Part 11 - Artisans

Part 11 Wednesday was another long distance driving day although stops were made at a cattle market, artisan paper making place and a blacksmiths forge which specialised in making spades for the paddy fields. In fact the village made nothing else but spades with each furnace expected to churn out thirty plus a day. What was also interesting was that the spade shape remained the same despite some stores selling a range of sizes and shapes, but that must be demarcation for you. The first stop of the day was in Fianarantsoa where there was a nice pastry shop which was much appreciated as it also had good coffee. Various other towns were past on the way to Isalo National Park in the south of the country. On the way the terrain changed from highland rain forests to undulating hills and then wide open plains. Much to everyone's delight the sun also came out and the temperature rose. Of particular note was the change in style of the houses. In the highlands each home was a two or three storey affair and as the family's wealth increased so the house was extended with extra room and balconies.     Paddington's fact for the day: The kitchen is located on the top floor directly under the roof! Why you might ask? Well the smoke from the cooking fire helps to fumigate the thatch and keeps the insects at bay. It is common to see women and children leaning out of the window watching the world going by, and probably getting a breath of fresh air.   Houses require 30,000 bricks and cost the equivalent of 1.5 Million Ariary (£350).