Dat sure is a big lake you got der!

As a Minnesotan, I am used to people talking about “The Lake.”  (Interchangeable with “Up North” for those less attuned to our friendly, long “o”-ed jargon).  The following sentences can be heard among family members or even strangers during the summer months (um, really just June-August) on at least a daily basis.

“Headed to The Lake this weekend?”

“I am so stressed. I just need a trip to The Lake.” 

“Grab the mosquito repellent. You know how they are at The Lake!”

All of the above phrases can also be heard on a regular basis in Malawi (I suspect this is the only similarity between Minnesota and Malawi, by the way.)  The major and fundamental difference being that “The Lake” is literally The Lake.  One big freakin’ body of water that they country can claim! And anyone living in Malawi, talks about it with pride.

We made our first trip out there last weekend trying to change the tides of a very bad week leading up to it.  We stayed in Fish Eagle Lodge which is about 10 km south of Nkhota kota.   There was nothing to do besides eat, swim, rest and read. And teach Brody to play cribbage. We even woke up for sunrise.

The water was cleansing (that is, as long as we didn’t think about the schistocytes) and the sun was invigorating and the whole thing made me first think I could tolerate Lilongwe at least a little longer, as long as we can get the car fixed fast enough to repeat this trip in another 2 weeks!