PICS- Club Mak at Lake Malawi

Part of the partnership between VT & Malawi allows for Malawians to come to VT to get their Doctoral Degree.  Endalipa earned his degree a couple years ago and is now back in Malawi. He was so helpful setting up the Chibale Project and during our entire trip.  On our way to Club Mak, we went with Endalipa to see the village where he grew up. 

Endalipa showed us how he used to climb to the top of the coconut tree to get the coconuts.
I was lucky enough to always be by a flushing toilet whenever I needed to go to the bathroom for most of the trip. On the second to last day... I wasn't so lucky.   A group of us went, and we conquered the hole in the ground.
Thats the outhouse. Don't worry, it has instructions! It shows you where to place your feet.
We meet Endalipa's father. 
Inside Endalipa's childhood house, I found this letter. Its small, but you should be able to read it. 
The village kids followed us.
This little girl has my fabric! I got my Malawian dress made out of this tan and green fabric. I was excited to see Malawians wearing it. 
After we visited Endalipa's father, Endalipa wanted to show us a village that has been severally  hit by HIV/AIDS.  We just stopped by for a visit and there were just hundreds of children, but no adults to be seen.  This picture is a great example of children taking care of children, we saw this often in Malawi. 
I love these type of trees! They are called Baobab trees. 
Village children. Notice the albino on the left. 
We finally made it to Club Mak! 
We were greeted with tropical drinks
Paradise....But don't you dare go in that water...parasites! 
The venders come to the shore by canoe to sell things to us. 
Sarah and Lauren outside their cottage 
Inside our room. Notice all the hotels we stayed at have mosquito nets for the beds. 
Sarah, me, Lauren  & Krista enjoying the sunset 

We explored outside the guarded gates and came across these kids. We played with them for a hour or so and we thought they might leave that baby with us. She tried to give it to us multiple times. 
Sunset on Lake Malawi
A delicious buffet. Don't be fouled by the good looking fruits & veggies.... you can't eat them. 
Some of the group at dinner. 
Dessert
We had entertainment after dinner 


A great way to end our last night! 

To read the blog to go along with these pictures, see Club Mak at Lake Malawi