A brief update from Madagascar

So while I have internet at my disposal, I think it's a great opportunity to update my blog. However I don't even know where to begin with Madagascar!!! Sometimes it's difficult for me to explain a place that is so different from anywhere I've ever been.

First you have to realize that I'm traveling with my good friend and former neighbor Roxanne, an eager and well traveled young lady from the London area. With her expertise and my general desire to adventure, we have been traveling in our own unique way. We wake up in the morning, look at the guidebook, and decide where we want to go, and where we want to stay. Admittedly Madagascar is probably the best place to do this, as almost every hotel we've stayed at has been rather empty and the people around us have been more than eager to host two "vasahas" (malagash for foreigner).

We've also confused almost everyone we've met with our method, since we've refused to stay in the four star hotel and insist on eating in the street with the locals. In addition we don't have a private driver but have been using the "taxi brousse," a van like vehicle that is used for public transportation all over the country. Needless to say we've had many laughs with the locals, and despite the language barrier at times, everyone seems interested and eager to meet us.

Here in Madagascar we have met so many people, whether by traveling together or just a random crossing of paths in the street. What sticks out foremost in my mind when I think of all of the people we've seen, from the wealthy doctor of the town to the poorest family in the tiniest shack is their appreciation of life. Even though the people in Madagascar may be some of the poorest people in the world, living on less than a dollar a day at times, they seem to have some secret to being happy. While we wander around, you see an array of smiles and laughs, and snippets of conversations. Even when these people don't see us and greet us with smiles, you can still tell that amongst themselves, they are enjoying a private moment of sheer joy. I wonder how often that happens in our lives?

As we pass by, we see so many people living their lives: mothers talking to their children, brothers playing together in the street, school children running around each other, a couple taking a walk in the evening, lovers falling in love. These are the things you can see, and are things I've seen all around the world, no matter what culture or place I've been. It just reminds me that we are all very human, and there are many things that are commonplace for everyone.

So whoever you are, and whatever you are doing right now, take a moment to remember to forget about all of those things that bog you down, and aren't really important. Do what the Malagasy do: appreciate those things in life that really matter, take a deep breath, and just laugh.

Saying goodbye

It's difficult to leave a place, especially one you know so well. Of course it's easier when you know you're going to somewhere new and exciting. Yet still, saying goodbye to all of those friends you leave behind, and letting go of all of those fond memories, that just become distant past souvenirs of what was. It's hard to say goodbye, but not hard enough to avoid saying hello to what is new.