September 28th

Awoke readied and down to breakfast. Our apartment is on the third floor. The view from the balcony was still great, but now mixed emotions – you can see all the wooden stick built huts as you look out to the ocean. We were upset that we don't have internet, and these people don't have electricity or running water in their places! It is somewhat of a dichotomy. Anyway, breakfast was fruit cup of small-chopped pineapple, papaya, and banana; then two sunny-side eggs; and assortment of breads. We were never served a drink – at all! Jeff left, but I asked about my coffee. He apologized but it still never came. I saw George and explained – he complained to a server. I had my coffee, but this put us behind about 15 minutes (left at 745). Too bad they have good food, but bad service.

Anyway, we loaded up and George was apologizing; said he complained to the the owner; and we will not be at this hotel when we come back. We leave Morondava and turn to the north. This ” national road” is dirt, rutted, and the worst yet. But we are on the Baobab Avenue. This is the craziest looking tree. There are so many here. Goerge said we will be back through here at sunset (Sweet) so we did not really stop. He also said there are six kinds of these trees. You can see some differences. As the tree gets older it gains girth and can be quite fat, which exaggerates it more. I remember seeing drawings of these trees when I was way younger and thought the artist took liberties, but this is not the case. It is a display of God's infinite design.

Now we reach the Tsiribihina River. We board a ferry to cross, which is, basically, two modified  outboards set in tandem with a large wooden/plank frame. The vehicles load, drive up on this to cross- four at a time. Wild! I was leary walking on it then remembered the four vehicles on it!! The crossing took 45 minutes, because we actually went downstream some. It was an experience to say in the least. We disembarked crossing over two more ferries to make land.

Now we arrive at Mad Zebu Restaurant for lunch. There was a table with our name. George said one hour. I had starter of duck in a brown sauce with potatoes, and beet sauce. It was a winner and very well presented. Jeff had to settle – his first choice was not available. He had a red bean curry with an assortment of veggies. Presentation was still nice. Also this restaurant had actual washcloths to wipe off all the dust. It was a detail that was unexpected and very nice. One hour came and went. Finally, I went to a vehicle I thought was ours – it was. George was sitting on the other side. We loaded up and headed out. George was trying to catch a group to caravan. (He said for security?) along this stretch we saw our first chameleon, a green one. He was doing his funky hestistation-strut across the road. After we saw it, George got out and helped it get to the other side. We also saw a green parakeet. Then we saw another chameleon. This one was gray and the largest variety.

Next, we took a second ferry to cross the Manambolo River. This ferry was supposed to be a shorter ride but the ferry's engine was not working and we had to pulled across the river. Now we diembark and pretty much head right to our hotel – it was close, and it was 530pm. We were checked in and pre-ordered our dinner, and a lunch for tomorrow. We unloaded our stuff and went to the POOL. The hotel actually has two of them. The water was cool, but mostly it was refreshing! We went back to our room and showered. Now to supper. As we stepped out saw the red/ orange hued full moon – it was a nice surprise! I had vegetable soup as a starter, mistake (it was hot and I was still hot). Next was a cubed, very firm fish in a sauce with vegetables. Dessert for me was a cake like bread with raisins (a bread pudding) with chocolate sauce spooned on top. Now, for Jeff's. his starter was slices of very smoked fish with a coleslaw of sorts and sauce. His main was fall-off-the-bone duck in a sauce and rice. His dessert was was bananas caramel.

Good meal for the end of a great day!