These fowl are destined for dinner, especially since it’s Independence Day next week, so people splurge on a real feast.

I already know you think I’m nuts. Why would I inconvenience myself and visit uncomfortable surroundings? It’s because I want to know how the rest of the world’s people live. Despite Madagascar’s poverty, people seem happy enough. I find little correlation between monetary wealth and happiness. As I stroll through a market, nearly everybody smiles back at me.

I go where one shouldn’t, and yet never feel that I’m in danger. My smile always gets a friendly response.

To give you a taste of what I experience, come shopping with me. This is the “real” world for Madagascar’s citizens. No Whole Foods or Macy’s here.