There is nothing fancy about Malawi.  As far as I can tell, this is not a country where people seeking 5 star hotels and restaurants venture to visit.  On our second weekend at the lake, we decided to indulge a bit and stay at what we heard was “the nicest hotel” in Salima.  Livingstonia Beach, conveniently enough, was right next door to the Safari Beach Lodge where we stayed on our first weekend there.  Despite its reputation, I quickly realized I preferred the much more rustic atmosphere next door.  Sure Livingstonia had more going on, there was a functioning pool, more guests, a small gym, and among other amenities, a computer in the lobby, but it felt like a place that was trying too hard.  I took much more comfort in the outdoor showers, long windy stairs leading to a little slice of a private beach and even in the little hut where we slept.  I feel myself beginning to enjoy simplicity more than I used to.

Of course, the lake is the lake.  The scenes of the water were equally beautiful, and I was grateful for the chance to spend another weekend soaking in the sun.  I also loved the group of little kids we met who jumped in and out of the pool and ran across the beach.

The conversation between the kids and this little red-head went something like this: Group of kids, “COME IN.”  Little red head, “I have to ask my mom.  I don’t have my bathing suit.”  And then they got back to what they were doing and splashed around some more in this little pool.  It was adorable.

This little one was ruuunnnning to catch up with her friends ahead of her.  The shower cap and sagging bathing suit couldn’t have been cuter.