They start with this.
Then they melt them into globs like these.
Then, they start making the item, in this case, cooking pots. This is making the frame. Notice that when he removes the already made pot from this frame and puts the top back on, there will be a small space between the packed dirt that was inside the "template" pot and the packed dirt that was around that pot.
Once the mold is ready, they pour the melted, liquid aluminum into the mold. After a bit, they drain out the excess aluminum. It doesn't take long for it to set. If you look at one point, they are making a lid in another spot in back. When they lift up the frame, there is a new pot. Some excess aluminum must be scraped away. These guys are working with this super hot metal in flip-flops or barefoot!
Aside from pots to be sold in the markets, they also make these trinkets.
When the demonstration was complete, we headed on toward Antsirabe, arriving in time to get settled in our rooms a little before dinner. I got such a welcome text from Joushia that he found diet cola in the supermarket! That has to be a stop tomorrow!
After a breakfast buffet that included a Malagasy breakfast of mixed rices with a broth to pour over it (which was yummy), we headed out in our pousse-pousse - a person-pulled rickshaw.
We stopped by the Fahaleovantena Monument, which depicts the 18 tribes of Madagascar and has some notes from the National Anthem at the side.
We stopped at the Hotel Des Thermes, which is an old colonial hotel, left over from the French colonization. This hotel has a photo gallery down the hallway that depicts part of the history of Madagascar.
The Madagascar flag flying in front of the Hotel Des Thermes
We stopped at a rock shop where they have many beautiful rocks, jewelry, fossils, and trinkets made from different stones
They also have a few tortoises that they brought out from the garden for us to see.
We went to see another group of artisans who do handicrafts. This gentleman taught us how he makes miniature bicycles.
We watched this lady do some very intricate embroidery
And we were introduced to this most lovely musical instrument, the Madagascar valiha. The small ones are kind of tinny and are made mostly as children's toys. I wanted the large one, but it is far too big to fit in my suitcase, which was just a carryon (for most US standard airlines). Joushia did take us to the local DHL office to see how much it would cost to ship it home, and it was far too extravagant (around $250 US just for shipping)! If I go back, I WILL find a way to bring one with me!
Isn't this one of the most beautiful sounds? I can't find anyplace to order one.
After striking out at DHL, we went to the supermarket, where I finally got my Diet Coke! It was an off brand, but I drink off brand most of the time anyway! We also decided to get sandwiches and snacks for the road instead of stopping for lunch.
When we got to Ranomafana, our lodgings were kind of a dump and way up a steep hill that I had difficulty climbing. Joushia checked to see if other places were available, but apparently, this was the only place available in town that the tour company could put us in. But, Joushia was able to get me moved down to the bottom of the hill, at least, so I could get back and forth to my crappy room. He was also able to get me an extension cord so I could use my BiPAP. These are things the tour company should have taken into consideration when booking the room. I told him my needs when I booked the tour eight months ago. But, Joushia was able to make it functional. The scenery getting here was nice, though!
This waterfall was actually in the park
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