The atmosphere was dimmed on our way back to Chembe. I hoped for a real-life cultural event and Boston and Mantice had hoped for better business over the market days. Business is tough enough as it is here in Malawi.

The festival brought in lots of people, but most were vendors rather than spectators. That’s where I lost my interest with expectations. It must have been a cultural spectacle some years back. The flair has vanished.

We stopped quickly at Likabulu Village for a visit and a final farewell from Nenani and Wesley, who had already started planning their upcoming project. It is up to them to be successful and I wish them the bestest of luck.

Getting pulled over by the many police roadblocks in Malawi, it makes a noticeable difference if the Msungu drives by himself or is accompanied by local friends. There is chitter and there is chatter all the way through. I guess there is much to talk about of being in a zebra wagon.

We stopped along the way as my favorite African tree stood tall in various places.

Nestled within houses alongside the road, large baobab trees shone brightly in the afternoon sun.

Cumulus clouds accumulated nicely within the blue sky, making up for a spectacular sunset.

And Rick did what he does best.

Stitching the baobab trees onto their own planet.

The locals were baffled seeing this flying sausage around those majestic baobab trees.

Mini canyons carved their way through the villages, reminding us of the force of nature.

Just as destructive is the human force on our nature.

This incredibly large baobab tree was the victim of our harmful mindset.

Hundreds of years of the landscape’s history laid flat on its back. Only to give way for yet another corner-store which will most likely take a hundred of years to be completed.

Just like all the other half-finished buildings alongside the road.

Rural people have no idea about the importance of our natural habitats. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!

This was my third and final visit to Chembe on Lake Malawi. It felt exciting but also sad, knowing that I wouldn’t return to Cape MacClear for a few more years. If ever. But ja, this is the story of my traveling life as we know it.

Zimba was quickly spotted in town and I was again surrounded by people asking for help. How much can one person help?

The lake of stars presented itself in full glory.

This is one of the best places in Africa to take sunset photos over open waters.

Adding to an open water dive into the sun are various other features.

Thumbe Island appears like a natural pyramid over the horizon.

Fishermen and their boats will always cross those orange and purple reflective lines.

And if you are lucky and at the right place at the right time, a sailing boat aligns an orange and purple sky. A final present from the Lake of Stars.

The school girls came around again with freshly cooked pancakes the next morning. It is a tasty start to your day, smothered with jam or honey. I even got a discount for being the best customer in recent times.

Boston and security guard Mazda, vroom vroom, gave me a happy farewell and wished me a safe and happy journey ahead.

How can I not?

If you are in Malawi, or thinking of visiting this amazing country, the southern edge of Lake Malawi should be on your ‘places to visit list’. It is one of the few less visited areas by tourists and gives Chembe a local charm.