So, having just returned from four days away at a luxury house on a fair trade tea plantation, I’ve come to a few conclusions about life and the world J
Firstly, Malawi
Firstly, there’s something breathtaking about a tea plantation of the size of Lujeri. It is a vast area of shrubberies (neeee!) that are an extraordinary green shade, rolling over the hillsides and across the valleys. To think of the amount of work and effort that goes into running and maintaining such an operation literally boggles the mind.
Secondly, the mountains in Mulanje are absolutely enormous, with massive cascading waterfalls pouring off the peaks at great speed. Even from a distance it is a sight to behold, and I really treasured getting a few quiet moments just looking out into the distance where they fell.
Beyond the beauty of it all, it was such a pleasure to rest in fine company and share evenings singing behind the guitar with a fine South African Swede, whilst eating meals fit for kings served by a group of Malawian Gentlemen who were wonderful at ensuring that our stay was pleasant and uninterrupted. The only unfortunate thing was me falling out of our bed and ripping the mosquito net on the way down…oops J
The house was beautifully presented – very colonial in style and grandeur, and had stunning gardens and a nice pool for us to cool off in the African sunshine. The bedrooms were large, with stunning furniture and individual fireplaces (a little surplus to requirements at the moment!) and the en-suite bathroom from our bedroom was spacious and recently refurbished to include a large head shower and a cubicle large enough to fit all three of us after a dip in the pool – Eilidh especially loved the shower floor as she happily sat playing with the miniature shampoo bottles like she was a giant J
Our bedroom also had double doors out on to the Khondi, running almost the full length of the house exterior – a perfect playground for a one year old in her walker, overlooking the pool and the valleys and mountains beyond.
So, along with the wonderful fillet steaks, chocolate breakfast cereal, lager shandies, red wine, cola and large supply of home baking, it rates up there with one of the best trips we’ve ever had I think!
Just another example of the benefits of living out here in the heart of Africa balancing up all the sacrifices we made to come out here in the first place. With that in mind, our thoughts turn towards Iain and Ruth returning to the UK tomorrow, and our trip home to Scotland
