October 4th

We awaken to the lovely sound of waves. I can not image how my life would have been with this sound everyday. We got about and breakfast at 0730. We were served coffee/tea, juice, a baguette and an omelette each. Yes!! It is the little blessings in life! Met George and gathered our stuff. I am going to add here our room had a Gideon's NT Bible – in three languages: German, French and English. It is the first one I have seen, and was a nice surprise. George has said most of the people are Christian. We have seen Catholic, Pentecostal, Christian,  and Jehovah's Witness (probably others but this come to mind) places of worship. We've also seen a rare Mosque, but I don't recall any Hindu places. Different tribes still have different customs – example, multiple wives, and beliefs involving the Baobab Tree. For me, it is fascinating to know.

Anyway, we loaded up head out at 0800, heading south when we are out of town. We follow a very broad, pretty much dry, riverbed. Today we leave Morombe with final goal being Andavadoaka (they like the letter 'a'!)   🙂    We pass more Baobabs. Then the “silliness” happened, Jeff and George both climbed up a very stout, thankfully, shorter Baobab Tree. After I took their picture, I went back to the vehicle. Silly, silly boys! At least they had a rope they used. 

We are definitely driving in sometimes quite thick sand. The 4×4 was much needed and our tire (George had another fix on it in Belo sur Mer, hopefully, the last). It was actually a quick drive. We arrived at our place, Manga Lodge, at like 1030. We were checked in and went for a swim, finally in the Mozambique Channel. Jeff borrowed a couple of snorkels and masks. The water is so colorful, and nice. But no fish in sight. Siesta after.

We decided to walk some on the beach. There are quite a few shells.  Then decided to go to the restaurant, Jeff had a couple of beers – their Three Horse Beer. He got me a Cafe Rum, which is local rum that is infused with coffee! It was smooth and creamy. Good rum and coffee flavors. Jeff actually liked it as well. We just sat and enjoyed the surf. The only  other couple here is from Holland. I don't see a driver for them – could be ones that are touring by themselves. They are probably in their 20's. They ordered lunch.

Finished went back to our room. I blogged and Jeff rested.  Then he went for a quick swim. We showered. This place has solar bins to heat water for showers (like hotel in Belo sur Mer- an ecological place). So we help each other to get hot water. We stepped out and went to the beach for a nice sunset. Then we head back to restaurant for supper. Just 10 minutes after sunset, you can make out the Milky Way!!! and it only became more distinct as the darkness increased. There are so many stars!! I forget until I see them again. We are looking at the southern skyline… so I have trouble making out constellations. But never fear there is an App! You just point it to a group of stars and it will show you the outline and fill in the constellation! Viola you have Scorpion, or Libra etc.

Supper was ready. We had starter of fish soup. (I ate a little we will see.) It was very tasty with homemade croutons, and parmesan cheese. The main a tray of two huge tuna filets, and tray of roasted potatoes. The tuna was grilled and seasoned well and had a type of seasoned tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic. Then dessert was Malagasy robust chocolate cake. Excellent meal!! I had a glass of white wine.

Finished we went back to our bungalow, star gazed some more, and then inside finished this blog and bed by 2130!!