September 25th

We awoke, ate breakfast, finished packing, and then readied. We were ready to go at 0950 and our taxi showed up. The taxi driver was the one we had used when we had returned our car 3 weeks ago. He had given us a card and told us to call if we needed a ride – just give a day ahead. So we did and here we are, on the way back to the airport to leave our glorious Mauritius. A little sad, but more excited for our next journey is an adventure. Madagascar and our 25 day “Safari Tour”. 

We arrived at the airport by 1105, no worries and checked our bags. Now off to the airport lounge. After we passed through security, no problems, but we heard an announcement. Something about “due to landing failure of the aircraft from Reunion” – the return flight will be delayed at least two hours. Oh my!!  Jeff said that would have been exciting to see. But no, scary is all I could think of. Lots of prayers would have been penetrating God's ears!!  Y O W Z A!  Anyway, in the lounge, we chilled out and kicked back. At 730 to 830 pm they have a rum tasting here in the lounge. How cool is that? Then went through the food area and quite the selection. We experienced fish curry, lamb soup, sweet and sour tofu, a pastry- Vol Au Vent Champignon, various salads, bread – including dhal, and a cup of tzatziki. It was very nice. The lounge itself was spacious, and they are only using the 2nd level – 1st level is not used now.

We went down and boarded. The line up had already cleared and Jeff was the second to last to board, closing the door behind. Wow! 30 minutes before, and we backed out 20 minutes early. It was an easy hour and 50 minute flight. We touched down and gained an hour. (So we are back to eight hours difference/earlier then you all back home.)  Anyway, through customs, receiving our visa in our passports. Our driver guy, George, was awaiting us. We bought a data plan for the phone, Jeff got cash. We met Onja, Tsiry(his wife?) – our tour operators; squired to our vehicle, the one we will be in for our tour; loaded up and into the city. We passed rice paddies and cattle for a brief 10 minutes before arriving there. We made a quick stop at a Pharmacy for malarial prevention meds.

Driving through the city of Antananarivo, it is noisy, congested, full of people trying to get you to buy things as you are in stop and go traffic. It is chaotic, but definitely has a 'full of energy' vibe going on. We arrived at our hotel and got checked in; unloaded in our room and explored the two level very open hotel- Hotel Belvedere. Around six we met back with Onja, Tsiry, and George. Finalized the paperwork and tomorrow 0800 begins…  Our Mad Tour!!!!

Addendum: Supper at our hotel was set menu of the day. I had pureed vegetable soup; spinach ravioli with pesto and tiny mushrooms; and large ring of pineapple with fresh whipped cream. Jeff had local smoked fish, very thinly sliced topped with peppercorns, midget pickle slices, and an awesome vinaigrette/sauce to drizzle; beef escalope with brown gravy and same tiny mushrooms; and wedge of coconut tart. It was a great end to our transition day and very nice start of the Mad Tour!  🙂