19th - Rolling, rolling…

Not much of mention happened today. Breakfast was had at 0645 and it felt much more orderly than yesterday, probably because we put in our orders last night so the kitchen was prepared.

We left at 0730 and drove to the new destination of Antsirabe which took 9 hours. On the way we stopped at the only aluminum production in Madagascar. They have no aluminum mines themselves so they recycle as much as possible and otherwise import when necessary. It was interesting seeing the process from melting the metal, pouring it into the form and extracting the new product (mainly pots and lids). More interesting than just looking at a machine doing it all for you. A woman was filing a pot getting rid of all excess material which was done on a tarp so even the filings could be gathered and get through the process again.

Melting the aluminum before use.

Pouring it into the form...

... and a few seconds later they have a new pot.

On arrival we had dinner at a restaurant and some of us stayed a bit late with a few extra drinks before returning.

Tomorrow we meet at 0800 before breakfast and driving half an hour until we start walking app. 8 km to a homestay where we will be spending the night. It will be an interesting experience while meeting the locals and among other things seeing a local shaman/medicine man in action.