After some kilometers, we are leaving the wet tropical climate of Fort-Dauphin to discover a very different landscape. We had in Fort-Dauphin one day almost continuous rain. In some areas of the country of Androy - country of the spines - rain didn't fall for the last 6 years. Rivers are reduced to tiny rivers in the dry season. Our jeep had indeed to cross a bridge repaired of wooden boards and metal plates, several meters above a river... of sand. The Malagasy flora developed here the most original species, seeking for strategies of survival in a hostile environment, like the didieracees, whose long stems alternate tiny spines and leaves. The prickly pear, an introduced species, lines almost any track in the south. Human beings too have organized their lives in this environment, even if many of them - particularly men of the Antandroy ethnic group - leave for other regions to work. Symbol of local wealth is the zebu, omnipresent, which is also sacrificed for funeral ceremonies. Compared with the modest androy housing, made of tree branches, the funeral art looks extravagant, - imposing tombs decorated with zebu horns and carved wooden totems. Aboard one of the very few vehicles crossing the track of the village, we were often greeted with roars of joy. But we were not less often also expected as the Santa Claus who distribute the gifts... sadly, no far-off land, as far as it can be, escape the pernicious effects of tourism typical antandroy village, lot of space, little shade an elderly woman moves towards us behind a horde of kids The vazahas - white people - in the center of attention. Some come with their musical instruments, others try to sell some bracelet or beg pens and candies, most look at us with curiosity A mahafaly tomb, the other ethnic group of the great Malagasy south built for one family or maybe an important person Another mahafaly tomb - the decoration is symbolic and depicts the life of the deceased