4th June - paradise not lost

Oh hey dudes.
I'm writing from the "Big Blue Star backpackers lodge" in the touristy Nkhata bay. The night bus from Lilongwe to Mzuzu took about 5 hours and was a good opportunity for me to get some shut eye. The bus arrived at about 4.30am and we stayed sleeping on the bus for an hour longer, until Rose realised that we had actually arrived, and that we should probably get off. Thankfully the bus didnt have an onward journey, otherwise I'm not sure where we would have ended up. Possibly Mozambique.
We were met by McCloud, our contact who works for Kachimbeka, and went to sort out some local phones/sim cards. After saying goodbye to Rose, Tom and McCloud who were then going to head to the village, Poppy, Emily, Mark and I took a minibus to Nkhata Bay. Despite organising the phones we haven't been able to get in contact with Tom and Rose so we hope that they are still alive and kicking!
Whilst they organise the project for our impending arrival on Sunday, we have taken the opportunity to acclimatise in the popular Nkhata bay. We are staying in a 4 dorm room which has a balcony looking out onto the lake. It's costing 900 kwacha per night which is about 4 pounds. However, there is a tab system upon which everything you order, including the drinks at the bar are conveniently "put on the tab". This has to be carefully controlled.
Tabs aside, I have spent the last few days, reading, swimming and eating. not bad really. I'm thinking it's going to hit me when we arrive on project.
Last night we went to a local bar place where people appear to dance the night away. Although an interesting experience, we mutually decided to leave pretty quickly , feeling somewhat overly approached for our colour and therefore assumed wealth. It became clear to me that I am perceived here as a white tourist and nothing more and I feel that the people here know how to play the tourist game. Although I appreciate that for many, their lives revolve around the tourism industry, I have felt at times that white people are maybe mocked by the locals at the same time. Apart from this, people are eager to come and say hello, and ask how we are. There have been a lot of thumbs up exchanges aswell.
I am looking forward to moving into a village that doesn't even appear on google and getting involved with everyday life.
On sunday we are going to be met in Mzuzu by a lady who is known mutually by some of my family in England. She has promised to pick us up in her pick up truck and show us where she lives. We will then make our way to the village by bus, where we will be living for the following 8 weeks - am feeling so ready and excited to get to project. :):):):)
Would also like to give a shout out to Chris and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
that's it for now, sorry for rambling a bit! love amali b x