Day 4 - The Ibity Market

We continued to Ibity after bartering for minerals on the road. Visiting this market was one of many highlights of the trip. We really were able to see the daily activities of the Malagasy on market day. Most towns have markets on different days of the week. Ibity has a nice area for people to sell their wares.

Doug examining a mineral at the Ibity Market

Mitchell (left) and his Son Jules with some locals

Mitchell, Doug & Girogio discussing the price of a specimen. 

Folks lining up to show us their best - Tsara Be

Our first glimpse inside the market. We actually bought minerals outside the walls of the market.

Each person had their own speciality to sell. This was the only lady selling brooms.

Selling rice, spices and grains

This reminded me of Waterworld. He is actually selling water. We didn't partake. 

Salt fish. There were a number of people selling these. Also didn't partake

Another fish monger, but smaller ones. Still couldn't bring myself to give a little one a try.

Open air meat market. Most people loved their pictures taken. Especially when you give them some Ariary (money)

Doug explained that they do not have refrigeration, so they slaughter and eat  the meat that day before it can spoil. Much of the world live day to day like this.  You're right, I didn't partake in the pigs feet or snout in this photo.

Intestines aren't my thing either.

Another nice lady in the open air meat area of the market

These Tomatos must have been grown in hot houses. It was early Spring in Madagascar.

A nice shot showing how crowded it was on market day.

More salt fish. My back was hurting, so I couldn't bend down to pick out some. Yea, I didn't have any of these either.

As we leave the market area, I noticed this man making muffins. I wasn't that hungry, so  I didn't partake. Something about the sanitary conditions was not appetizing.

The crowd watching us leave. Back to our home base  - Antsirabe

One the way home, vistas everywhere like this.