October 8th

Wifi and phone aren't up to posting photos still!

Awoke and about early, breakfast by 630. We had choice of eggs (me scrambled, Jeff had an omelette); two kinds of bread; jam (almost like a rhubarb consistency); juice and tea. We gathered, loaded and left by 730. George made a stop in Ifaty so we could get some money. this town seems more “old west” vibe to me. There more stuff boarded up (Jeff said because it is Sunday??). Seem to be more police of differing levels; more people meandering – some in their Sunday best, some just awakening from night spent on the street; and in general more chaos. There are way more puse-puse – everywhere!!

Today we board the Anakao Express. We arrived and were supposed to leave at 0900 – that did not happen. The tide was out quite a ways and we boarded a cart that is pulled by a tractor to board the express. We did not even get on this until 0910. But it went quick because everyone fit on the cart that was in the express. We left at 0930. So on the express we are crossing a big bay. It would take 7 hours to drive it Jeff said. The express is around one hour. I'm going to add here – George does not go with us. The express is not a ferry so no car. George will stay with the vehicle. We will be here three nights. Upon arriving we get checked in to our hotel – Safari Vezo. We were escorted to our bungalow #6. He made the point it has running water – some huts don't. The whole place is solar ran, the same as so many of these hotels. The bathroom is unique brick curved outer wall (tiled inside). But the most original part is the shower area is like a spa – has a seated/bench area.

I laid down a bit -feeling slowly better – just get over the congestion and fatigue. At 5pm, we went to the restaurant and ordered our supper. Then we watched sunset. not as spectacular but was nice. 715 or so went for supper. We had predinner drinks – me mojito, Jeff a THB (Three Horse Beer). We had starters of pumpkin soup, and smoked fish salad. Our mains were same grilled fish but I had ratatouille side and Jeff had potatoes. (I'll just mention here we were forgotten – our main was not served til everyone else was almost finished. Jeff had gone to check and they had just realized the problem and were scrambling.) So the meal was underwhelming. My ratatouille was mush and Jeff's potatoes were not cooked through. But the fish was good. Dessert was vanilla flan for us both.

Back to room, I blogged Jeff read. Bed by ten.