Running to mummy

Madagascar keeps getting worse. A few days ago, supporters of the incumbent president blew up a bridge connecting the capital with a secondary port they do not control.

Even if thought I could manage it, I still wouldn't be able to go. Essentially all flights between South Africa and Madgascar have been suspended. A travel agent told me last week that they have people with purchased tickets who had to cancel.

I had a month allocated to Madagascar. It's hard to find a good substitute with most of sub-saharan africa well into the wet season. I could adjust my flights to return earlier but I don't really want to do that. The Bay Area economy still seems pretty week and it would mean doing England in April while it is still cold and wet.

Instead, I am going to Egypt. The weather will be hotter than I would prefer. No time to do significant research. But, I think it will work. It better. I fly to Cairo via Johannesburg tomorrow. 35 days of wondering through the desert before returning to Johannesberg.

That leaves me with 6 days before I fly back to London. 'Enough time for a quick safari in Kruger National Park or maybe great Zimbabwe if that country has settled down by 9 May.

Curiously enough, the Egypt flight is cheaper than Madgascar would have been. It's also cheaper than flying to Cairo from London, something that makes no sense at all to me.