Madagascar in a Drought

Water… How do I take it for granted? It is a drought here in Madagascar; the sand is hot, and the trees are browning. Hot winds blow great clouds of red dust across the valleys, and here I sit drinking a full liter of (somewhat cool) refreshing bottled water. The locals sell water by the cup for a pretty good price at the Saturday market. The women go 10 miles to fetch a bucket of water, which they carry back on their heads for the family. One cup of water per day per person is the ration, which includes drinking, washing and cooking. And here I guzzle, quenching my thirst after a morning shower and iced tea as I watch the heat waves dance over the sisal fields. I feel a bit guilty ...

Water
The very liquid for life
Some have more
Some have none

Rainy season? It is supposed to be rainy season in Madagascar; right now, people on the other side of the planet wish the rains would stop while others somewhere far away are praying for even a droplet …

The women want my empty bottle (the ones we all throw away) for a water container. "Wow, it has a lid!" They smile great white grins of thanks. I feel strange — fully hydrated — in a land of visible thirst.

The earth is 78 percent water.
Water
Everywhere
With not a drop to spare

Isn’t that how it seems?

A drought
Goodness, I am so grateful
For that
Liquid
Where can we get some more?