The most eventful bus ride and first impressions of Malawi

The thing that threw me off about Africa (especially the more touristy countries) that I’m finally beginning to realize is that the licensed and official posts like the ferry and bus ticket operators are the ones that try to subtlety take advantage. They’re in those posts because they are the hustlers, “worked” their way into positions.

Almost got taken in Dar el Salaam. At the bus terminal “Michael” sold us direct tickets from Tanzania to Malawi from his official office.  The price seemed high but we were in a rush so we accepted.  When we entered the bus we questioned some other passengers to double check the price. Took awhile but we finally found someone who could speak English well enough, and she just happened to be an off duty officer. We had definitely overpaid. When the other passengers heard of the scheme they trapped “Michael” in. That’s when the story unfolded: there was no direct bus from Tanzania to Malawi; he had made fake tickets under a fake bus operator. What nerve. To make a long story short the mob ruled and we got our money back, “Michael” got booted, and we took a bus as close to the Malawi border as we could.

"Michael"

The days other events…

-          15 hour bus ride and we didn’t get nearly as far as we expected.

-          Our bus got pulled over and ticketed for speeding.

-          Saw 4 overturned vehicles on the road and at one point ours swerved out of control…could’ve been number 5.

-          “Grandma” as I called her kept nudging me awake to point out the main attractions along the way like the railroad tracks and police station. Lovely lady, but I could’ve done without the Swahili tour guide.

Basically folding chairs bolted down to the ground.

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed all the natural beauty Tanzania has to offer I was so thankful to leave. Too much pestering and greed for money, a byproduct of all the tourism.

 Malawi on the other hand has such a relaxed attitude. It’s true what they say, it is the “warm heart of Africa.” From the moment I crossed the border I could notice the difference, although the transportation troubles continued. My first bus driver in Malawi got his license revoked as we were about to depart. I’m so looking forward to making my way overland to Cape Town… ;(

Last meal in Dar...Korean food. Hit the spot.