Madagascar, officially
the Republic of Madagascar and previously known as the Malagasy Republic, is an
island country in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. The nation
comprises the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world),
and numerous smaller peripheral islands. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot;
over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth.
This was our first visit
here. I booked a private tour of Nosy Be’ & Nosy Komba - http://madagascartravelandtours.com/nosy-nosy-komba-day-tour-boat-cruise-island-hop/
Today
we were joined by Bob & Phyllis, Cathy & Tom and Kris & Andrea.
What a fantastic group of friends.
Despite
the thunder and lightening most of the night and when we got up, we had a
beautiful sunny day.
sail in
Our
day started with a madhouse in the Casino Lounge waiting to be called for
tenders. They no longer give out numbers and normally there aren’t many of us,
but there were at least 30 people there this time. We were first there (second
by the time the whole group arrived, but the first 10 for sure). A junior
cruise staffer named Skyler was there and he never said one word to the crowd.
We were waiting so long to be called down that all the Princess tours that
started later than our get off time were now taking all the tenders.
Eventually, we got off and were quite pleased that our guide was there with a
sign with my name on it. Whoo Hoo!
Our
guide was Franck and we didn’t get the name of our driver. We were led to our
boat and we headed for Nosy Komba. Our boat captain was Angelo. What a
beautiful group of islands! We had a wet landing at the Ampanngoriana fishing
village, so we had to take off our shoes and wear water shoes or go barefoot.
Franck led us to where we could wash off our feet, so we could put our shoes
back on. I unfortunately sat where it was sandy and wet, and the back of my
shorts were dirty for the rest of the day. (no worries) The guide took our bags
back to the boat after we changed our shoes, so we wouldn’t have to carry them
around on the trail. Just a super nice guy. They also had a large cooler full
of water for us which was much appreciated as it was HOT HOT HOT.
our boat
Bob & Phyllis
Kris & Andrea
There
were many locals selling all kinds of beautiful things. Hand sewn tablecloths, Sakalava
embroideries, dresses, spices, artwork, souvenirs, carvings and more. "Nosy
K" is home to many Makis (lemurs), and even special varieties of lemurs
called Macacos. Nosy Komba is known for its many small and inhabited beaches
too, as well as for its emerald like water.
arrival at the village
they loved looking at their photos on our cameras
A
local guide took us into the Black Lemur Sanctuary and we met our first lemurs
and they gave us each some mashed bananas on our hands and then the lemurs came
down and sat on our shoulders and ate the bananas. The lemurs had very soft fur
and were very gentle. What a fun experience. As we continued, we held chameleons
and saw them climbing trees and on bushes. We saw tortoises and I held a boa.
(it was small compared to the one we held in Thailand) We did see a few other
lemurs up in trees or along the banks. We also saw Green Geckos and skink-like lizards.
Andrea
Phyllis
Cathy
Tom getting a great shot
We
did some shopping (it was hard not to buy something from everyone) and I got my
token magnets and a couple of small handmade lemurs. I bought a small
embroidered cloth. I loved this hand made dress, but it was just too snug when
I put in on. Even without my clothes that I had on when trying it on, I didn’t
think it would work. (it was only $10)
Next,
we stopped at the local open-air bar and got some cold drinks. Orange Fanta
never tasted so good. We made our way through the maze of houses and narrow streets
to get back to our boat. We passed their hospital, pharmacies, tables with
meats for sale and people just going about their daily lives. Adorable children
and the women with the beautifully painted faces were everywhere.
We
then got back on our boat and went back to Nosy Be’ for lunch.
Lunch was
included in the cost of the tour and it was at Restaurant Cote Jardin. Just as
I was getting out of the van an ox-drawn cart whet by. I managed to get off a
quick shot before it passed. We had our lunch in a lovely garden setting
outside behind the restaurant. We had not anticipated how good the food would
be. We had a choice of fish or beef. They first brought out a wonderful salad
and hot rolls. Then our main course came, and both the fish and the beef dishes
were divine. Delicate sauces on both dishes. They included a drink (soft or
beer). We thought we were finished, but they brought out desert which was a
scoop of ice cream with a drizzle of hot fudge and fresh fruit on the side. It
was a great meal with even greater friends to share it with.
Tom, Cathy, Greg, Andrea, Kris, Phyllis, Bob
The
guide came to collect us and said we would then go see the islands’ Sacred Tree.
This huge Banyan Tree was planted 200+ years ago and forms a network of roots
and branches to cover an area of 500 sq. meters. We were required to take off
our shoes to walk inside and amongst the roots. (ouch) They also said we had to
wear the proper garments. The men got sarongs to wear around their waists and
they wrapped the women in a long skirt tied above the breasts and then a folded
garment in the same material to wear draped over one shoulder. They were all
made of lovely colorful material. We all of course took photos of each other in
them. Mine was so pretty with purples, blues and oranges and I liked it so much
that I asked if I could buy it. (of course, it was for sale) It was $12 for
both pieces.
It
wasn’t far from the town of Helle-ville, but it took us up into the countryside
which was just one photo opportunity after another with locals walking by
carrying baskets and more on their heads. The drive alone made the trip to see
the tree, but dressing in the sacred clothing as we walked through the serene
roots of the Banyan tree was absolutely surreal.
wrapping me in the holy garments
Greg wrapped in his
Tom
Cathy & Tom
entrance to the Sacred Banyan Tree
Kris, Andrea & Greg
Phyllis & Bob
Phyllis
Phyllis & bob
snake
museum
The
guide said we had time to go to a beach, but none of us brought swimwear and he
said we could skip that and make a stop at the local market. These markets are
always a favorite with many of us. Watching the locals shopping and just seeing
what they are selling is always fun. It was mostly fruits, vegetables, spices,
fish and meats. There was also an area out back that had stalls of people
cooking food where locals gathered to eat. There were oxen next to their carts eating.
(that I’m sure brought in the stuff in the market) We walked around a few of
the surrounding blocks of interesting stores. One particularly odd one was a
little stall selling ice cream and it had a mannequin wearing a wedding dress. ????
drive to the market
at the market
trying to sell us stuff as we are getting off the tender onto the ship
We
had an hour left, but we felt we had already had the perfect day and took the
tender back to the ship. There were vendors in boats that parked right next to
the ship trying to sell us things as we got off the tender onto the ship. They
had to move out of the way of the tender boat. They are violating the space that
boats are supposed to stay away from the ship, but…….
We
got showered and had dinner upstairs before going to the show which was Trevor
Knight. I’d describe him as an Australian John Denver. Kind of folksy.
Then,
we went to the Nightro Bingo session. We didn’t win, but it was just a quick
one game coverall for $10 to win $250.00 Greg has won one of these and so did I
early on in the cruise.
Then,
we came back to the cabin to upload photos and relax. So far, this has been one
if not my favorite new port.
We
now have 2 sea days before our next 2 ports in a row. (if the cyclone doesn’t
prevent us from going)
Nosy Be’ & Nosy Komba, Madagascar – https://photos.app.goo.gl/gbDypVVpSxncWYrr5
Nosy Be’ & Nosy Komba, Madagascar – https://photos.app.goo.gl/Be3HsuJaw3ADmje68
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