Fianar

We are having trouble uploading pictures. :(

Yesterday we took a 9 hour public transport taxi-brousse (15-seater minibus) to Fianarantsoa. Fianar for short. We sat in the front with the driver. It didn't seem too long because the scenery was stunning. Low hills, green and lush, border rice paddies that look like mirrors along the ground reflecting soft light.  The countryside is dotted with tiny villages of narrow two-story white or red mud-packed homes with steep thatched roofs and openings for windows with wooden shutters. The land is fertile; it seems they could grow anything. We've seen bright delicious red strawberries, huge avacados and orange carrots... everything is colorful and big. Various roadside markets.  Thankfully we don't get carsick- it was a very winding road.

So far Madagascar doesn't seem African. The people look Indonesian or even South American.  They are shorter (average males shorter than Kristin), and they aren't as curvy as other Africans.  The tables are so short that Kristin can't cross her legs.

Last night we went to a place that was supposed to have Vietnamese soups.  The menu was in French and our dictionary didn't help too much with that one, so we just pointed to someone else's meal and asked for what he had.  We also ordered tea natural and tea with milk, but got hot water and hot milk. Not sure where we went wrong on that.  Even the few other tourists have been French-speaking. In a couple more weeks we'll be fine. 

Headed to Ranomafoma National Park to camp for a couple nights.