After a series of smooth travels via plane, we touched down in the chilly capital of Antananarivo (Tana) on Sunday night and checked into our hostel nearby. The next morning, our students enjoyed their first Malagasy lesson then we were off to explore the city. First, we visited a local home for children called Akany Avoko (check out the website, www.akanyavoko.com) to learn about the alternative technology they are using. We shared our first Malagasy meal with the children living there. Later that afternoon we talked with USAID about their recent work on climate change and the impact it is having on local livelihoods here in Madagascar.
Yesterday we visited the former Queen's Palace, enjoyed traditional Malagasy song and dance by Antandroy performers (a tribe from the deep south) and even danced and played instruments with them! Then we met with the Wildlife Conservation Society and learned about conservation issues on the ground, and had a private screening of Digital Development Communications' "Voyage of the Vezo". We topped off a great day by having our first guest dinner.
Today we are off to visit Andasibe National Park and see the largest extant lemur, the Indri Indri.
The group is getting along really well; everyone is having lots of fun and learning so much! Until next time.
Yours,
Joe and Maya
