September 30th

Up and about around 600, neither one of us slept well; so, we are kind of sleep deprived! It is just too hot in this room, and hard to sleep when we awaken drenched in sweat. There is one of the smallest ceiling fans I have ever seen snuggled up in our bed frame. It did move good amount of air, but it's hot air! We also did have the windows opened because we have a mosquito net – that worked no bites. One last issue – another large spider has been on our shower curtain.

Anyway, we got around and went to breakfast – same continental type set up. Breakfast are a little lacking for me, but good food and service. George arrived and we were out by 730ish. He told us one one the tires had a flat and is using the spare. Today we do the reverse of two days ago, that is we leave Tsingy and head back across two rivers; lunch at Mad Zebu; and then through Baobab Avenue at sunset and to Morondava.

Along the way we saw kids playing with a mask and got on the first ferry with us. Kept waving and smiling, but no begging. Now I digress! There are three big advantages with all the windows down. First, being hearing – all the kids yelling exuberantly, smiling and waving as we pass (we wave back). It is so fun to see their enthusiasm! And also hearing the birds, cicadas, and grasshoppers. Second advantage is smelling. You can smell the earth, and the occasional burnt grass patches. Also rare aromas of flowers – so pleasant and surprising. I don't know what they were whiffs of, but felt blessed. Third and last reason – that of feeling. A grasshopper jumped in, landed on me and, big time startled me. Thankfully he went back out as fast as he came in! I definitely felt him!! Also there is a rare nice breeze.

Along the way, I thought I was seeing shells. I asked George – BINGO! They are like 5 inch long tree snail shells. We also saw another chameleon, an Iguana, more of their Eagles, and Pie Crows. Last one was “the King of the Forest,” George said. It is all black with a small bu prominent tuft on it's head! George said they are the king because of their beautiful song – “when they sing, all other birds shut up!”  (We did not hear it.) There are also many butterflies flittering about.

One small village we passed, there was a wedding just letting out. At lunch we heard and saw them coming through this bigger town – nice to see. Lunch was same for me – duck breast and curette of duck leg with the sauce and small cut cylinders of potato, and the white of green onion, but I ordered a dessert – it was tubed lemon cream, with topped with green pepper ice cream, a caramelized banana and sprinkled with bits of meringue. Jeff was able to get the sweet potato gnocchi in a curry cream with herbs. It was probably ten pieces.

George gave us 1.5 hrs, because wanted to get tire fixed. (Our spare is not in great shape.) He was able to get it fixed and we set back out. We did enjoy a rhythm on the second ferry – almost a steel drum sound. Before Baobab Avenue, we only saw one new bird – Crested Coua was beautiful. We also stopped in a village that has a 500 year old Baobab tree. The village believes it is sacred (he explained more, but I won't get into this). Also the village was mourning a death. There was some wailing (he explained the ritual with this also,  but I'm not sure I understood all of this).

We arrived at the Baobab Avenue and he gave us one hour. We only took 45 minutes – I'm fading fast, as I am still recouping from Tsingy! We arrived back in Morondava about one hour after sunset. Driving is crazy – the pusse-pusse don't  have lights (these are the bike taxies).

We arrived safely and checked into a new hotel. Has A.C., and internet!! We updated our site and had supper. I had Tomato Gazpacho, with small plate of toppings. Next was chicken with pineapple in a nice sauce with side of mashed potatoes. Dessert was pineapple beignet, Jeff had Smoked-thin sliced fish over tomatoes and vinegar dipping sauce, Then Cubed Fish, like Halibut texture, in green pepper sauce. Dessert was chocolate crepes. The portions were so large that we could not finish any of the courses.

We went back to our room and crashed!!