On June 26^th, 1960 Malagasy people gathered in the famous arena of Mahamasina to proclaim independence from France. Every year since Madagascar has reserved June 26^th for celebration. In our village it’s no different. For a few days the village seems to morph into a carnival. Food and drink stands pop up, games and competitions take place, people buy new clothes and new sandals, people travel from all around to join in and everyone is in their best dress looking to have a good time.

Many things combine to make it one of the biggest, if not the biggest celebration of the year for the Malagasy people. In our area rice is being harvested. This means more food and spending money for people. Also, it is the season to grow vegetables so people are able to make a little extra cash selling tomatoes and other produce at the market. The weather is also cooler so people are out and about and have a lot more energy to celebrate. Lastly, school is out. And we all remember the feeling of being done with school for the “summer” (winter here). So all these factors combine to create an intoxicating atmosphere and a great party for all ages.

We participated as much as possible. It gets a little uncomfortable at times with the affects of alcohol on people’s actions. Suddenly people who are usually quiet, reserved and rarely say more than “hello” to us become loud and obnoxious and think that we are best friends and enjoy being hugged, hung on, and even kissed. All part of the experience. Great entertainment as well.

The days following the celebration fall eerily and uncharacteristically silent as people recover and relax. The following market day was, for the most part, ignored as salespeople didn’t even bother to display their wares. Slowly things work their way back to normal and the farmers get back to working in the fields, the women are back cooking and taking care of the children, and the children are out playing and getting into trouble – enjoying their few months of vacation until school starts again.

Erin’s parents have been here for almost a week and we’ve seen many things in and around Antananarivo. Today we went to the zoo. The Tana zoo is one of the few places where you will actually get to see an Aye-Aye for more than a few seconds. We saw them in their nocturnal cage but because of the lighting the pictures didn’t turn out. Here are a few pictures from the zoo:

More information on lemurs here –> http://www.bushhouse-madagascar.com/lemurs.html

As you can see we haven’t been doing a very good job at taking pictures. One reason is because of our forgetfulness and another reason is the distraction of the camera to the work once we bring it out. Thanks to Derek and Courtney for sending the 6 boxes of crayons so the kids in the village can experience a few times what most kids in US schools experience everyday - a little time for creativity. Here are our photos from April and May 2008:

The planting season for many vegetables is well upon us now and the school gardens around our village are thriving. Here are a few photos from new school garden projects we’ve helped to initiate with the help of CARE animaters Fabian and Alexis.

We are currently working with CARE and the World Food Program to build a stretch of road to a rural village. The road will improve access to the newly built hospital and also create an opportunity for commercial interests (local merchants) to stop and buy the many produce this secluded area has to offer. Here are the first few photos:
 

Fort Dauphin, Madagascar - Peace Corps, Top Risseau, and PSI combined to put on a great basketall tournament in Fort Dauphin on the 25th and 26th of March. 16 boys and girls teams with ages ranging from14-24 hit the courts. With Peace Corps volunteers organizing, PSI announcing, and Top Risseau putting on AIDS activities and demonstrations the event went on without a hitch.

Activities included condom demonstrations, speeches about HIV and AIDS, a three point contest, and many other activities on HIV and AIDS. A crowd favorite was the slam dunking of a condom by one of the players during halftime of the championship game. The organizers also played a game between Peace Corps and Top Risseau. Peace Corps took home the gold with a 36-30 win. The highlight of the game being a slam dunk by Joe Block.

After a day of competition the 16 team field was down to two teams, “Top 10″ and “Boss”. Boss jumped out to an early lead from the beginning and after the first half was completed the score was 19-11 and many thought the game was finished. But during the second half Top 10 came off the rest agressive and quickly brought the game back to 20-19. Then, as a Top 10 player was trapped in the corner, he heaved up a prayer and made it! The tournament came to an exciting 21-20 end and Top 10 took home the gold. The second place team is already looking forward to next years tournament for a rematch.

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