First of all let me appologise or not posting anything for so long. The good thing is now I have many new stories to tell. I stopped writing but kept my eyes wide open for more interesting places to post.My travels took to Madagascar for only 4 days, it was not really a trip I planned, and i did not even get the chance to grab a guide book. For those of you still wondering Madagascar is not just a very funny Disney film!
At first I did not know what to expect, as I engaged in a conversation with fellow passengers a clearer image started to form itself in my mind. Mada is nearly the size of France and is as contrasted in terms of landscape; climate and population. If you are looking for a unique travelling experience, completely off the beaten tracks, then I highly recommend taking a plane to Antananarevo. I was only able to visit a fraction of the beautiful island but I was assured that in terms of infrastructure the whole country was on the same level. No swanky hotels, no trains and most of the time no running water.
So far I haven't painted such the prettiest picture. Let me rectify that. Madagascar is incredibly romantic, it is one of the few countries where you can wonder about without bumping into a MacDonalds on the contrary it feels like time stopped, only views of the forgotten past remain. We drove down to Antsirabe, one of he most prestigious towns under the French influence. Looking out fro, the window of the minivan I was not quiet sure where I was, all of the sudden the scenery reminded ,e of Asia. Everything was so green; little hills here and there and all along the river rice fields... So unexpected and beautiful.
Ansirabe has not changes since the 60's. I recommend staying at Hotel des Termes, probably the most grandiose building in town, where kings use to stay and o down to the bathes (The town is renown for its salty water sources).
My gourmet friends won't be disappointed. Being an old french colony Madagascar takes its food pretty seriously! The southern regions specialise in foie-gras making, duck breading and their zebu meat is simply exquisite. The also had a try at making wine, i would however not particularly recommend it!
Nearly as touching as the beautiful views are the people of Madagascar. As you will notice if you ever get the chance to visit there is no such thing as not mixing with the local population? There are very few tourists and the Malagaches are so welcoming. Like many African countries the population is very young, the children are simply adorable...
There is much more to see in Mada, baobabs, lemurs, gems, dark forest, magical beaches. I shall go back and I hope you will too
Address: Antsirabe, Madagascar
Phone:+261 20 44 487 61
Au coin du foie gras
Behenjy BA 59 Behenjy RN7 47 km South of Tana
Phone +261349729605
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