keeping on keeping on!

Africa » Madagascar

Madagascars flagPublished: March 31st 2006Africa » Madagascar
March 31st 2006

hi friends!
to those of you who read and respond, thanks for your support and comments. i haven't been very mazoto to write in the blog as i'm doing mass emails as well, and it gets a little overwhelming. but, the momentous occasion of 6 months living in madagascar has occured! that's it, i've made it a half a year here! it's hard to believe!
my language is improving, as i notice with every visit to a different city. it's still very frustrating though as i feel like if i talk to someone for more than 5 minutes it mostly consists of me say "i don't understand" over and over again!
as i grow older as a pcv (i'm 4 months old now!) i begin to develop a concept of the culture. i'm discovering the diversity that exists just within this tiny island. i liken to the united states. in every area you travel to, people speak just a bit differently (like accents!)...the flora and fauna vary from place to place, with apples being in season in Tsarazaza while oranges are in season in Isoanala. (gaga aho! apples and oranges are american fruits! hahah!) Tsarazaza still astounds me because it looks so much like Montana. i'm really looking forward to my travels to the coast next week to see some of tropical madagascar.
i'm working on coming up with unique ways to reach people, so if any of you out there have fabulous ideas on how to talk about healthy food, hygeine or family planning...let me know! that's about what i got for now!


Jamie Lynn Hatcher
I am a 20-something world-traveler who wants to explore as much as I can. I am living in Madagascar now as a PCV doing Community Health Education. I am a voracious reader, and occasionally dabble in writing poetry. I love being outdoors, especially in Montana. I find the mountains in M'car resemble Montana, so I am very tamana here. I have a passion for spending time with children and I look forward to the adventures life takes me on! Peace Corps Disclaimer: All of the thoughts, opinions, stories and ideas expressed in this blog are solely the content of my mind and experiences, and in no w... full info
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Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the seco...more info

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Comments
Date: 31st March 2006

Fleas
Hey there, I had a letter all set to send to you and some how I still have it. I had a little method for helping with the flea situation. Uou put a low pan, kind of like a baking pan on the floor and fill it with water, then set a small cup upside down with a little candle on top, and keep it on at night. The fleas will try to hop to the light, and end up in the water where they will meet their demise. It's better than using a chemical although you end up waking to the Poseidon Adventure. My neighbor had a cat whose fleas decided to seek asylum in my place and this little method helped a lot. I hope it can bring you a little peace. Hugs, Jessica

From Blog: keeping on keeping on!
Date: 31st March 2006

you go girl!
Hi jamie, I'm mama ny Patrick and have really enjoyed connecting a little more with Pat thru sharing your experiences. You have even inspired me to incorporate some Malagasy in my letters to Patrick! I so admire all of you for stretching yourselves and in the process leaving this earth a little better place. You go girl!!!

From Blog: keeping on keeping on!
Date: 1st April 2006


It was so good to hear from you again. I really enjoy hearing about the country and, of course, hearing about you and what you are doing) It's hard to believe you have been there for six months. About the time you really get comfortable with the language, it will be time for you to come home! Love, Grandma

From Blog: keeping on keeping on!
Date: 3rd April 2006

still having trouble with fleas?
Do this: at night, set a roasting pan or low container on the floor containing soapy water (dish soap is what I used) and shine a light on it. A desk lamp works perfectly, but a table lamp will also do. The closer you can get the light to the water the better. The little fleas commit suicide by jumping toward the light and into the soapy water. No pesticides!

From Blog: keeping on keeping on!




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