March 23, 2015 Ambodifotora, Madagascar

Today we were in Ambodifotora Madagascar.  This was a maiden voyage for Crystal.

We had to tender over as they do not have dock.  When we arrived there were many people and children watching us and some of them were waving.  We waited till the afternoon as it was raining in the morning.  

What can I say.  This really brought us to reality that we are in AFRICA and that this is a really poor country!  there were stalls set up all over town.  The roads are not paved and since it rained hard there was mud all over.  The natives were very friendly and trying to sell there wares but unlike Mexico when you said “no thank you” they did not keep badgering you.  We picked up a couple of t shirts for the kids and I got myself an unusual doll for my collection  We were able to donate to their ecomony!  As I said this is really poor we even saw one of the natives buying 2 cigarettes.  It was truly an experience,  I am grateful that the rain stopped and we were able to go over to see it for overselves.  The more we saw the more thankful we are for all that we have!  It reminded me of when Chris and Luke were young and we took them from San Diego to Tijuana so that they could experience what really poor is.  Like I said these people were happy, and friendly.  The children were waving and smiling.  It is not a normal cruise destination so I think that the kids especially probably have ever seen this many white men at one time.  They did take American dollars but they needed to be clean and in good condition.  I was glad that we went over to experience Africa!

Children Greeting us as we disembark the tenders

Rodeo Drive of Madagascar