Jesus Hits Alakamisy

My friend and fellow Volunteer, Jesus from Southern California, visited me at my site. When a fellow Volunteer visits your site, it’s a special occasion and you want to be the best host. After his arrival, I had to go to the Commune of the town to meet up with Tahina, a fellow teacher, to accompany me to ask permission to a city official to show my films of Alakamisy in the town’s “ballroom.” We sat in a office and they said sure, no problem. So it’s going down on Saturday! Aug 25th a week before I departed my town for good. I just had to pay 10,000 Ariary for the electricity.

Mr. Vonjy, my fellow English Teacher

Mr. Vonjy, the another English teacher at my school, was supposed to accompany me, but he had to go to Fianarantsoa, yet, upon leaving the Commune, Tahina said,”Let’s go see Vonjy.” I replied, “He’s in Fianarantsoa.” He laughed “No, he’s in his office.” I just went along. We went to an epicerie, a little market, like a Malagasy version of 7-11, and in a small room in the back, only seen through shady curtains, was Mr. Vonjy, lookin’ like he’s sippin on a beer. These under-the-radar backrooms exist here in Madagascar so men can drink without being seen.

 

Gotta Go

So I’m back there drinking with Vonjy and Tahina having a grand ol’ time but my friend, Jesus, is waiting at my apartment for me. He teaches English up north near Tana. So I take my leave and buy some food for me and Jesus: sandwiches, fried breaded cabbage, sweet wafers, fried breaded banana, a coke for him and a beer for me. I get back, I’m late but I brought goodies. A sergeant once told me in the military, “Hey, if you’re going to be late, bring the donuts!”

The Circumcision

The next day Jesus and I walk to Vonjy’s house because his son had a Circumcision that morning and there’s a little party for the family. I brought some Fanta and some chips for the peeps at the party. I didn’t bring beer ‘cause I drank enough the day before. We sat down in a room, a circle of men. We talked a lot. I was speaking Malagasy better than I ever have. In the course of the conversation a bottle of vodka was put on the table. They offered me some, but I declined. I said,”Yesterday I drank a lot so today I’m taking a break from drinking.” But I wanted to partake. The talk continued and was lively. I beer was placed in front of me, but I ignored it. Then it was opened and pushed towards me. I said frankly, that nope, I’m not drinking. They accepted my actions. We left after eating and I was so happy that I was able to turn it down.

Conclusion

Stay in the backroom and drink.