La Regence Guest House Antananarivo

... oeufs de mille ans Et des filets de méduse Préparés aux graines de lotus Comment c'est la Chine C'est plein de chinois Je les imagine aussi rusés qu'ils sont courtois C'est pas ça Ginette c'est un peuple fier Et c'est pas des gens qui ont du mou de veau dans la théière J'ai fait le pari loufoque que je reviendrai là-bas Chanter le zizi en chinetoque y-z-en seront baba

... apparently not as it was gone by the time we got off the plane. After clearing customs we unexpectedly met our tour leader at the airport who was there to pick up a few of the others who were on the same flight as us. Gina and I our the youngest ones on the tour by probably a quarter century but the group seems pretty good. Our hotel is very nice, but apperently things get pretty rough from here on in. This ...

... testing and treatment. As well as a good example of the American spirit that embodies fun and competition. Part of the allure of March Madness are the pools inevitably started at work, on the internet, and with friends. While the prize is rewarding and will usually fund a well-deserved Saturday night, there is an alternative option this year if you'd like. By contributing the pool (or part of it, celebratory drinks should be enjoyed) you'll be providing ...

... but still terrifying but resisted the temptation to have a croc burger in the restaurant. We then visited a local charity that provides care for 150 orphaned children, it was very uplifting to see the work done there. It was run by an English guy called Steve who had lived their for 5 years, and relied almost completely on overseas donations and selling the gifts made by the children that were sold in their shop. We are glad we went there as ...

... books we didn't realise it wasn't open to the public. Apparently it was gutted by fire several years ago and restoration work is ongoing. Went for a wander down a side lane near there from which there were great views across the next valley. As the Rova was at the top of a hill, we walked down to the next museum, which was in ...

... mountains over 1000 meters high, exploring canyons, and spotting ring-tailed and brown tail lemurs. Even got close enough to touch them but of course, didn!t. We crisscrossed streams and hippity-hopped over rocks and boulders. After ...

Patrick and Maminiaina came to the hotel about 10:00 this morning and we drove over to Patrick's office at the airport. It was fascinating to see not only the people but also the architecture typical to Antananarivo. The Malagasy people have quite a mixed origin. Some are clearly Asian in origin, others African and others similar to East Indians. Patrick said that is spite of these differences people get along with each other very well. Many of the houses ...

... Anyway... now I'm back to teaching, phewf. Not a ssentence I thought I'd write...! Wed 18th Oct- Feeling like I really like my classes now - 5eA are lovely, even if it has to be EPP (public primary) who are my favourites - so so enthusiastic, and it helps that I can keep track of their names, which are written on cards in front of them. Noe is possibly the most brilliant kid - really keen, especially with the actions (even climbs out from ...

... awkward when the two men looking at the items became fascinated by the feminine products. They didn't realize what they were and thought they were candy. They kept asking me to open it up, all I could say was it was only for women. They finally stopped asking, which was good since no way was I going to go into detail. Fun times living in the third world. Miss you all and will write soon. And send pictures, I love looking at them. Hope everyone is well.

... we are happy, but we are still adjusting a little to all the rice. The fruit is great though!! This morning we woke around 5 and left Sambaina at 6am for Tana (the capital). It was about an hours drive though the highlands with the misty morning clouds resting on the mountains. We visited the Ministry of Ag & the Tana zoo- saw lemurs for the first time- an aye-aye, tons of others, fosa and tons of other neat critters ...