I feel I've had a bit more of a productive morning but I have to remember its hot in the tropics and to slow down in more ways than one. I don't have to tick everything off my to do list (yes I still have them - I'm not going to change that much) all at once!

So - found Air Madagascar office, couldn't book flights as their computer system was down so suggested to come back tomorrow! I've also looked into the car option rather than flight to my next stop which is potentially cheaper until you see the price of the speedboat when it's just for one person. But the flights aren't everyday and I think I'll be ready to go!

Been into quite a few tour operators, I tried to use the very small local ones but my poor French and their poor English, means it probably is not going to work out. I'd have no idea where I was going and what was included. But I might try again.

I've realised it's also not going to be cheap. They don't book groups, just private parties so with me being a private party of one it is going to be a lot more expensive and less fun than with others. I have seen no other single travellers or younger (my age) people around to join up with and have asked at the tour operators.

Diego (the french name and still used) is much more happening than yesterday, but I'm not sure I could stick being here on my own for that long without going out and about- so I'll bite the bullet and pay out. However it completely closes up for three hours over lunch. I have a photo!

So i have booked two things. Im going out for the day tomorrow on a quad bike. A first for me. Just me and the guide going to all the local beaches where i can walk and swim and sun bathe - just me and the guide!

I also have booked and paid for (with no receipt a 4 day camping and snorkeling trip to a very small island as far as i can work out this is tagging along with a bigger group - fall French i'm assuming. When I asked the guy where else I should go, he said don't use the tours, they rip you off but get a taxi brousse (local very packed mini bus) to the national parks. If it wasn't for the language thing I really think that's what is should and I would if I could hook up with someone to go with.

I also managed to top up my local phone with credit, not easy when I have never had a payg phone, it's a different language and I have no clue how much calls are - but I think I figured it out and was quite proud of myself - little things and all that.

Finally In town i also looked at a few other hotels and found one which is quite nice and about a quarter of the price so I might move there after these four days are up if I can't get a good rate here.

Had a late afternoon swim and now having dinner at the hotel again (felt I should venture to town but foods great here and not a bad price so saves a 10min walk in the dark). Thought is should try the rum as it is the speciality so ordered a cubre libre - a bit disconcerting when the full fat coke comes out.

Feeling a bit lonely. Just not having anyone to talk to other than the one woman selling me the tour tomorrow. Nothing serious but a bit single of not only being on my own but being reminded of the fact every time I try and organize something. Frustrating. Also finding it a bit seedy that everywhere I look are white men with young pretty Malagasy women. Just doesn't sit comfortably with me.

Beautiful dinner of calamari has arrived (for £4) so life is really not that bad and I can hear the waves lapping and there are beautiful starts tonight.