head back home-it

This made me remember the other time I traveled to Nkhota kota when an Officer made my brother Mack drop the minibus to accommodate someone else. I saw the tears in his eyes then as he was given a consolational MK100.00 to buy chips (the used to be the popular food in the area) I envied the 100 bucks but was overjoyed to be on the trip to Nkhotakota to accept a hundred. I insisted on come what may, my assistant Cameraman will make it on the trip reasoning if he was told a day before, that is before packing.

Thirty minutes later the bus arrived for us to board and I told William to go in first before me, that assured him of a space, it was a risk we were taking, one against the rules of the staff bus and two road regulations as we overpacked ourselves into the bus.

In the north again after a long time. The last time I visited the north was when I went on a church whistle stop from Lilongwe to Mzuzu and then through the lake shore back to the capital city. I never Invisioned myself in the north again anytime soon save for this colourful wedding Of Eliza and Keza in Nkhatabay on this beautiful and adventurous weekend.

I had everything set to take photos at the wedding but most of all have another enjoyable moment at the lake-swimming and sharing jokes while meeting new people. Ideas flocked my mind of calling for my friends based in Mzuzu; abel, Loyce and Mable that they come to Nkhatabay and share the excitement with me.

Five hours later, we arrived in Nkhatabay to be to a greated with Kondoole (flour made from cassava) food and meat while playing bao outside Elizas’ (bride) parents house. Reservation was made for us at Katoto lodge, a nice lodge facing lake Malawi. The place is chintheche. It Is situated at the northern shore of lake Malawi where the lake is at its widest. To remind you- this is the third largest lake in Africa famous for its chambo fish and boosting of other 399 species of fish.

Many people do doubt that this is my home, my home in the sense that my grandfather comes from this district, I like it when I mention its my home. awaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

There was just too much to do at this place but we chose to spend our time in the lake swimming, the taste and the warmth of the water was just nice. We went into the cafeteria and met a Mr banda who we shared a number of jokes. ‘I like your hut, may you please give it to me when you are living’ he said with a huge smile ‘what! you like my head?’ don’t worry I will cut it and give it to you’ we laughed as he went into the kitchen and brought rice with meet
“Nooooooooooo, a banda-only two pieces of meat? Nooooooooooo, get these plates and add some more’ Mr Dzimbiri joined me in complaining while the rest laughed at the drama, truly he went and brought some more. Then we went on the counter for a drink or two. I asked for a mineral from a friend and ended up being bought a cold one which I refused as a matter of principles. We then left for our rooms.

The day of the wedding fast arrived and after an English breakfast we left for the church to bless the wedding later to a reception also at Katoto lodge.

The whole interest had evaporated after the wedding as everyone was now hungry for home so tired that not much stories were shared. But there was one character that drunk or the way, he made the trip nice as we listened to the third and kuimba 7 by black missionaries.

The trip got worse between Salima and Lilongwe, nothing of interest to see as the side road was covered by only bushes. We compared it with the road from Lilongwe to kasungu where you don’t get bored; from kanengo to Lumbadzi to mponela to madisi and the list goes on-these are all hot spots. But from salima to Lilongwe I tell you you wont see anything of interest that you will chose to sleep. That’s the most boring part of the lake shore road.

Let investors and businessmen think of this area and develop it that I can use the lake shore road again with no regrets. Be men and do the right thing!

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