Market Day in Andranofasika
by Elise Jeffery
June 29, 2005

After completing our AM trap checks we headed into town for market day. This is the only market for the region so it is a flurry of activity. The one item we all required (boys included) was a lamba – a Madagascan wrap skirt – to wear on the folklore dance night held by the women of the village on our final evening. Other than that, is was a chance to stock up on any goodies that we hadn’t seen in a while (sweets and cookies), fresh baguettes and fresh fruit (bananas, pineapple, oranges and mandarins). Unlike Australia where we have the ability to import and transport all kinds of fruits at most times of the year, fruit availability here is strictly seasonal. Upon the recommendation of Julie (expedition vet) we sampled some chilled homemade yoghurt from one of the local cafes. Once seeing it, it’s probably not something you would eat without a recommendation as it comes served in an old jam jar (probably the same jar it was created in) with a spoon stuck in it. Tasty though 

I’m pleasantly surprised at how safe you feel walking through the villages and market here. Last night Andy and I walked home from town 3 km at dusk and felt no threat to our safety. The people are inquisitive and if you give the children the opportunity they will approach you (in fact they don’t quite recognize personal space). But they are innocent and simply intrigued by your presence. We have not encountered any begging of any kind from the children here. On a previous trip to Kenya and Tanzania the children would ask for money, pens or try to sell you their wares through bus windows! Here they appear happy with a salama (hello) and a smile.