Du Louvre Antananarivo

... deep potholes and mud like this one.

The Andasibe/Mantadia National Park is the closest area of primary forest to the main town of Antananarivo and has many endemic species so is often first stop for tourists. It lies at the edge of the country's central plateau and at over 1,000 metres is often quite cool. Our destination was Vakona Forest Lodge, near the park and it was a very welcome ...

... short haircut and shave for approx $1.50 (USD). Again we headed south out of town towards the Ranomafana National Park. Long drive and Lisa got a little car sick. This part of the country (central highlands) has many rice paddies next to little villages of red brick two story houses. Really picturesque. We stopped for lunch in the town of Ambosita at a really nice place (L'Artist Hotel ...

With its exceptional diversity in geography, biodiversity and culture, there's something new for you to do each time you visit. The following are popular activities that you might like to consider: Lazy Days at The Beach Madagascar is famous for its fine white sands and calm, clear waters, making it ideal for a relaxing day at the beach as well as snorkeling when the tide is low. Some ideals spots to experience the characteristic sandy ...

... und sehen eine Gruppe von Buckelwalen. Einige springen aus dem Wasser und ihr massiver Koerper prallt wuchtig auf die Wasseroberflaeche. Ein beeindruckendes Schauspiel! Dann wieder sieht man nur wieder die gewaltige Schwanzflosse bevor der Wal ganz von der Oberflaeche verschwindet. Das Meer ist ploetzlich unheimlich ruhig und unsere Augen suchen die Wasseroberflaeche ab bis wieder irgendwo ein Blasen das erneute Auftauchen ankuendigt.

... are still a bit sluggish after the holidays. I am busy trying to plan another Girl's Camp- this time in my town of Anjozorobe with the previous girls leading the events- and set up basketball games for the women's club to play. I still have English Club every Wed. afternoon and I'm also thinking of organizing a field trip to the university for them. Never a dull moment I tell you! Some other news is that I have decided to stay in Madagascar ...

... Fort Dauphin. We returned flying to Tana to drive east and visit the ruby mining area near Vatomandry and Andilamena. Then we took again the plane to the north of the island to visit near Diego Suarez the Ambondromifehy sapphire deposit. You can enjoy our fieldtrip report, photos at the following link: Madagascar: Exploration of the new gem giant. All the best, Vincent Pardieu, www.fieldgemology.com

... of when it might be open, so we gave up on that. Wended our way back to Sakamanga, arriving as my feet were starting to really complain. Had a delicious meal in the restaurant in Sakamanga, and chose something with vanilla for every course to celebrate our holiday:) And so to bed, armed with tissues, earplugs and anti-histamines...

... and various other reasons. We all went dancing Friday and it was so much fun. I can go to the disco in my town, but since I don't blend in, people would notice if I went all the time and it's not the best reputation to have. But I'm just another vazaha in the big city here. I did dance a lot and drink a bit....but no more than I have in the past. When I woke up Saturday, though, my entire body was sore and I was running a fever. I assumed ...

... they have to translate it into Malagasy), so they could ask questions and get clarification on any issues that caught their attention. I asked them also to be ready to explain to me any difference between their beliefs and what we have in our fundamental beliefs, so that I would have a clear idea of where things stood. I got back to the hotel in mid-afternoon, and spent the rest of the day on the computer among other things preparing for upcoming visits.

... as you can actually hear exactly where they're walking! Mon 23rd Oct - We saw lemurs! Indri indri, to be precise. They're large and tailless, very graceful when the leapt. And their alarm cries sounded like a klaxon - amazingly loud. We went into the Domaine de Croix forest reserve for a four hour walk, getting hot, but seeing lots of amazing plants, not to mention the lemurs. Tonight it's pouring again, with mega thunder and lightning ...