Christmas with 'Family' at Zulunkhuni Lodge, Ruarwe, Malawi

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Our Cabin - the Stone House overlooking the lake

Greeted by Sally and Charlie from Zulunkhuni Lodge on the beach to calls of "Hello Rupert and Sabrinha", we were confused but I guess they didn't get the message that we were coming, but were expecting the other couple who were no shows.  Since it was already dark, Charlie suggested we take the Stone House room, that was set up for R&S, at camping prices.  His enticement worked like a charm, as we decided to stay in the lovely cabin on the rocks over the lake for the duration of our stay.  Time to pamper ourselves a little for Christmas!!  And, we had a bed!!!!
Waking up to the sunrise over Lake Malawi was beautiful, and we would fall asleep to lightning storms over the mountains in Tanzania across the lake.  What a wonderful spot!!

View from the Stone House at Sunrise

Since the lodge is very isolated, they have no power, and no phone service.  We had no communication with the outside world, and it was fab.  Rather invigorating actually.  One issue though, was with the fuel shortage, they had trouble getting gas, and were unable to use the stoves, and more importantly, were unable to use the fridge.  Therefore, NO cold drinks, and no meats, etc.  We were going to have to go veggie for the week, but no worries….it turned out that the food here was delicious.  I especially liked the veggie burgers!!
We did exactly what we planned to do here at the lodge - VERY LITTLE.  It was about relaxing and taking a nice break from the daily stresses and frustrations of travel.  Days were filled with plenty of games, occasional meals, warm drinks, and refreshing but not very cold swims in the turquoise waters of the lake.  The shore is quite rocky, and the snorkelling was actually quite good in the clear waters. 

Our Cabin at Sunrise over Lake Malawi

We often would have a morning snorkel, then head for breakfast.
Charlie had also built a jumping platform about 9m (30ft) above the rocks, and there was a great jumping rock in the lake about as high.  I tackled both these jumps in my time here.
Sally and Charlie are both English but Charlie has been in Malawi for 14 years or so.  Sally is more recent here, but they will be married in the very, very near future.  Sally's Mum Gill was also at the lodge, and was spending 6 weeks in Malawi to attend the upcoming nuptials.  She was on the other end of many games played.  There were only a couple of guests here and there, and a couple of local volunteers staying, including Georgina, a doctor from England who was working in Ruarwe. The staff were lovely too, always greeting you with big smiles.  And the dogs, one very friendly called Gondross the Destroyer, and one aptly named Chicken as he was scared of

Martin and Charlie 9m Rock Jump for Christmas

everything.  Also, the local wildlife and bugs were interesting, including giant snails, a bug they call "Thing" and a special Christmas appearance of a chameleon.
Michelle and I did visit the local village, approx. 20 minute walk away to see the new community centre there that the volunteers were at.  Cool spot and a very interesting a impressive library.  Of course, we got tied up playing with the local kids and meeting new people in town.
On Christmas Eve, we were busy making some snowflake decorations, whilst listening to my extensive Christmas Song collection, when a special delivery arrived……..STEAK.  Charlie's brother had sent it from Nkhata Bay, so we were very excited about the prospect of X-Mas eve steak sandwiches.  WOW, they were tasty!!
We all enjoyed our 'family' meals, and it was so nice to be included with them for their celebrations.  It was what we really needed for Christmas and we couldn't have picked a better place to be.
Christmas Day was no exception.  We had bought some little locals presents for Sally, Charlie, Gill and Georgina, and we woke to some stockings hung up.  We all had a good laugh opening small presses, and drinking some Amarula's.  In each of our stockings was a local thing they call sachets. 

Christmas Slip'n'Slide with Charlie, Georgina and Sally

Basically a shot of cane spirit in a little airtight package.  We all downed our sachets, but with a few gag reflexes!!
Since the staff had the day off, Charlie and I started cutting wood for the oven, and we all helped out with prepping and cooking the Christmas beef in the clay oven.  Whilst the food was cooking, we had a good swim and rock jumps, and also a go at Charlies Slip and Slide kids toy!!  All good laughs, then a sit down for a delicious dinner and chocolate cake for dessert.
Then, the Christmas songs came to an end and we put on some classic and spent the next few hours dancing on the bar and having a wonderful end to our Christmas.  It was off on the ferry the next day, but we were so happy to have a new family experience for such an important day.  We were treated so well, and also invited to the upcoming wedding on Jan 9th - we will see if we can make it or not!!!   *Stub

Christmas Dinner

Christmas Bar Dance - Georgina, Sally and Michelle