It was wonderful to stay with sister Pascaline. The sister likes to have fun. It is funny to end up in a Jesuit monastery as a child of a father who was abused by Jesuits. Father Leon's, the man at the bus station whom I used to take as a driver was very friendly. Moreover, he had a large piece of delicious cheese. Brother Eugene took us into town and was extremely helpful. It really was a little oasis in yet another bustling city. We walked through the market and I couldn't resist buying a much too big watering can made from a coconut oil can. That is lugging and terribly inconvenient. We've done some price comparisons to find out what things really cost. There is actually no standard. Such a market immediately feels like jumping into the deep end.
We stayed in the monastery for 3 nights. Sister Pascaline mended my pants and made coffee. There was reasonable internet. I would like to go back there again and then seriously in retreat. But unfortunately after 3 days we continue because we have also set ourselves an assignment and that is the fundraising campaign for some projects here in Madagascar. The next stop is at Jaco and his reforestation project in Ranuhira, further south, on the flank of Isalo National Park. On to the next bus trip, say goodbye!
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