Samihafa hoditry fo.

Sometimes I hate the color white. I can never get my white clothes clean, no matter how much I scrub. I am tired of eating so much rice. I am tired of talking about rice--what's going on on the farm, how much it costs. And I am tired of being so obviously white surrounded by so many non-white Malagasy faces.

People often ask if we have the same things in the U.S. as in Madagascar. Do people steal? Do people fight? Yes, bad things happen in the developed world too. One of my friends always responds with "Olo. Samihafa hoditry fo." She is saying that I am still a "Person. Just different skin." It's so nice to have someone realize this.

Other events in my life:

4AM karate has entered my exercise routine. Yes, I am questioning my sanity. Especially when I sweat so much my feet are slipping and the sun hasn't even risen yet.

Going to plant something in my backyard with a neighbor. I agreed but I don't actually know what we're planting. I didn't recognize the name but agreed (one of my bad habits) and let it go too long to ask. Mystery plant will be arriving soon.

Did not get hit by the cyclone, I apologize for those of you who were worried.

Love you all.

Leslie

Quick Update

Once again I'm in town trying to do a million errands before it is to late to catch a brousse back to my site. Here's a quick update...

Just got back from a trip to Marojejy with a researcher from Duke Lemur Center (a pretty cool place, google it). Saw lots of cool things (pictures later) and discussed possible opportunities for collaboration in the future.

Rice on the hillside isn't looking so good. We replanted with "vary madiniky" (small rice) which is supposed to grow quick so everything will be ready to harvest at once. My neighbor thinks chickens ate the rice seeds before, so we closed up the holes. I am skeptical due to lack of weeds growing there, and the fact that the hillside is not easy to climb. Will be checking on the new rice in the next few days to see if its growing.

River is super full so I've been banned from crossing. Long story. I may have found a fence builder so I can construct a garden at home but jury is still out on that.

Going on vacation to Diego next month! Should be a fun time.

Well that's it for now. I'll try to prepare a better post next time. Love; Leslie