Tana to Majunga
by Nikki Jacobellis
June 20, 2005

I arrived in Antananarivo and then onto Mahajunga. For those of us that do not speak any of the local languages this was a wake up call. Without signs or anyone else to help us out through the system it was quite difficult and I found myself somewhat frustrated. I exchanged some US$ to Ariary – $1 to 1962 Ariary. I fought off the taxi drivers and others who anted to show me the sights. I politely declined and waited – and waited and waited – for my flight into Mahajunga. Finally my 6pm flight boarded at 7.45pm. There was an unexpected surprise – someone had sent a taxi for me to bring me to the hotel.

The sights were interesting on the way to the hotel. There is a lot of poverty here but it looks as if there was a festival. The taxi driver had to keep darting and dodging people in the street – there are a lot of men, barefoot pulling carts and carrying people. Did I just see two ox pulling a cart?
I have made it through to the hotel to find a nice room – with a view of the ocean, pool and a sea breeze.

I have bed bugs!