Swimming

So before leaving the states I was warned on many occasions that swimming was a very bad idea in Malawi. But the lake (Lake Malawi) is the defining feature of the country, beautiful beaches and islands. It runs almost the entire eastern border. It is also home to the snails that cause schistosomiasis as well as crocodiles, hippos, etc. when I left I had no plans to swim in the lake…of course I brought my swim suit because you never know where I might travel or get to use a pool. So Saturday some of the med students who come over to work at the hospital decided to go to Senga Bay. There was room in the car so rhona and I joined Ewa (74yr old pediatric dr here for 3 months), Gerome (Dutch med student) and Elisabeth (English med student). A 3 hour drive (with a long stop in lilongwe for some shopping and errands) and we arrived at a beautiful beach resort…and into the water we went. I did ask before jumping in—yes there are snails, yes you can get schisto, but there is a pill you take and it will kill it no problem. I figured the medical people are doing it so why not me? It was lovely. We had a great time. At dinner that night we had Chamba fish—the others ordered it whole and I ordered fish curry. Theirs came out looking at them and I was so relieved not to have gotten it that way…mine came out and it was a whole Chamba covered in curry sauce. Devastating. Way to many bones and I think there might have been extra fins and bones in my sauce…live and learn—next time I’ll order the chicken.