If you've got an atlas in front of you right now, turn it to Africa. Madagascar is the large island off the south east coast. The capital city, Antananarivo, is on the east side in the center. From there, draw a line to the north east and where it hits the coast there's a city called Mahajanga. Can you see me? I'm waving at you!
Sarah and I made it here midday after hitching a taxi-brousse ride from Ankarafantsika National Park (try saying that - or any Malagasy name - 10 times fast). It's kind of like riding in Mary Poppins' bag, with a bunch of strangers and a good number of chickens. You'd swear the vehicle was completely full, and still people managed to continue hopping on. Personal space is a concept that's entirely relative.
The stay in the park was made entirely worthwhile by the troupe of 4 Coquerel's sifaka that hung around the camp site. There's nothing like waking up in the morning and watching them leap their way across from tree to ground to stump and back up again. We found these guys in the bush as well, wrapped around branches and watching us with their big yellow eyes. What I wouldn't give for opposable toes and a prehensile tail....
My body is constantly reminding me that I've spent the last two years in cold to temperate climates. I hope someday my fingers and toes return to their normal size - they currently resemble twenty little sausages. Despite that, we're all doing well.
Love,
Em
No comments:
Post a Comment