Tsara Guest House Fianarantsoa

Fianarantsoa Monday 28th April 2008 So as I mentioned at the beginning of the last chapter there happens to be a new tourist bus service called Gasy Bus. It travels from Antananirovo to Toliara one day and then vice versa the next. Having used this bus service once already it was only natural that we should patronise this service again. WRONG! On Monday 28th April we rock up at the meeting point for the Gasy Bus only to be told 'it not go ...

We are now back in Fianar and this time the Internet connections are working (but they are still very slow so can't add photos of Gav the lemur). After a couple of days of lemur spotting and amazing views in the Ranomafana national park, we headed off to a tiny village called Sahambavy near Fianar. We spent a couple of days relaxing in a nice lakeside hotel, playing ...

Hello all! Just wanted to give you an update on the summer happenings here in Madagascar. Things are going really well and of course, flying by! I feel like a true teacher and get sad looking at the few weeks left of vacation before I head back to Anjozorobe. Fianarantsoa (Fianar for short) is fun, but COLD so we've been teaching in hats and coats. 2 other PCV's and I teach here at an English Center as well as run ...

Today was our first proper rainforest walk. The weather today has improved and we were all looking forward to spotting a lemur or two.

We set off early to meet our park guide, Theo. He was very knowledgeable and passionate about the wildlife in the rainforest.

We split into smaller groups and headed into the forest. Theo sent some 'spotters' ahead to try and track down some lemurs.

We walked 'slowly slowly' on some well kept paths ...

... as we all stood around waiting for the first person to cave in. Today was a long driving day. Mamy was very good and allowed us to stop several times to take photographs. He also spotted a few more birds for the twitchers. Whenever we stop, children come running up to the bus, often to beg, but more often just to see us. The begging can be quite disturbing, particularly as children come asking for ...

We'd heard a lot about 'The F... Place!' as Aina is writing his dissertation on tourism there. Of course, this worked hugely in our favour as Aina knew everything and everyone! It took us all day to get there in our bling mobile, stopping at Parc National de L'Isalo for a scenic picnic with the friendly flies! On our arrival we were met by the owner of The Tsara Guesthouse, a very important figure who has done a fantastic job saving and restoring the ...

The rain forest!! Wow!!! We arrived at night after a 4hr journey along probably the bumpiest road in the world! It was like a roller coaster! When I woke up in the morning I gasped on seeing the view from the door. In front of me stood huge mountains covered in lush green forest. It was magical. I just couldn't believe it! We headed off for Parc National de Ranomofana, said to be the best place to see the lemurs. Our driver knew a guide (our driver knew lots of people!!) and off we went ...

My first few days alone in Madagascar were not successful. First of all, no banks in Tana would give me access to the approximately one billion francs that are sitting in my account. This is ironic, since everyone on the street assumes that I'm loaded and hounds me for money, yet for a spell I couldn't even pay my hotel bill. I'm sorry to say, I eventually took my frustration out on the next poor kid hawking his wares, to the tune of "DO I LOOK LIKE I WANT ...