It is a beautiful thing to wake up in the morning knowing that 1) you slept very well, 2) you’re able to take a stand-up shower, 3) you have time to take your time before breakfast is served and 4) there is nothing you have to do today and nowhere you need to be. We get to enjoy, absorb and appreciate the peacefulness of the lake in front of us.

At one point in the day, I felt the need to go for a walk and explore the surrounding area a little bit. I was so glad I did! The first thing I ran into was a school. It was their lunch hour and I got surrounded by a huge crowd of young students aged seven to ten. They asked me all kinds of questions, once again proud to be practicing their English skills. We talked for about 10 minutes and then I asked them if I could take their picture. Some of the kids were too shy and ran to hide, but some of the older ones were ready to pose for me. I appreciated their willingness to interact with me.

I continued down the main road and into the village. I was drawn to music blaring from a very large speaker. It sounded like a rave was happening! As soon as I turned into the village, I was met with a few very surprised faces. No party was happening, just loud music. I waved hello then turned around to keep walking. Word must have gotten out that a Muzungu was near because I was chased after by a couple of young men trying to get my attention.

Emmanual, a 15 year old with no shoes and his 20 year old friend Alexandre, came to talk to me. They both spoke very good English and we had a great discussion. I wondered why Emmanual wasn’t in school and he explained that he didn’t have enough money for the books and that shoes were mandatory, which he also couldn’t afford. He did ask me if I would be able to help him out with that. I promised him that I would try to figure something out. I didn’t want to just give him some money, that didn’t feel right. We said our good-byes and high fived each other. They were very polite and kind young men.

I headed back towards the lodge and surprised another young man walking in the same direction. He immediately wanted to have a conversation with the Muzungu. His name was Innocent. He really wanted me to take his picture and then he really wanted to take my picture, using my camera. LOL. We became WhatsApp friends so that I can keep sending him pictures of Canada, especially when it snows.

These three encounters I had with the locals were completely spontaneous and I loved each one. I was very impressed by how open and friendly everyone was. You start to expect a bit of false kindness when you’re always dealing with people who work with tourists all the time. But this, this was genuine. They weren’t trying to get a good tip, or trying to make me feel special, or trying to make sure I had a good day. These people were just living their lives, talking to a stranger to make them feel welcome. It was incredible.

I was so glad that Jason and I decided to have a ‘nothing’ day. I wouldn’t have been able to take my 45 minute walk otherwise and none of these encounters wouldn’t have happened.

Best. Walk. Ever.