Part 18 - Paddington meets the Lemurs

Part 18 Friday was to be a total wash out for the Smiths due to Mr Smith contracting something akin to gastric flue. The main tour group was slowly diminishing in size as individuals and couples made their way home or continued forward with with their own travel plans. Those who remained made the most of any bright weather to explore the island. One option undertaken by some was to hire bicycles and ride the 40+ Km to the end of the island. Whilst Mr Smith was feeling sufficiently recovered on Saturday to undertake a slow stroll into the main town, which was only about 4 kilometres away, it was thought best to hire a taxi for the day in order to explore the northern end. Inevitably the one road on Saint Marie was mostly in a very poor condition so the going was slow. This however did provide an opportunity to look at the scenery and people watch. Most on the island appear to be subsistence farmers who have a little seasonal tourist work thrown in so as to help buy the more commercial items like phones, bikes etc. Family connections and traditions are still paramount though and a very large village gathering had to be eased off the round at one point in order to let us pass.  Local semi-official 'guides' show people around the natural pools which provide safe places to swim. No shoe of any sort are allowed within the beach area and appeared to be one of the local taboos. Families and individuals own the land and this helps stop over exploitation, selling off to external businesses/countries and gives the people the incentive to keep the area clean. Various 'restaurants' provide simple meals and drinks and we dined on a meal of grilled Captain fish accompanied by a salad. Paddington did not go into the sea but Mrs Smith was more adventurous. Sunday was officially the last day of the tour and saw what was left of the party completely break up and go it's different ways. The Smiths moved to the Soanambo Hotel which means breadfruit in Malagasy. This hotel is nearer the airstrip and is of a higher standard. Mr Smith commented that at least the builders here had a tape measure and spirit level. As the level of decor and finish approaches that of your own home so it is easier to relax and unwind. The food in this French hotel was also at a better standard and refreshingly varied from that experienced during most of the last three weeks.   That afternoon the Smiths and Paddington visited a small wildlife menagerie which housed, tortoises, frogs snakes and lemurs. At last Paddington managed to get 'up close and personal' to one of Madagascar's famous primates. The black and white ruffed sifaka was not sure about the hat and it was marvellous to watch how the mother and baby responded to the arrival of the little bear on 'their branch'. Paddington sat still throughout it all and let them come closer. He wasn't so happy about the final taste test though!!