Getting to Chitipa

Our Kigali to Dar connection was delyed by six hours, so we were taken to a posh hotel. Eventually we arrive in Dar at 9pm which coincides with Joe and Archie arriving from Arusha. It is great to see them and we have a quick beer and catch up. The next morning there is time for a walk along the beach and  a couple of Kilimanjaro beers. We arrive in Mbeya as the sun is setting and are driven to the Peace of Mind Hotel in darkness. Cath had booked this one and it proved a good choice. Mbeya is at 1700 metres so cool nights. It is time to leave Mbeya and head for the border. The journey is a beautiful one up through the hills via Tukuyu, through tea estates and then dropping down to Kasamulu border crossing on the Songwe River. The three big bags full of kit are easily dealt with by the boys and we are soon officially in Malawi these days on a free one month visa. Change up some money and find a shared car going to Karonga. In Karonga the driver agrees to take us to Chitipa and the car duly breaks down. Out of Karonga the driver almost drives into a police road block. He is in trouble but I manage to gauge the situation, make the serious police women laugh and we are away, the driver forgiven. There is a golden light over the hills as we slowly bump our way through the potholes to Chitipa. The NaChitipa Lodge is full so we have to go over the road for the night. We eat and someone calls Wachisa for us. The next morning we find rooms at my Chitipa home. 

There is an U12 boys festival this morning at Jomba Jomba ground. Ten teams are there and it is a great welcome to Chitipa. The mini goals and nets are still looking in good shape and being well used. In the afternoon Wachisa is holding training with his Nyabinghi Warriors and our boys get involved. A real bonus since my last visit, the NaChitipa Lodge now has piped hot water in the shower heated via wood burning system. 

Up early and have a coffee with Cath. Today it is the turn of the U12 girls who have a festival. Six teams now have U12 girls training and teams playing regularly. Rowland is there and we catch up. There is talk about collecting the shipment that will be arriving soon. It is obvious that Wachisa and Rowland don't get on or trust each other. Rowland claims that Wachisa 'stole me' from him. Albert Chihana has a vehicle so I just need to fuel it. 

We eat big, visit the stadium where Chitipa Utd are training. The stadium has just been accepted as good enough to hold super league games. That night we are invited to Rowland's house for a meal. It is lovely to see Beatrice and the girls again. Tomorrow we will leave for Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay. In ten days I will return to Chitipa and Cath, Joe and Leo will head home. It has been great to show them Chitipa and a taste of the project.