23 August 2025
We have a late start today so have time for a lie in and leisurely breakfast, time to sort some photos too.
When we head out, we see people washing clothes in the field. It seems to be the day for applying beauty masks as we see quite a few of them. There are also lots of loads of charcoal and firewood being taken on bikes and on carts, and stacks of reeds. We learn that the mangroves used to be cut to make charcoal but there is now a reforestation programme.
As we head back over the dry river into Toliara, we not that the bridge has 2 lanes at one end, but only 1 at the other, and wonder if they ran out of money or whether it was planned.
Then we head for lunch at Le Jardin, a quirky restaurant owned by an Italian and specialising in seafood. The restaurant has a huge selection of paintings and other art all over the walls and ceilings. There are lots of Pinocchio figures. There is a partly open roof and plants everywhere ‘inside’ and out – and lots of cats. We opt for seafood pizza and fresh pineapple juice in a large jar but we see other diners with enormous crayfish, clams and prawns.
We are flying back to Antananarivo from Toliara and say goodbye to Hasina at airport – he has a long drive to take the bus home. There is 2.5 hrs wait then 1 hr 40 mins flight – flying Madagascar Air.
Back in Antananarivo we are met by a new driver, Mami, for the 1 hr drive to our hotel, this time nearer the city centre. We have rooms on the top floor and get to see sunset over Antananarivo. There is time to settle in quickly and then meet for dinner in the hotel. Kenny has another meeting and then is going to go home for the night.
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