These boats are very common around Madagascar. Most of them are carved wood from a tree. No aluminum here! They are used for fishing in the ocean and rivers, water taxis and transporting goods from one area to another.
My friend Bette Lou took this picture. It's half truck and half van. The writing on the truck says "Monofol". I'm not sure what it is used for, probably delivery of goods. Not too many of these around.
Bikes and water. This is typical of the street after a good rain. The problem is there are soo many holes in the road, you just don't know when your going to hit one. The holes can be several feet wide and several feet deep. If your riding a bike, your best to walk it in these conditions. I feel for the Pousse Pousse drivers.
This is called a "pousse pousse". It's a cart that is pulled by a Malagasy. This is a very common mode of transportation. The locals use it as a taxi, haul materials or pretty much transport anything that needs to be moved, but can't do by walking. As you can see in the picture, the driver doesn't have a very dry road to travel on. The cost to ride these are about 2000 airery airery, which is equal to around $1.00 cdn. Of course it depends on how far you are going.
This is another boat that is used for fishing. These boats are made out of wood. This particular boat is painted, with a balance float. It makes it a little easier out in the ocean. The ocean looks flat in the picture, but is usually quite rough.
This is called a cycle-pousse. It's basically a pousse pousse with a bicycle attached. They are used for the same purpose of a pousse pousse. To haul goods and supplies and people. This particular model has a cover in case it rains to keep his customers dry. The ladies have a tour booked to see how pousse pousses's are made. I'll post pictures when we go.
Scooters/Motorbikes. There are many, but not as many as you would expect. The cost of a scooter/motorbike and gas can be quite high, so not that many have them. In this photo, Dad, Mom and the little girl (being held by Mom). It seems so natural to them to ride side saddle, backwards, etc.
This particular pousse pousse has his top down, so he could haul his customer and her supplies. It won't fit under the tarp. They are very accommodating people.
This driver is hauling a roll of tin sheeting. Just about anything can be hauled.
Again, a mattress on top and 2 people inside.
They also have carts. A flatbed that is pushed by anywhere from 1 to 4 people. Depending on the load. This is dried banana leaves, so it's fairly light. There are lots of hills and turns here, so steering these carts is an art, not to mention that you can't see in front of you. This road has a slight incline which you can't see in the picture. They are very skilled at manoeuvring these carts. We have seen cement blocks as high as this load being pushed. You can imagine the strength needed to move a cart that loaded! (especially uphill)
Of course there's walking. Lots and lots of walking. Most people walk here.
The local bus. Travels from one village to another. For a few thousand airiary airary, (=$1.00 cdn) you can hop on the bus, and they'll take you to your destination. Of course your products get to ride on top of the bus, and sometimes you'll ride on top as well, to hold onto the goods. These buses get pretty full. We passed one the other day, and there had to be 20 people inside, and they were singing at the top of their lungs. Generally quite happy people!
On the back of a truck if you happen to know the owner! Even load your motorbike, saves on gas!
This guy thought it was easier to hitch a ride on the scooter and hold onto his 2 wheeler instead of riding.
What I want to know is "How did they get the motorbike on top of the van?" Or maybe I don't want to know...
Had to take a picture of this one. This load looked like it was going to fall over. Each time the van hit a bump, the chair at the very top separated from the rest of the pile. We followed it for several miles, but everything stayed on top!
This bridge was built for one vehicle., which most are. Upon approaching the bridge, if you see a vehicle, you either wait for it to pass through, or you proceed, depending on who's closest to the bridge. Only once, did a vehicle have to back up (and no it wasn't Rick).
Another bridge. This is on the way to the golf course. These boys were once handed some money from someone in Rick's vehicle, (thanks alot Les) so now every Sunday they stand IN FRONT of the bridge and play chicken, to see if you'll slow down and give them money. They even have kids at the other end. They catch on pretty fast!
Someone needs an engine change. It's hot, humid, and then you have the wonderful diesel and burnt oil smell.
And of course chickens to market. Rick figures a Malagasy chicken spends half it's life upside down. The locals usually are selling live chickens to you, and hold them by their feet. You can see a couple of chickens in the left hand of the guy in the red shirt.
Transport goods to market via foot. The people are very talented at transporting on top of their head. You try holding a book on your head and walk across the room. Bet you can't do it! These people turn their heads, hands are full, have to walk up hills, it's amazing. We've even seen a lady balancing a basket with 2 live ducks on her head, a basket in one arm carrying live chickens and talking on a cell phone.
We're not sure how this happened, but what a mess. The back end of his truck is on a large embankment. Any time there is an accident or break down up ahead, they cut down some branches and place them on the side of the road. This indicates upcoming drivers to be aware.
At least he didn't end up like this guy.
Tuk Tuk, a new way of travel in Madagascar. Although they have been around in the eastern Countires for years, they are new to Madagascar. I've been told there are 15-30 in Tamatave. This model is a convertable top.
Slightly different style of Tuk Tuk. Only yellow colored models in Mada. this one is a hard top model. They run on petrol and very inexpensive to operate.
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