After a quick last minute check with Hilton via a skype chat at work, I set off......This time he had reversed parked for me so all I had to do was drive away down the garden path, over an un-neighbours grass (meaning, no one staying there at present!) between two trees and away I went.
Ostensibly to the Guest House shop to purchase toilet paper and fabric softener. Methinks two very interesting items to purchase together.......
Alas! shop was closed. Didn't feel like coming home so decided to explore.......solo tour around the other village where the SOS clinic is situated. That done, still didn't feel like coming home so retraced my quad's tracks and found myself hair-tailing it up the long and winding "dirt" road that has recently experienced the relaxing effects of being smoothed out by a grader, leading to the desire to "open the throttle" and speed up the hill and down the other side! Which I did, of course....carefully, being that I was ever so conscious of my hubbly bubbly's voice in my head! I decided to do as he said, and not do as he does!!! (For those who know Hilton, you know what I'm talking about!) Ever the obedient wive! But he is wise, no matter how much I tease him, and I am a good student.
Back on the tar road, after experiencing the thrill of somebody noticing I was on my own, I decided to take a little drive.........
One of the security guards on the "long and winding, dirt road," upon hearing the approach of the quad, ran out to flail his arms around gesturing: "where is my buddy who is normally on the back?" Then giving me the big thumbs up sign indicating: "You're alone!! Well done!" I felt so good, someone has noticed and hey! the guards really do know what is going on around them, and contrary to common belief, they do serve a vital purpose.......and I'm grateful.
Being Sunday, everyone is doing something they might not be doing on any other day. Whizzing past the river I noticed it is "wash" day. Laundry brightens up the scene with its bright colours draped over bushes and hanging in trees. "Wash" seems to apply to the males today as well as inanimate objects such as: trucks, four wheel double cabs, buses, bicycles, wheels etc. But some are not bothered with "wash," the market is calling so it is all haste with baskets on poles slung over shoulders, baskets on heads, loaded bicycles bearing baskets, bags of charcoal and heavy wooden planks. Hurrying like there's no tomorrow. I pass them by on my quad............
I follow the "upper" road, past Dr Jane's clinic coming to the magnificent view overlooking Island Vibe Restaurant and the ocean. The surfing lessons are taking place. I pass some tourists who look at me as if they're not sure what they're seeing........I wave and pass on by, smiling. This is where I live for now, how lucky am I!
Passing the Kaleto Hotel, Mr Vanilla Man waves me down. "Can I swop R120 for ariary?" Yes, I can! Round the corner I wave at our buddies selling fruit and take a left turn down the street where the ATM is situated.
I feel confident as I meander in and out of traffic: pedestrians, fowls, chickens, bicycles, passing by all the "smelly creeks" Taolagnaro has to offer. Can't muffle the "smells" by winding up the window!
I decide to prolong my outing and whizz towards the harbour side of the beach. Nothing much exciting happening but I do decide a trip along the beach could be my next little exploration!
I head off home and yes, there's my friend waving me on.......
For those who know me well......I left this morning only brushing my teeth, running a comb through my hair, face unwashed, no mascara or eye-liner, I was obviously dressed.....but if I wasn't I wonder if anyone would have noticed!!!!! Gotta love this island lifestyle and hanging free!!!
So I returned, between the trees, over the grass, up the garden path.........perfectly parked.
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