These guys are off out to sea.

They are sailing down the rivermouth at Tolaria - a town on the west coast of madagascar. Their ship is fully loaded, they have neither seamaps nor naviational equipement - but they seem pretty happy. I´d like to mention that in all the countries I´ve traveled to I have never meet friendlier people than in madagascar.

Everything there is more or less difficult but the friendliness of the people make up for the hardships that my cross the travelers path.

The seas in the straight of mozambique where the guys in the picture are heading to are dangerous and shark infested. The coral reefs are sharp as razors and a sudden change in weather can bring unforeseen difficulties. The waters around the island that is in fact larger than England are very lively - compared to the land.

Only 10% of the forests of madagascar are left - this is one of the islands main problems. The Earth dries out and gets blown away. The people are too poor and hungry to think about the ecological disaster they are provoking by burning down the remains of their forests. Too sad to think about actually..

Being born and raised in Madagascar these people are well used to hardship and rough times. Their country is one of the poorest in the world. Like in many other african states the people of madagascar have had their fair share of corruption. Only a few years ago there still were big troubles with the former dictator - or at least a guy that acted like one - Nowadays things are getting better. Roads are maintained and international help is coming to the island.

In the morning light - the mission looks rather romantic..

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