Getting to Know Tana

A popular way of transporting goods

Friday, 12 May 2023 (88)

With only a few hours of sleep, I was still ready to leave at 8 this morning. A taxi arrived and asked if I was with Doctor A. Sounded right though it was a surprise that they sent a taxi instead of a Peace Corps vehicle. So I loaded up my things. Then the driver said there were three others. They weren't Peace Corps and this taxi wasn't for me after all.

They did pick me up in a Peace Corps vehicle a half hour later. To the hub where I am the only guest. Have my choice of rooms. I choose the one with a balcony. Went for a little hike - 5 miles - as I went shopping for food for the weekend. I also encountered a few more big box type stores and found a few more things for site, including a hammer, some hardware and the elusive hole punch. It was a tiring walk back with a heavy pack including eggs and potatoes. It was also good to see yesterday and today what Tana actually has and where to find stuff if needed. Just like the states, they have things that can be had if you are willing to pay the price. I even found an antiques store that had used furniture. All of it had unbelievable high prices. I suppose much of it was custom made, one of a kind items and very sturdily built. Most still needs some refinishing if you ask me. Definitely not worth what they were asking for it. I'm currently thinking I may make some of my own furniture items. We'll see.

Had my first meal cooked by me in 3 months. Friten. Pomme frites of course. American style, with the skins on and cooked longer than the locals do. Unfortunately, they don't have all the necessities in their kitchen. I had to pull out my fry spoon and even spices as they don't even have salt here at the hub. This made me worry and wonder if I should buy just a few more items on the off chance I am not going to find it in Antsirabe. A good knife or two wouldn't hurt. More cookware or plates maybe.

Tomorrow will be another hike and another opportunity to see what's out there and what do I need or want. Certainly, I am still looking for those elusive size 11 (45-46 European) shoes. Not even stores that specialize in very expensive sports shoes ($500,000ar) have that size.

Natalie has flown to St. Louis to spend time with her father who is very sick in the hospital from a ruptured appendix that went very badly.

I here at the Hub all alone with just the guards to keep me company. A couple more days of rest - if you don't count the hikes.

Saturday, 13 May 2023 (89)

Day three of shopping along the main corridor just a few miles from the hub. I am now quite familiar with this neighborhood should I find myself back here down the road. Spend a few hundred thousand more on kitchen supplies as well as tools and hardware that I suspect I won't find in Antsirabe.

Sunday, 14 May 2023 (90)

I had the cab driver yesterday agree to me at the end of the driveway at 9am. Timing couldn't have been better as we both arrived at the same time. It was a 15 minute drive to the Tana ward. We had about 30 minutes before the sacrament meeting and I spent it out front with the missionaries. Two more missionaries had arrived just about when I had 12 weeks ago. I also met the mission president and gave him my phone number. I believe he is getting released in a couple weeks.

I met many of the members. I believe it was the first or second counselor conducting. He spoke french while the talks were given in Malagasy but I'm sure either would work. Songs were also mostly sung in French and one in Malagasy. The song books were in French.

I was very impressed with the missionaries - the one I met the other day as well as the few more I met today. One of the elders was the organist. His companion gave a talk in Malagasy as well as translated for a deaf member. Not only does those two missionaries know Malagasy but they also can sign it. Amazing.

Afterwards was priesthood with 22 elders. The lesson was on service. The instructor did most of the lecturing. I gather Malagasy people are not as outspoken and maybe that is why or how I probably contributed more than the rest of the class did combined. Fortunately, I had a translator come and sit next to me. I guess I can't pass up an opportunity to share.

I was quite taken emotionally from the spirit of it all. It's been more than three months since I was at a Sunday church meeting. It was good to enjoy the spirit regardless of understand much at all.
Walked most of the way back to the Hub. Took a cab for the last mile or so.

Made a large pot of noodles and cooked ground beef. It worries me how I will cook for one (two when I get a dog). It also worries me of getting a dog and not being able to take it back to the states. It didn't help that I saw a dog alongside the road dead this afternoon.