July 5, 2016

A 40 minute flight from Ile Sainte Marie to Tana and I had essentially un-done my last 3 weeks. It’s sad to me to think of traveling in this way, but most people do…simply A to B. What if I skipped all the adventure, connections, and interactions of the past 3 weeks and just hopped a 40 minute plane? Our lives in general mostly operate this way, and I too am guilty now and then and need a reminder. Get through the week to get to the weekend. I learned long ago and continue to practice the belief that the true joy and reward is in the journey, not simply reaching the destination. This is true not just in travel, but life in general. We all put so much focus on reaching the top of the mountain that we forget to pick our heads up and enjoy the struggle, the set backs, (yes it is possible to enjoy the struggle and set backs), and the small victories. Sometimes getting completely knocked down is the best. Lean into the discomfort.  Sure, occasionally it is necessary to just tuck your chin and grunt your way through it in order to live to fight another day. However, the journey is where the stories form, the relationships develop, and where our character and sense of self are molded and evolve.

Tana is where my Madagascar experience started on June 16 and is where I return now in order to continue the rest of my journey. Originally I had planned to to cycle over 1500km of Madagascar over 4 weeks, from Tana, to the west coast, to the east coast, then finally to the north. Ambitious indeed. Madagascar is BIG. It is the 4^th largest island in the world. Over prepare, then go with the flow. Traveling here is exhausting and difficult, yet also exhilarating, humbling, and rewarding. There just isn’t any good information available but I’m fortunate to have connected with so many amazing Peace Corps volunteers who know the country intimately.  Things do not happen quickly or even on time, however. The infrastructure that they do have is good, but there just isn’t much of it. This of course is part of the beauty of Madagascar. Instead of just plowing through every day, trying to reach the next point on the map, I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people, settle in different areas for several days at a time, and make the experience that much richer. I will finish my tour from Nosy Be to Diego in the very northern most tip of the country. I plan to connect with more Peace Corps volunteers, spend time with them at the local orphanage, and whatever else may present itself. I am truly going to enjoy the final 2 weeks of richness, in whatever form that takes.

Just that easy

Yes, they really just roll the bike on the plane.  This baggage handler asked for some “help” to encourage the ticketing agent to allow my bike on the plane however. 

5 week detailing

Inquiring about a vegetarian lunch,  “Do you have beans?”  “No” she replied, but then brought this.  Oh Madagascar…