It was one of those afternoons. Hot and sweltering, the sun shone no mercy on nature and living creatures.

It was calm with barely a breeze flowing through the gorges opting for a perfect day by the water.

I spent the morning for breakfast and a wee walk throughout the Likabulu Community, nothing was planned for the afternoon.

All I wanted was to relax and getaway away from people around me. Just for a wee while.

I found this natural spa on the glacial granite by the Likabulu River. It was bliss. I sat in the chilly pond for a while before heated rocks got my body back to temperature. Now and then, voices from young and old were heard near or far.

I looked at the reflective waters and thought ‘ Why am I not flying Rick over this water and granite rock combination? The aim was to relax for a few hours but this scenario looked amazingly cool. Taking a selfie video whilst plunging in the pool whilst Rick climbs higher in elevation? Let’s do it!’

I was on my way back with Rick on my back and OM-D up front, when I bumped into Steve. Steve and I had that instant connection and respect for one another.

There was that cheeky Danny Glover look in his eyes from the moment I set up camp at CCAP. He is the head security officer (just slightly over-dramatizing here) and he was on his way towards the river.

‘Let’s go to the river and cool down!’ I demanded. ‘Let’s go to the river and have some fun’!

I told him about my idea to fly my drone over and from us whilst enjoying cooling waters in dramatic landscapes.

I was still setting up Rick’s aviation procedures when I heard splish-splashing in that little pool.

He he, Steve gave me the seal of approval.

It was such a refreshing moment as Steve is a teenager by heart and here and now he showed us how.

It is one of the reasons we both got on so well. We just don’t care what people say or think about us.

‘Wait for me! Wait for me!’ I waved my arms. I would have loved to have a little splashing duel with him, but water isn’t good for my remote controller.

It’s often a curse to decide whether to be behind the camera or in front of no camera.

Either decision is frustrating. We sat in the pool, watching Rick disappear into the blue sky.

Ja, this is life, this is pretty cool.

All you YouTubers and vloggers, get a hold of this video. Well, whenever I have the time to create it.

Teenage chitter chatter was closing in towards our spa pool. 10 local teenies or of lower age were looking for a place to cool down. Steve initially asked them to move on and not to bother me, but that’s not how I think. They would be the perfect addition to our afternoon plunge.

The crew returned and started singing and dancing in circles.

Up and around we go. But I had no sound. Drones don’t capture sounds due to buzzing props.

I needed a film director, a real Steve Spielberg.

I quickly taught Steve how to handle OM-D as he sat in the pool. He directed the kids on what to do, which was to be happy, careless teenagers.

He he, I smiled about my genius idea watching this scenario unfold through the lens of my drone.

It was one of those moments, unexpected and unsuspecting, free of all care in one of Malawi’s most scenic mountain regions. Even more bizarre I found, was the fact that I was currently editing the blog story about the ‘Old head with the young heart’ in Chimoio, Mozambique. This time we had two old heads.

The kids moved in circles singing and dancing, shaking what they’ve got. Left and right, in and out, back and front. This catchy prom appears to be a popular dance in this region, possibly in Malawi. Eventually, they ran out of steam.

‘What shall they do now?’ Steve asked. ‘You’re the Spielberg, they can do whatever they want’.

The cooling waters were just too tempting, these teenagers know how to slip and slide on granite rock.

Some lubrication was needed for maximum velocity and off went the Merry-go-Round.

As quick as they went in the water, just as quickly they were out. I would have loved to join, next time I will.

Video proof is easily stored.

But memories are never forgotten. It just looked like sooo much fun.

And exhausting.

Rick was still cruising the perimeter as depleted bodies warmed on smooth granite.

We had some battery power left to capture the perfect surroundings, which made this lively and unexpected afternoon even more memorable.

Steve had meanwhile left the director’s cut and slipped back into security mode. Explaining to the kids how fragile yet dangerous this drone could be if mishandled.

It didn’t stop curious looks.

Hands up for this unforgettable experience.

I doubt that the kids had this much fun ever.

Or so it appeared.

The lower afternoon sun shone perfect lighting onto those happy faces.

Ideal conditions in a natural environment with outstanding models.

Even for monochrome photography. What else is needed?

We captured some extraordinary footage.

More importantly, we forgot about daily struggles.

And Steve? He’s a bit of a dark horse.

But once set free to roam, he’ll be hard to capture.

We were who we ought to be;