Close Encounters

We just arrived in Malawi after a great time in Zambia. The last few days were spent camping right outside South Luangwa National Park. When I say "right outside", it really doesn't mean much, as the park has no fences and animals are free to wander through the campsite. Our outdoor dinner was moved inside due to a crazy elephant one night (who also destroyed some random tent), a hippo decided to practically rub its fat ass up against our truck another night, last night there was allegedly a leopard roaming around my tent about an hour after I stepped outside to relieve myself, and this morning a monkey's poo almost fell directly into my cereal bowl from the tree above. The monkeys are cute but also a nuisance, and, upon close inspection, have very sharp teeth. We also went on a couple game drives in the park, and on our night drive were meters away from a pride of lions, including three cubs. One of the lionesses was roaming quite closely around our vehicle at one point, and although I knew we probably looked like one solid object instead of individual potential snacks, it was still a bit daunting!

The next week will be more about the people and the lake here in Malawi, and I'm looking forward to a possible beach soccer match with local children!