Halfway through

We are almost reaching the midway point of the expedition but it feels like we’ve only been here for a few days. The work at Akany and the Scout centre is steadily progressing in the right direction so hopefully we will leave Madagascar with both projects in a much stronger state than when we arrived. It has been great to experience the culture and climate of Madagascar, especially for me playing football with no shoes with other Malagasy kids which was an unforgettable experience, even though it ended in my foot getting cut a wee bit. It was also great to see the unified passion of the Malagasy folk with respect to the national football team’s progression in the African cup.

The food is still a little odd to us but the local street food has been surprisingly tasty – especially the Mofo Menakely, a sort of doughnut ring that only costs 5p! Although, some of us were rather shocked by the fish served last night, that still had the head and eyes. The sun has been unrelenting recently which has made the work even harder as we have been sweltering in the sun. Not only is the culture different but the landscape is a drastic change from the Scottish environment, mostly because it seems to be coated in the red of the clay walls and roads with the occasional patch of grass or small group of trees. It is, however, very impressive to see the rice paddies that pepper the countryside and in the middle of the capital itself.

Overall, the expedition so far has been tough at points but it has also been very rewarding as we have been able to not only see but work in a completely different way of life and place.

By Joe