What a day! I mean, what a day!

I don’t even know where to begin. The title for this narrative could be anything, I haven’t thought of one yet. There was so much laughter and joy all around, it was just amazing. Boats and beats, smiles and sun, photos and fun. It was the best Sunday session for a long time. No alcohol either.

I was up early again, listening to the sounds of pottering pans. Yep, it’s that time of day even on a Sunday. It took me a few coffees to kick into gear. The weather forecast was hot and sunny, but strong winds were predicted just as well.

I watched the local fishermen returning from their night out fishing for Kapenta. Sustainability for this fragile ecosystem is in question once more, but at least there aren’t any Chinese Fishing Trawlers here.

I decided to walk Downtown Chembe to the fish market like we often used to in Hamburg on a Sunday morning. Just because. It turned out to be an unfruitful undertaking. ‘Msungu, Msungu’ the kids yelled out and waved.

The little ones came up and gave me a ‘high five’. Teenagers and women demanded money while the fellas wanted to talk business with me.

The only business I have is with my camera. But I didn’t feel comfortable taking OM-D out. Even the goats ran off.

The mercury levels reached extreme around lunchtime, it was time to get back home.

I bumped into the local football team, again. The last time we bumped into each other was 6 years ago.

We had a beach party there and then which was amazing as I remember.

Kids of all ages came along and played and danced and laughed. While the ‘Peace Boys Band’ pumped the beat, ‘Welcome to Malawi’.

Boy, these boys have grown. With the beach all but gone, it’s harder now to play the drums and collect fuel money for bus transfers. ‘Our band practice ground is underwater, we don’t play often anymore.’

Chico’s Eco-Resort has a narrow stretch of beach which would be perfect for a concert right on my doorstep. ‘Come there around 4 pm and bring your instruments’ I said.

I needed to cool down, sweat was pouring out of my body.

I wasn’t surprised to see the beachfront packed with kids, playing in cooling waters.

It’s a lazy Sunday after all. This is what I need my camera for.

Security officer Promise had brought his dugout canoe in from somewhere.

He has some balancing skills.

Meanwhile, the participating audience grew by the minute.

Everyone around was in a silly, playful mode.

It was refreshingly delightful.

Promise and I changed instruments.

I demonstrated briefly how to use OM-D and taught him the basics of a good photo. Many of these photos were taken by him.

I took over the captaincy with a paddle in hand. This floating device is thinner than the ones I am used to.

It is a balancing act. Paddle left, paddle right, and round and round we go. There were plenty of seats left up front.

‘Who needs a lift?’

There were plenty of takers, the little ones weren’t so sure in the beginning.

That made the balance even harder. All aboard.

Next Stop; ‘West Thumbi Island!’

The kids loved being chauffeured around.

Keep the balance straight.

Ja, that’s how we don’t roll around here. Too much fun.

I had a date with a few young men to get the party really started.

It was after 4 pm already and the members of the Peace Corps had already set up.

This is an open-air festival delayed by the lake.

I need to change instruments just as well.

I loaded Promise with my Osmo Pocket travel camera and microphone to capture sound and vibes from ground level.

That’s right, Rick was sent up above at a higher level. And action.

I needed to concentrate on my flying object and again, couldn’t participate in the action. It becomes a curse.

There is plenty of video material but when will I be able to use and produce?

But the kids did moving their bodies to the beat. ‘Drums of time’.

If they weren’t preoccupied watching Rick doing his moves.

It was all about the kids.

It was all about having fun.

It was all about just enjoying life here at the Lake of Stars.

Promised.

The sunlight was fading behind low clouds in the distance.

I couldn’t stop smiling.

Some Rookies used the last light for last-minute preparation, tomorrow is just another day.

Tomorrow, I be moving on.

It’s been a fabulous beach holiday, despite all desperation.

How desperate would I be if I grew up in Malawi?

I can’t thank my friend Chikonde enough to let me stay at her house by the beach.

Zikomo.