Frip

Since living in Madagascar, I've been introduced to the wonderful world of frip. Frip is second hand clothes donated from all over the world and sold at stands on the street for very reasonable prices (most of the time). For example the dress I wore on New Years Eve in Paris was fripped for 1,500 AR or about 50 cents USD. Another great thing about frip is you never know what you can find. I've fripped clothes that were originally from banana republic or Ann Taylor loft for under $1 that originally cost $40, or a dress I'm going to bring and wear to my future job I fripped for $2 but cost around $60 in the States. On the other side I've found sports jerseys with spelling errors. Like a Minnesota timberwolves jersey spelled 'mihh sola timver woves.' I've seen people wear high school letter jackets from 1998 or 'rest in peace john, forever in our hearts,' that have been donated from the States. 

Anything goes here. I've seen men sport purple sparkley jellies or bright pink sun hats. I've seen little girls wear Halloween costumes to church. I've worn cargo shorts, socks and flip flops, and a knit blue hat and had not a care in the world. This is definitely an aspect of Madagascar I'll miss. 

You know you're a PCV when

-it starts raining and you jump up to set out buckets and basins to catch the water so that you don't have to fetch it later. 

-children shout your name. Even of you can't see them, they see you.