I'm going to Malawi

So, it’s all organised Christmas & new yr in Malawi, There’s 6 of us going pre Christmas & another 6 joining between Christmas & New Year. The game plan is: we travel to Chipata which is on the border of Zambia & Malawi, early on the 20th (it’s an 8hr bus ride) and stay with Anna (Who’s coming with us & Amanda (going to South Africa with other VSOs). From there to Dedza for some walking, on to Cape Maclear & then Senga bay for some lounging and finally Lillongwe for New Year. When I say organised what I mean is; we know what we’re doing but haven’t sorted transport or accommodation yet so the control freak in me is feeling a little anxious, I’ve been told to get with the culture and stop being so anal. I finally crack and email some hostels in Cape Maclear(The most remote spot we’re going to) the news is not good particularly for 6 people but it appears camping is generally possible, so we start to round up tents. Good news Beth has managed to get us in the Rainbow rest house in Dedza for two nights, sounds like a retirement home but its accommodation booked and I feel better for it. More good news, Vinny, a friend of a friend who works at the ministry of finance is heading to Mozambique for Xmas and has offered to give us a lift to Chipata, he’ll pick us at 5am. The night before we go is “Nilesh’s last stand” back to London Friday, so out for a few quiet beers to say goodbye. Nilesh is a consultant working in the Health Service sector, he’s been on a short term placement with the Eastern province mission hospitals, he’s a shrewd guy and good company. Unfortunately the quiet drink finishes at 5.30am in Alpha bar, this seems to be happening all too frequently. Friday’s gonna be a tough day I’ve got loads to sort out before we leave tomorrow as well as preparing for the arrival of Taco, Lysette & a friend of theirs from Holland who are staying on their way to Namibia. They’re a Dutch couple based in the Copperbelt on a 1 yr placement. Taco is an Accenture consultant, who run a programme where they place and fund employees with VSO, Lysette is a nurse. Ok it’s midnight I’ve got myself sorted, been out for a meal & a couple of beers with the Dutch and ready for bed up at four for hols, I really need them.