From Tana to Antsirabe

Our mineral safari started by visiting the mineral market in Tana. We then traveled to our home base in Antsirabe. This trip was an adventure. Tony drove us with the skill of a surgeon slicing thru the traffic, people and zebu carts without a nick on our van or any bystanders.

Giorgio interpreting for Doug as he tries to make a deal.

Giorgio making a path as Doug makes his way thru the mineral dealers

Doug inspecting a find as another dealer shoves a common quartz crystal in his face

A colourful zebu cart with typical brick houses in the background

A zebu caravan which Tony easily navigates

The interesting sights on this leg of the trip were common throughout our visit. In one word - Terraces. Terraces are everywhere. Much like what you would expect to see in China or Japan, the Malagasy are masters of managing water. These terraces have two major functions. During the spring and summer they are used for growing crops including their main staple rice. After growing season they use the same areas to "grow" bricks. Our trip was between the brick season and the start of planting crops. 

Brick production includes forming the mud bricks in areas within the terraces. After the bricks have dried and carried to stacks. These stacks are fired to bake and finish them.

What sets the landscape off from what you would expect is that the people live in nice brick homes; no matter how poor they are.

The terraces on the right are in the process of being prepared for planting. The terrace on the left have not been dug up yet.

Typical terraces throughout the region

Bricks being staked prior to firing.

This is a typical stack of bricks before being fired.

Taking a dip after working the fields.

A laborious job, making big rocks into little ones.

We could tell we were getting closer to Antsirabe as we saw more and more pousse pousse carts. This is their primary mode of transporting people in the bigger cities.

Finally, after 5 hours of driving our wonderful hotel in Antsirabe.