First Impressions

In Antananarivo, young women carry fresh water back to their homes from the neighborhood water tap, so they can cook and bathe at home.

As CARE's press officer for Southern and West Africa, I was assigned to document our most recent projects in Madagascar, an exotic country located off the southeast coast of Africa. Flying from Nairobi, Kenya to Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo, I was thrilled to visit the country with its warm people, to view its fascinating wildlife and to experience its rich culture. Walking from the plane down the stairs to the tarmac, I was embraced by the fresh crisp air of the world's fourth largest island and began my assignment for CARE.

The views are spectacular near Mahavelona on Madagascar's eastern shore on the Indian Ocean.

Driving into the capital city, you could see hints of Madagascar's beauty. Even after one hour in the country, it was clear that Madagascar did not belong to Asia or Africa. It was an island and a culture unto its own and the people are as individual as their country. They speak their own language of Malagasy. The wildlife and plant life are among the most exotic in the world.

CARE Fellow Frederique Lehoux looks at a chameleon during an evening hike near the Périnet Reserve.

This was the beginning of my assignment in Madagascar, a week which took me to the Périnet Reserve to experience the wild call of the indri. The trip also would take me to the poor urban villages on the outskirts of Antananarivo, where CARE staff is working to help thousands better their lives through health and community development programs. Finally, it would take me to the tropical paradise of Mahavelona that was devastated by Cyclone Bonita in 1996 and rebuilt with the help of CARE.

Continue to Day 2