Monday, March 22, 2010

Tyler Swain Madagascar Day 51

March 19, Madagascar Day 51


Today I took a boat ride to Katsepy, this place that isn't an island but you'd think it was given how it looks from downtown Mahajanga. We spent the day in the village there learning about how life there is lived.


When we got off the boat, I asked for the bathroom and was told that there wasn't one at the restaurant that was to be our base for the day. Knowing that someone had just come back from the restroom, I knew that wasn't the right answer. My confused look must have given me away because the lady then clarified, "Pissoir?" (Is a translation necessary?) So the pissoir ended up being a closed off area on the beach with a rock (target I guess?) planted firmly in the ground and wet sand all around it. I laughed to myself at seeing it. "Oh, right. I'm in Madagascar."


The visit was really fun though. We got to go to the village mosque, a senator's house, and talk with a Peace Corps volunteer who is stationed there.


The time came for us to depart, so we literally walked into the ocean where our speed boat was waiting for us by the shore. Upon leaving, and my Gwynn Valley Camp (www.gwynnvalley.com, shameless plug) friends will appreciate this, the song People Now Our Meeting Is Over immediately entered my head. The simple lyrics are as follows:


People now our meeting is over.

People we must part.

And if I never see you anymore,

I'll love you in my heart.


And we'll stand on the shore.

And we'll stand on the shore.

Yes we'll stand on the shore,

And be friends for evermore.


Although the semester isn't nearly over, it is passing quickly. Can you believe it's already mid March? Yeah, me neither.

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