I’m sitting at a Masungu (white man’s) coffee shop in Moshi. I’m waiting for my LC to get fixed. Ill explain later so carry on reading :) 

We have met loads of other overlanders. A interesting crowd- firstly a Dutch guy named Casper who has been travelling for 6 years in his huge white truck, then a German couple who are both doctors and are travelling for 3 months with their 2 children on the back of the BMW bikes, then a British couple who are travelling around Africa and the male is a paraplegic- he broke his neck playing rugby and has come so far. A guy named Peter who has been cycling for 2 years. Lastly we keep bumping into another S. African family in a big yellow truck called SpongeBob bus. Jen and Martin with their 3 boys, ages 5-11 years. Who said you can’t travel when you have kids?? The boys get home schooled every morning and seem to be having a blast. They will be travelling for 2 years.

So from meeting all these interesting people we hear about places to visit, namely the biggest meteorite crater in Africa, which was stunning. We hikes down to the bottom and swam before the crowds arrived. We also saw elephant up close having a mud bath. After all that I realised why there camping fees were so much higher than everywhere else J

We also headed to a secret hot spring with crystal clean waters. Here we met up with Casper again as well a a German and a Swiss couple. I have been terrible with names and unfortunately cant remember theirs L On  the way to the springs I got a flat tyre, with Justine’s help we managed to change it quick quick and were so proud of ourselves that I forgot to tighten the bolts L So huge disaster further down the road when my car came to a screeching holt and I looked in my review mirror to see my tyre rolling away behind us. How stupid can I be!!! I have changed millions of tyres and have never forgotten to tighten the bolts- DUH! SO after getting the high lift jack down again and trying to hammer the wheel hub back on properly we were on our way. It was well worth the effort once we reached the springs- amazingly clear fresh water.

So now tomorrow the three of us head for the Serengeti and Ngorongro crater- Justine is jumping up and down in anticipation- she loves the wild life- me not so much, but hey seen as I am in Tanzania I shouldn’t really miss one of the seven wonders of the world J

Entering Tanzania was quite easy and no troubles, except expensive! Almost US$400 entering paying for individual visas, car tax and insurance. Who would of thought that some borders can charge so much, tourism should surely decrease over time if they continue with this mockery. Ah well all is good and we are still in good health.

Our first night was spent at Bongo Camp in Tukuyu, which is surrounded by tea plantations and beautiful. This camp site was set up by the local community to try support a small school they running. Not many facilities but you feel it is worth staying as you are helping them. We were woken by little voices repeating whatever the teacher was telling them in unison. Quite cute and they are well looked after.

From Bongo we read a brochure for a place called The Old Farm House, where apparently we could buy fresh produce for the rest of the journey. I was very excited so we headed for the farm. However we first had to fill up diesel as I hadn’t since Mozambique and couldn’t in Malawi, due to the fuel shortages. So I drew some cash so I could full up and headed or the station. Mmmm what could be going on here, a que for fuel?? I thought there were only problems in Malawi? I was mistaken! Luckily a truck pulled up while we were waiting so after two hours we got diesel. We also met two young German guys who had waited 24hours for diesel, poor them.

We got to The Old Farm House in the evening and Jeroen told us he was cooking- yay for us! The Old Farm House was amazing, clean, hot showers and amazing chalets and restaurant etc. The best stop for me by far. Jeroen’s cooking involved going to the restaurant and having a three course meal- ah it was good J Thank you Jereon!!!

The owner comes from a Syrian background, Nicky, and was brought up in Tanzania. I was lucky enough to meet with Nicky and I had a feeling she may know of a project in the area I could visit. Indeed she did and put me in touch with Father Massika who came and picked Justine and I up in the morning.

What an inspirational man- I was blown away by his passion ad achievements. He was placed on Catholic land and had to fix up the church with no funds. He then began a vocational training school where students paid a small fee but he used the bricks they learnt to make to finish building. Once this was completed he decided that a secondary school is needed in the area to help keep the kids off the street as well as to try and improve the poverty problems in the area.

He started building again, no funds or anything. He grew crops and sold produce and when he got funds he would carry on building. What he has achieved is AMAZING!!! He now has a Secondary School called St Mary’s with 430 students who all board in the boarding school he built. He only has qualified teachers and houses them as well.

This is the place I want to now put my heart in. If one man alone has been able to achieve so much because he believes it is needed for his community I want to be a part of his visions. He still has a long road ahead and I want to help. The most important aspect will be to get electricity to the school; I am hoping to try finding sponsorship for some Solar panels, as this will be the most economical. I am then hoping to be able to get a computer lab sponsored to help them with their technology aspect as almost all his students continue to University and battle by not being as technologically advanced as the rest of the students. Lastly I am hoping to start up a teacher’s voluntary programme. This can be in teacher’s holidays where they could come teach one topic or unit to the older students, as well as help with resources to the teachers already present.

Father and Nicky work very closely with each other and Nicky helps where she can. She is currently seeking a commercial farmer who may be interested in starting up a farm on the Catholic land. All that would be required is the cut-offs go to the school to feed the children. The land would be rent free as long as you support the school. I have already contacted the connections I have to see if anyone wants to help, or even help fund the farm and Ill start it up?

I have a good gut feeling about this place and hope someone out there will want to help me achieve this great opportunity to make a difference.

Today we have been in Malawi for 11 days and it is shocking how the time passes you by so far and I apologise for it being so long since I last updated my blog.

So once all sorted in Pemba and discussing with many individuals about which route to take to Malawi I decided to go for the “Crazy Road”. We were advised that we may get stuck ing places where there are no bridges etc etc. So off we went anyway. Jeroen speeded ahead and didn’t wait in Montepuez where we agreed and continued to Marrupa. We found out from the Engen garage that he had continued. So we had to continue on the worst road ever.

NOT!!! It was an awesome road. Huge holes and wooden bridges. I love going off the beaten track and for anyone out there who is a 4x4 enthusiast you must do it. Route 242 from Montepuez to Marrupa. Near the end of the road there was a pickup stuck in the mud. Of course he had no tow rope or any kit for that matter. SO off I went doing my thing and saving the day.

Anyway finally after staying in a dodgy Mozambican campsite and another night with a guy named Papa Joe we made it to Malawi all safe and sound. What a great couple Joe and Anita were and would like to thank them again for their hospitality.

So now in Malawi and the first couple of nights were spend in Mangotchi at Palm Beach and then headed for the mountains in Zomba. This is probably my favorite experience so far. Another crazy road was found to the campsite after randomly bumping into the owner Maggie. She is definitely living the dream in Malawi, up in the mountains and runs Horse trails. Justine and I couldn’t resist and went for an hour and a half ride.

We stayed in a little stone cottage with a log fire running constantly- highly recommended if you in the area. It’s called Chittingi but no sign posts. Ask around and someone will point you in the right direction. Or contact Maggie at: http://www.plateaustables.com/Welcome.html

So off we went to Blantyre for a night. I have nothing to say about Blantyre at all, except thanks to the Kwick-Fit guys who helped fix my exhaust. Otherwise Blantyre is not worth the stop.

Carrying on back to the lake and headed for Cape Maclear. We spend one night at Eagles nest before heading to Fat Monkeys. Eagles nest was just a little too perfect and quiet. We stayed at Fat Monkeys for three days. The owner Jeff was very helpful and helped Jeroen fix his tyres.

We went for a kayak to one of the islands which was quite the laugh. Justine and I being silly and so not in sync J Justine also thought it would be funny to tip the kayak, which is when I had my laugh back cause she couldn’t get back on J We eventually worked it out.

Unfortunately I fell ill on the last night so had to stay another day. Jeroen went ahead and headed for Lilongwe, which was great because we had no interest in seeing another city. I stayed in bed feeling very sorry for myself and Justine caught up on her reading and diary.

So now you have it. We are all back together in a place called Fish Eagles Lodge, right on the shore. We stayed in a self catering chalet so I could have a good night’s sleep on a proper bed. Hallelujah!

Many of you may be wondering about my title- GIVE ME! From Cape Maclear area the children have been trained in Malawi to scream at you GIVE ME MONEY or BOTTLE or anything you may have that they want. No please and no thank yous are present in their vocab. Knowing the teacher in me I tried a few times to tell them off and try explain how they are meant to ask. However this then triggered aggression and they then tried to grab and run whatever they wanted.

On a positive note the Malawians are very friendly and the police cops have given no trouble at all. They stop the Cruiser just to flirt I reckon. A great thing about Malawi is that everyone speaks English and it is so easy to get by.

There are big fuel shortages and I should have just enough fuel to get to Tanzania, so wish me luck!!