Ceremonial Toast

This is a ceremony in the little town of Behenjy about 45 km outside of Tana. It was held to celebrate the completion of a clean water system and a public tiolet, sponsored by the Church, both of which are new and very much appreciated by the townspeople. I, Representing the Church, and the lady representing the Ministry of Water for Madagascar, were asked make the toast and take a drink of the water, demonstrating our confidence in the cleanliness of the water. I developed a severe case of Malagasy quick step two days later.