Well, we've been in Malawi for a few days now. We are staying at a place called Kande beach. It is quite beautiful, although you can't swim cause of a parasite in the water (well, you could, but if you get the parasite it will eat your intestines). Anyways, there are hammocks all over the place and it is pretty relaxing.
Yesterday I got my hair braided. It took three men (yes men) 2 1/2 hours. The other girls had one person each and were done in 1 hour. Oh, the joys of massive amounts of hair.
Anyways, a few have fallen out, so I have to go back and get them fixed today. We went on a tour of the town today, although everywhere we went they asked for money, which is getting a bit annoying. At the primary school (grade 1-8), we were invited into the classes and such. I walked into what turned out to be a grade 8 class (96 students), and asked what class they were in, then I looked on the board and there was the female reproductive system. Well, I was like 'oh, never mind, I know what that is' and then blushed slightly, which they thought was really funny. I got laughed out of a grade 8 sex ed class. Anyways, the teacher then came and was trying to tell me what they were learning about, so I got to then sit in on the class, it was pretty funny.
This afternoon we are just hanging out and then we are having dinner in the village which should be interesting. We have 2 more nights in Malawi and then off to Tanzania. Robin - you are welcome to my closet, just make sure it's clean when I get back. You can even borrow the rust jacket. Kevan and Brayden - I picked out gifts for you today. Mouna - I am glad you miss me on the starbucks runs, I had a dream about an 'Ali Special' a few nights ago. Talk to you all soon.
I've ended up with some beautiful paintings. Just now I have to carry them around for the next month and a half. Anyways. After paying some guy to show us back to the hostel (the most confusing place I have ever been and I am good with directions), we headed to Mercury's for dinner (named after Freddie Mercury of Queen - born in Zanzibar). The sunset may have been one of the most wonderful I have ever seen. We had a great night that night. Unfortunately another group staying at our hostel wasn't so fortunate. One of their girls got grabbed coming back from a night out. They grabbed her bag, but then one of their guys jumped in and his stuff ended up getting stolen instead. Poor guy. Anyways, everyone is ok, he just has to go through the whole issue of getting a new passport and such. Now, don't everybody worry. They did make some dumb moves that set them out as targets, so. Anyways, yesterday we headed for a spice tour which was amazing. Although I got absolutely eaten alive by mozzi's even with heavy duty spray on. It was really cool to see all the different spices and fruits and such. We finally got to the beach around 3. And I will tell you, it is perfect. 
White sand beaches, turquiose water, a beach side bar. It is great. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the water - great relief for all my bites. This morning our whole group (minus one), headed out snorkelling. 
Now, once I got comfortable, it was great. Although all the Northern aussies were a little disappointed, didn't hold up against the great barrier reef. I enjoyed it. We were in pretty open water so, you had to be careful about getting pulled away, but the fish were very cool. Even saw a clown fish. We then sailed back in for lunch and here I am avoiding the sun for a little bit. It is beautiful here, would love to come back to spend more time. Only a week left on this tour and then I have to haul by butt up Mount Kili. Talk to you all soon!
All of the boys ended up in women's clothing. It was a lot of fun. Lots of laughs. The process of getting the clothes was fun too. Bartering in the local market. Everybody trying to sell you their stuff. Anyways, I don't have much else to tell you. Just have to say Go Sens Go! I can't believe they make it to the final the year I am away and can't be there to cheer them on, or gloat. Anyways, talk to you all soon!
Yesterday morning, 8 of us headed over to one of the local preschools. Kids were 4-7. It was so much fun. They sang for us (I knew most of the songs, or versions of them), and we played games and then they asked us to sing (little did they know what they were asking for). Anyways, it was fantastic. The kids were so wonderful. I also went on a walking rhino safari. I was a little freaked out as I was just waiting for one of my slithery friends to appear, but there weren't any, so that was good. We got to within 2 m of the two rhinos. 
Apparently they really don't care if we are there because they have no predators. Then we kept walking to see other animals, although Aaron (from Oz) and I were kinda over it once we had seen the rhinos. It's funny how common an elephant seems now, let alone giraffes and zebras. I am still working on a picture of the ever elusive warthog though. They are quick little buggers. Then last night a bunch of us went to this African restaurant where they drummed and danced and then they got all of us up dancing. It's funny to see how little beat some people have. My West African dance did come in handy cause I have some idea how to shimmy (well I know how it's supposed to work). Anyways, a lazy day in Livingstone today, then off to Lusaka tomorrow. Oh, trying to keep up on the hockey (Go Sens Go!!!!). Happy Mother's Day Mom, Love you lots! Oh, one other thing. You all will be glad to know, we have had two trips to the hospital and neither of them have been me. One was a burnt hand cause one of the guys fell in the fire and the other was a dislocated ankle and broken tibia from a game of cricket. But I was not involved in either and remain healthy (thank goodness). Talk to you all soon!