Things That Occurred

It's not often a friend from ten years prior drops in while living in Malawi, but that's just what happened last week when Chris from the Journey of Hope arrived at Lilongwe International Airport. We were so busy having fun that this is the best picture I snapped from the three day binge:

It's hard to tell what Chris is doing. Perhaps he is raising his hands in praise of Mother Earth for making such a beautiful place. Or, perhaps jumping to the sky after I pinched his tookis. Likely, though, is that this is the moment of realization that microscopic snails living in the lake waters are entering his blood stream. No worries mate, you've got pills.

We had three days, here's a list of the awesome things that happened:

1. Chris arrived with nothing more than a small backpack. What did he bring considering this efficient packing? A loofah. Why? Because he just got his back waxed. Good start.
2. We immediately went to lunch where lots of rich white people hang out. I ate a delicious hamburger, but Chris hasn't been in Africa long enough to realize just how delicious it was. He ate a salad that, in all likelihood, gave him haunting stomach issues. Should've warned you mate.
3. Off to the lake (see above). 
4. Woke up and Colorado St (his alma mater) and Oregon won their first round games!
5. Kayaked to the island in the background of the photograph above. Snorkled. Fish followed Chris and nibbled on his feet and legs. Foreign food. Chris was allergic and snotted all over the place. Is it fratty to mention that? Oh yeah.
6. Cape Maclear is an interest destination where tourism and traditional life mix together. Chris and I took a stroll into town where, among other things, we were Pied Pipers, except instead of music we played our white skin. The kids swarmed. Friendship Visit v. 2013
7. Swam to the platform in the background (that photo is really coming in handy). That is all.
8. At dinner Chris has the genius idea of a fire/drink/fireworks night. So we did. The fireworks were purchased at a Chinese store in Lilongwe just for such an occasion. Happy 4th of July!
9. On the return to Lilongwe the next morning, we stopped by the Mozambiquen border. Long story short: Christ (Chris) wanted to step foot in and did some illegally. Well done, sir. Well done.
10. Dinner with friends followed by a casino run. We fondly call the local blackjack table "The ATM." It didn't disappoint.
11. On the ride home at 2am, the lovely Malawi police pulled us over. 45 minutes and a call to our embassy later and we were released with orders to go to the police station the next morning (Sunday) at 7:30 to pay a $7.50 fine. It would cost more in gas to drive to the station than to pay the fine.
12. Departure the next morning. JOH 2003 Reunion Tour complete. Guys, where you at?

 PS Serena claims I was "really fratty." Chris and I thought each other was about exactly the same 10 years later sooooo... this is a likely accusation.