I had a fairly productive day organising myself and Zimba. We were happily content pottering around at ‘Fat Monkeys’ camp.

Whilst doing morning chores, I noticed a tiny, just hatched, almost see-through Praying Mantis hunting even smaller insects. In fact, it was the shadow that the morning sun cast on this tiny predator, that caught my eye. Small things in life make a big difference. 

The midday heat eased early afternoon and sunlight was perfect for a walk through Chembe village. Let’s see what happens, right? I was in for a treat, I didn’t see coming.

I walked along the beach and found this little princess in a tiger costume.

She got a bit bored with her mum doing the washing, and decided to do her own.

A couple of fishermen sat on the beach, a few meters apart, creating a new net. For Panango, a large predator fish, the older one said. The holes are bigger, letting smaller fish pass through. I like that idea.

There were a few Baobab trees on the ‘main street’, surrounded by traditional housing. Add bright red streets and blue skies to the lower sun, and you get a fab colour display.

I was carefully watched by Boston and his art paint team. If you like photos, then you like paintings! he said. He was right, as I passed his shop before, having a quick glimpse of his fantastic paintings. I said I’d return later, it’s photo time now.

What I find amusing is the fact that kids get that cheeky smirk on their faces, as soon as they see a camera. The language of the camera is clearly spoken.   

Some looked more anxious than others.

Stop sign in Chembe, Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi, Malawi

I just wish they stood still and don’t look too cool. Most of them smiled though. However, kids from all around happily paused their game of street football to give me a photo opportunity. Some looked more surprised than others.

James had a game of street tennis, not quite ‘Rolland Garros’.

His young friend had a model face,

hiding behind the tennis racket.

The sun was setting, time to check the shores of Lake Nyasa.

A number of kids practicing the art of netting, right against the sun.

Their playground turned into my playground in many different angles and camera setting.

The ‘painting’ setting has become a favourite photo shoot of mine at sunset.

The way the camera picks up different light in non-sunset colours, incorporating human bodies like ghosts sure pushes my camera button.

Natural, bright red colours are spectacular too.

Whilst I was busy taking photos, the ‘Peace Boys Band’ approached me,

if I could spare some money for transport costs for the football team.

Their Beach Boys performance sure deserved a bit of cash.

A concert on Lake Malawi, music, and dancing? Yes, please!

Meanwhile, the net fishing crew arrived, attracted by the commotion around me and started their own performance.

This one was more of a masquerade.

The sun was sinking lower by the minute over tranquil waters when a banana boat fisherman paddled through glowing red waters.

Again, the ‘painting’ setting gave different objectives. The sun appears to be a huge eyeball crying happy tears in the sky on to the lake, looking over land, water, and people.

Or just the fishing boat

which belongs to my net fisherman friend I spoke to earlier.

Next up was a Game of Beach Football. Two teams, all in goal. Whoever let the ‘homemade’  ball through is out and takes place on the bench.

Or boat in this case.

A double banana boat crew passed the seemingly fiery waters, I didn’t know where to look or take photos off.

Some cheeky teenage girls were posing in a slightly disturbing way. Let’s hope they aren’t in the group of early teenage sex activities, which is quite common in Malawi, sadly enough.

Three younger girls looking rather cute in front of my lens.

Dreadlocks, pink jumper, and a captivating smile. A photographer’s dream. 

My adrenaline was still pumping through my veins when I got back to Zimba. I took 250 photos in about two hours. A stressful, but rewarding experience. It’s hard to even explain this afternoon happening, it just did. One of those unexpected moments glorious photo opportunities left, right and center.

Seeing these happy kids just shows how friendly locals are here at Cape Maclear. Showing them the photos after explains the language of the camera. A language I speak well. 

The moon was so bright meanwhile, it lit up the beach and waters. Zimba was happy under the moon of love, hidden away under his mango tree.