MY BUDDY (after Hilton, of course) AND I REUNITED - 10TH January, 2017.

To celebrate three years living in a city that is to say the least, unique and challenging, I decide the second day of a new year is just right for us to venture out on our quad bike.
The bright red Polaris that became my best buddy (after Hilton, of course!) when we stayed in Taolagnaro. When I say: "I decide," that means: I decide it's right for me. Obviously Hilton reached this conclusion way back when, 'cos he's enjoyed many outings here and in Taomasina since his return to our mad magical island in July 2013. (In case you're interested, our previous contract ended in June 2013. We returned to South Africa to await a new work permit for the employment Hilton is now currently enjoying here in Antananarivo.)

Why has it taken me so long to hop on my buddy and take to the congested, fuel emitting streets of a sprawling, over-crowded city, teeming with animals, foul odours and dirty water? I have no idea! Maybe three years is time enough for it to begin to become (I don't believe I'm actually going to say this...) my city. Or maybe the fact that I'm about to pack up our home in South Africa has finally made me realise: Apartment B210, Clos des Tonnelles, Androhibe, Antananarivo is now my home. No more living with the right foot in South Africa while the left foot dangles in Madagascar! It's not good for my posture anyway. There's a limit as to how long one may be in the split position with a dangling left foot!

So I don my sleek silver helmet and immediately I'm reminded about Star Trek. I cast my eyes over my everyday clothes and am almost disappointed when no sleek, slithery, stretchy onesie with a little silver button on my left chest isn't hugging my body! No "beam me up Scotty," on this trip I'm afraid.

Suitably attired with the correct head gear Hilton and I zoom off in a westerly direction ( I only know it is west 'cos I always check with Hilton first!) heading for La City shopping mall and a light lunch at La City Grill which is situated upstairs and sports a lovely balcony overlooking everyday life in the city. But first, we park our quad in the basement parking which is separate to the actual shopping mall, being situated under the above ground parking lot! The rain clouds are gathering, hence the underground parking option.

A stark cement structure with the occasional graffiti wall hanging!

A balcony with a view:

Of course our delight is Shoprite.....reminding us of home.

     

Needless to say, we were once again reminded, as we munched our lunch, why we don't frequent La City Grill more often. It has always been about the staff at this establishment. They are the drawing card 'cos the food sure ain't. In fact, after quite a long absence on our behalf, it has deteriorated quite drastically that we fear even the incentive of meeting with our friends won't be enough to draw us back. Be that as it may, the rain eventually arrived.....

After a leisurely stroll around Shoprite waiting for the rain to abate we eventually hop on the quad and make our way home in the gently pelting rain....oh yes, I did sing in the rain as I drove home from the top of our street feeling carefree and oh so excited for the adventures that lay before me......