Time to introduce the crew -- starting from the left
1st-Naomi Sarna of New York City, gem carver
2nd-Lisa Elser of Vancouver, faceter and rough dealer
3rd-Tom Schlegel, Lisa's husband, and photographer
4th-the infamous Mr. James Fiebig of North Carolina, adventurer and team leader
5th-Roger Dery of Michigan, faceter
6th-Nancy Schuring of Wyckoff New Jersey, owner - Devon Fine Jewelry
7th-Debbie of Wyckoff New Jersey, lead staff person of Devon Fine Jewelry
8th-Joe Portale of Ridgefield New Jersey, dentist, photographer and marketing guru and lover of gemstones
Leaving Antsirabe and the central highlands this morning, our next objective is the town of Fianarantsoa - commonly known as Fianar. The drive from Antsirabe to the mining fields of Illakaka is really too far to try and attempt in one day - hence the stop over in Fianar. This stop is so that we may have a reasonable hotel and restaurant to take care of our basic needs.
As we were approaching Fianar, I took a photo of one of the many bus stops along the famed RN7. We all felt that Jim selected an awesome driver and guide - would hate to think we'd be using public transport in Mada.
Here's another bus stop, a little closer to the town.
And, then, if we really wanted some adventure..... looks vaguely similar to the rickshaws I used in India and Sri Lanka.
Just before we arrived in Fianar, we stopped along the roadway to stretch our legs. 'Out of nowhere' all these children arrive. So Nancy begins handing out gifts to each one.
After a day's drive we stopped at a park along the route to Illakaka.
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