Part 12 - A Surprise Birthday

 

Part 12

Thursday broke warm and sunny so the group heading of for about a sixteen kilometre walk. Paddington's legs were too short for the steep bits and so rode in the rucksack. At times the paths were so steep Mrs Smith would willingly have traded places. The view from the top of the Isalo Massife over the plane was stunning as were the sandstone rock formations. It was a hot, hard walk up and down the hills before arriving at a riverside picnic spot for lunch. The added bonus was the three species of lemur including the iconic Ring-tail lemur which inhabited the area. The white sifaka or 'dancing' lemur was present but wouldn't come down from the trees and do a turn. However, the red fronted brown lemur had no such qualms and took the opportunity to steal bread and other delicacies when people were busy taking pictures. Paddington and the smiths found a quiet spot by the river to eat their sandwiches and re-hydrate. Unfortunately for the bear there were no straws and he almost got crushed by Mr Smith's Sprite bottle when he attempted to steal a sneaky drink.

After lunch there was a quick jaunt up to a pool for a quick cooling dip in the river. The water was freezing but refreshing. Pity that all were hot and sweaty by the time we had returned to camp.

That evening there was a surprise for Mrs Smith as the guide had arranged a band from the village for her birthday and we were instructed how to dance Malagasy style. The group had also bought a cake which complemented the pork curry beautifully. It was a very special evening and greatly enjoyed by all.

Paddington's fact for the day. If a boy dies before he is circumcised, around the age of two, he is not buried with the family but considered to be 'water' (passing through life). The same applies for girls who receive bamboo piercings in the ears at about the same age. If you are lucky, male circumcision is carried out surgically, if not then it is performed using a sharpened bamboo knife! The skin (or any part removed from the body) cannot be buried before the person dies so some tribes fire the piece of skin from a gun. In other tribes the grandfather of the child eats it with some banana. Bon appetite!