Part 6 - Arrival Madagascar

  Part 6 Paddington lay back and reflected on the past 24 hours as he munched on a macaroon which he had liberated from the airport in Paris. The flight had been relatively uneventful, though. somewhat disorganised. After the main meal it then appeared to deteriorate into something of a free-for-all later in the flight as passengers raided the galley areas for sandwiches, drinks and ice creams! The Boeing 777-300 had been full with well over 300 people onboard so there was no room to stretch-out and relax although some napping was possible.  The airport at Antananarivo was similar to others experienced in mainland Africa with long queues for passport control. Mr Smith reckoned that their passports were examined and passed through eight different pairs of hands as Visas were added, signed, inspected, checked and eventually waved through.    The hotel Belvedere was arrived at in the early morning (0130hrs), thanks to our driver Thierry who eventually found us. As usual with these holidays the deletes of the hotel are not fully appreciated until after sunrise when you get to see what the place has to offer. In this case, very little although the room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was a meagre repast of coffee, fruit juice and an omelette. Rested and fortified the Smiths headed out to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the city.