Farewell Fiana
Trip Start
May 18, 2011
1
14
22
Trip End
Jun 26, 2011
Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
Monday, June 6, 2011
We arranged to meet Valerie at her house, but somehow things got changed in translation and she walked up the hill to meet us, then we walked down into the city to an ATM, to the cyber cafe where connecting to get emails proved unbelievably difficult. It took 20 mins to crack the stupid keyboard. Meanwhile Valerie wrote 2 emails. These only took up 3 to 4 lines each, but the vagaries of the keyboard and her English meant they took 30 mins to write! A real eyeopener to us - some of her emails to us have been A4 quantity.
Then to look for a book shop, where she bought a text for nursing, and photo album for the photos we had sent her. Sorry, Roger, no botanical book yet.
Lunch in the city, and the emotions of our departure were starting to be felt. Our guide Rija arrived to take us back to hotel for our bags. Passing Valerie's place her brothers emerged and came with us.
The walk up the hill was quiet and filled with sadness. Then Mama,sister and cousin arrived and it was time for final farewells. Valerie was overcome and hugged us tightly before walking quietly away as we drove off.
And so we move on to the second stage of our Mada adventure - the river trip, which involves two nights sleeping on a sand bank, a 4WD trip, a visit to the unusual rock formations at Tsingy and to the avenue of the baobabs before reaching the west coast. We may have wifi somewhere before we fly back to the capital - but then again, we might not, this is Mada after all!
Comments
thought of you on the day that you passed over the hill but then realised that for some people it is just another day in an ongoing world adventure - not time for commiserations at all!!! - so well done and best wishes from us both
Was great that you had such a satisfying reunion - cheers - Jo
Finally caught up with your adventure so far. You have obviously seen a lot from both the commercial and local perspective, have met some interesting folk along the way and are having a great time. Obviously no international hockey events whilst in Malaysia. Enjoy the rest of the trip as only a new member to the Gold Card Club can.