Intro to Anosimparihy

Whoa, well I'm long overdue for a post, sorry to say that my internet connection isn't too great, but I've been living for the last 2 weeks in the village of Anosimparihy where I am now "Prof d'anglais"- English teacher for the upper levels of the school, although most students are finished and on vacation now, so I've just started teaching the highest level a couple days a week. This class is staying in school to prepare for an exam to go on to high school, and English instruction before was lacking from what I've heard. It's been interesting, teaching the students know a small amount of French and can read english to some degree, I've learned really well "mazava"- is it clear? In addition to teaching we're hoping to do some sort of environmental project(s) but still working on getting ideas. It's amazing how much time and energy village life can take, especially with cooking, fetching water, and the need for a sieste(nap) in the afternoon, I've been surprisingly not bored so far and amazed that it's already August.

The village is about 3km from the main road, which means we have access to go into town, but it's a bit of a hike, and luckily there is a hotspot for phone service in our house. We are located between Mananjary and Manakara on the east coast of Madagascar and have had the opportunity to visit both. I'm getting the intense version of a village stay, except with a real bed and house (although there are holes, termites and mosquitos) but I'm learning how to become a legit Malagasy- I now know how to light/cook on a charcoal stove "clean the rice" with a sahafa, fetching water from a river to cook with, drink and use for bathing- although that only happens about 50% of the days, the rest of the time we pay someone 300 ariary (15 cents) to do it for us, because it's a bit of a trip.

Sorry it's a bit brief and without photos, but hopefully next time, and until then- veloma from Anosimparihy!