We waved goodbye to our South African friends this lunchtime; Cosmo Bartman, Craig Hendricks, Nilla Fass and Musa Zokufa. They were travelling back to their home town of Port Elizabeth and should be there by the time we take off from Lilongwe airport at 11.55pm. This afternoon we're chilling waiting for our lift from the lodge. Mr Price is playing a game called 'bawo', a traditional game using beans and a wooden board. He has become quite addicted to the game, even buying his own board. Today he beat a local for the first time, so he know thinks he can take on the world....watch out Llandudno, bawo is coming! This morning we popped to the city centre to buy a few gifts for those at home. As soon as a group of 'muzongos' arrived we were swamped by sellers desperate for trade. The craftsmanship in Malawi is second to none with lovely wooden carvings and original art on canvas. The traders were our best friends and lots of bartering for the best prices took place. The traders had great names, each one introducing themselves and wanting to know who we were and where we came from; Chicken Legs, Love, Happiness and Combo amongst our new best friends. Unfortunately it was obvious that these boys were desperate, accepting next to nothing for some beautiful pieces of art, crafts and jewellery. After lunch PC Williams and I went to the local nature reserve while Mr Price rested. We went with Mzondi as our guide, although he was more than pessimistic about our chances of seeing anything of note. However, we were more than surprised. Great birds such as Chin-spot Batis, Grey headed Kingfisher, Green Wood Hoopoe and the amazing Schlaw's Turaco amongst many species seen. However, for once, birds weren't the highlight. A small movement in the water below and a focus of the binoculars revealed an eye. Slowly the eye emerged into a fine Crocodile, we backed away and suddenly the crocodile disappeared without a ripple. Made up with our sighting we continued along the track on tiptoes watching out for any movement. A group of 30 or so Monkeys ran through the forest towards us, many with young. Some were inquisitive and came close, never has the camera been so snap happy. As I rounded a corner my eyes peeled to the tree tops, Meirion sternly but calmly announced that we should stop as a crocodile was on the path. I looked down and there just in front of me was a huge male croc, right out of the water and more than that I'd nearly tripped over it. The sweat poured down my face. I suppose Meirion can now claim to have saved my life! The camera went into over drive once again with the lenses only 6 ft away from the magnificent beast. With a flick of its tail and a huge splash the giant reptile had gone back to its home in the river. At times it was easy to forget where we were and how careful we should really be. An antelope appeared from the undergrowth. No sign today of the Hyenas, Bush Pigs or Porcupines though, but we'd had our sighting of our modern day dinosaur and we were as happy as larry.
This evening there is a big thunder storm. Fingers cossed it will have cleared in a few hours!
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