June 13, 2017 Brazil
Long days end with pleasant surprise. A Hotel for One. Vanivola Hotel, Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar
It had been a long day a 49 hour day from Rio, to Sao Paulo, to Johannesburg, to Antananarivo, to Thomasina to Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar. I was to have a 6-hour rest, but it was spent clapping successfully 26 times in an aerial battle with mosquitos, in an overly chilled room, in my Antananarivo hotel.
Upon arrival at my intended destination; greeted by my taxi driver, Justor, who had become a friend, and his wife, Ella, who had produced a son, we went to Western Union, to make me a millionaire which is easy to do, when it takes 3,000 Malagasy dollars to make one US dollar.
Upon reaching the hotel, the one I had stayed at last year, I was greeted by the always friendly staff, and asked what I would want for lunch, between Octopus Salad, Chicken Filet with vegetables, or Vegetarian pasta. I opted for the chicken at 2 pm so I could get a bit of a rest. I then went to the bed in my cottage room with an exotic view of the beach and waters at the window’s edge.
At 6:45 that evening, I was awoken by two ladies, standing between me and the view, they were worried for me, I had slept through lunch and dinner time would soon end. I showered, shaved and went to the dining room located at pools edge.
I sat at my table, ordered my drinks, and enquired as to where the other guests were. I was informed there were no others, that the hotel is closed for remodeling, but Justor my taxi driver and friend, asked they open for me and they had. WOW! I thought to myself. And thanked them for their kindness.
Not being sure if this grand gesture was to be extended for my additional stays on Thursday and Sunday in a fortnight, I was informed they would open for me on which ever day was needed.
Taking their largess one step further, I asked if they could make a birthday cake for one of my friends who would be joining me on Thursday with her brother, it will be her 18th birthday. They said they would and wanted to know how big, and I named off my Taxi driver, his wife, the brother and sister and myself. So Johann, the receptionist said you will need a cake for 6 then? I said no, how many staff have come to make it possible for me to stay, she said 6. To which I responded, then make the cake for 12 and we can celebrate a birthday and your kindness.
In the photos, you will see Justor greeting me via the airports window, our day with his family, and my night in a hotel for one. Cost of one night’s stay $69, kindness priceless.
As I go to sleep tonight, I feel like 2,489,342 Malagasy dollars, with a staff of 6 who took the time, to make I enjoy my time. When I first arrived, I was asked if I was bothered by construction noise. I said not at all, can I join in making that noise. I love construction. I hope tomorrow the men are working and I can get a few hammer blows in before I go.
It is now morning the men are working and the staff are making things ready for me, I may need to order a larger cake.
