It was the end of March when I arrived in Mzuzu my first stop in Malawi after Tanzania. I had the intention of staying two nights and carrying on down to South Africa but as plans go, that didn't happen. I guess it was the mix of the great homely vibe in the hostel, the friendly people I met, the amazing nights I had there and the feeling I being so far away from home but feeling very at home. I met so many people who came and left, and some who never left. All of them who made my stay so incredible. People ask me what on earth did I do in mzuzu to keep me coming back so many times, but it's hard to explain. Sometimes when you feel like you've found a good spot and good friends, you just need to stay and enjoy the happiness. Every day I would learn something new about the Malawian way of life and it for to the stage where I couldn't walk down the street without at least 2 people recognising me and greeting me. It was a really nice feeling.
I gradually took time to leave and explore other things like visiting Nkhata Bay with Elise and Tijs the first time, Lilongwe, Zambia with Elise and Livingstonia when I returned. I even got the chance to go to Nkhata Bay one last time with some new friends and when I thought I wouldn't see my mzuzu friends again they hatched a plan and drove to Mayoka Village (where I was staying) to surprise me. It was the most incredible thing ever. I was so thankful for that! I even spent two last nights in Mzoozoozoo (The Zoo) when I thought I would never see it again.
Writing this I am grateful for all the people I met at The Zoo and for the best last day with them at Nkhata Bay, having a braii (BBQ) on the beach, chatting, drinking some greens and enjoying every moment. It breaks my heart to leave Mzuzu and to leave Malawi tomorrow to go to Zambia but I'm hoping that fate will bring me back here in a few months. Malawi truly is the warm heart of Africa. Thanks Nani, Jacob, Paul and everyone else I met during my time there. I'll be back- I know it.
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