Internet access is skimpy at best here in Madagascar. In the internet cafe's they have a simple 56K telephone line that is shared with four or more computers, and sometimes more than ten! So it is slow going.
A 'light pipe' is being installed on the ocean floor from Mozambique but they say to not expect hook ups until mid-2009. Oh well....
As for the country, it is beautiful, scenic and exotic, hilly to mountainous, the food is awesome and the people are friendly usually offering a quick smile anytime one's eyes meet. As expected, poverty is rampant, street beggars are everywhere - though primarily in the capitol and will hardly leave you alone.
This is our first major buying opportunity on our arrival. We are looking at rough and cut stones. The dealers, even though they were informed to only bring rough, figured they may as well show everything they have.
In the above photo I am chatting with Naomi Sarna, a gem carver from New York City as she works through her decisions.
In the background, is Julie a close friend of Jim Fiebig's [the project organizer]. Julie's day job consists of working in a bank conducting international transactions - she has been instrumental in her assistance to the team. That is, in addition to all the languages she is fluent in!
That is all for now, have to go meet up with the team. More later....
