I was invited to travel with my Brother-in-law Doug on a mineral collecting expedition this September. Doug is a mineral dealer and has parlayed his mineral sales into a mineral safari tour business. He has developed many contacts including local mineral dealers and miners in South Africa and especially Namibia.
In a 2005 safari to Namibia, Doug's clients included an elderly man and his son, Mitchell & Jules Bogan. The Bogans asked Doug to take them on a personal tour to Madagascar. Doug decided he could use some help and invited me to come. I jumped on the opportunity and the following blog details our adventures in Madagascar and South Africa.
Days 1 & 2
After 23 hours of flying from JFK, we landed in Antananarivo, Madagascar (
Tana). Our local contacts included Giorgio (guide and interpreter) and Tony (professional driver). They met us at the airport and took us to the first hotel - Saka Manga. Saka Manga means Blue Cat in Malagasy.
The City - We immediately became immersed in the culture of the country. The city was congested beyond belief. These photos best describe what we encountered on our first day in
Tana.
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| Doug's clients for our trip to Madagascar. Jules (left) and his Father Mitchell Bogan. This photo was taken after clearing security at JFK airport in NYC. |
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| Tana - Congestion... |
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| Driving thru the downtown market was an experience. Our driver Tony earned his keep! |
Most everything is carried by this balancing act.
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| We were fascinated with the open air meat markets. Doubt they were USDA approved. |
Somehow, I don't think this construction would be up to code here in the US.
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| These cattle driven carts were common. This is the standard mode of transporting heavy items to the market. |
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| Of course most carts used people power. |
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| Is it safe in Tana? Well this isn't a deer stand in the middle of the city. |
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