My day started early leaving Nkata Bay at first light so I could cross the border into Tanzania by midday and then get to Mbeya for my over night stop . The ride out of the bay was a little sad , I really had enjoyed my time on the lake , but felt the need to experience something new.
The countryside as you go north is really beautiful and becomes less populated as you ride towards the border , the mountain passes dramatic in beauty , exciting riding , with the lake my trusted companion on my right . Sometimes at my side , other times in the distance just flirting with her deep blue waters.
Mountains of the moon
The countryside got greener , the lake a deeper blue as I rode up to Mzuzu to re fuel and have some breakfast , winding roads up and up we went , stopping now and again to admire the beauty.
Mzuzu , coffee house , a must if you are in the area.
The Mzuzu coffee is local to the area , rich and smooth it delights your palate , I wish we had it back home . Mzuzu is uniquely Malawi both in flavour and the décor. The service is slick , the samosas light , crispy and dense with filling . Made my day this stop did.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Back on the road heading for Tanzania the mountains and the lake continue , children wave and the people of Malawi look up from their labour stained shirts to smile and champion me on , with me forever looking right to catch a glimpse of the lake . We have ridden hundreds of kilometres together enjoying each others company , her reassurance I was on the right path , her refreshing waters cleansing my weary body at every stop , she would wash the days sweat , tension and challenges away with her fresh deep waters leaving me feeling new . I knew it would be hard to say our farewells , she seems to hold the spirit of Malawi in her waters and leaving her was leaving the wonderful people of Malawi behind , but with each passing hour our end was getting closer.
In the mountains looking over the lake.
Down out of the mountains we rode back to lake shore and so then she started her graceful departure , as I looked right she ebbed and flowed from sight and by the time I got to my last fuel stop , she had gone , left me with the beauty of her and her people in my minds eye and my heart.
Thank you Malawi for welcoming this stranger , for asking his name , for being so warm and kind , for letting your waters renew me , showing me all your world , life and labour , your beauty and hardship from behind my visor and while I walked your streets , Until we meet again .
Farewell my trusted companion.
