September 18, 2013
Lanseria, South Africa to Nosy Be,Madagascar ( 1,415 NM)
Today is a real long leg. It took us six and half hours straight and still have 2 and half hours of fuel onboard. It really showed the long range quality of PC12.
Madagascar was colonized by French until 1960s. Nosy Be (pronounced nousi bei) is a tiny island north west of the big Madagascar island. Most people speak French only thus attracts primarily French tourists. Fortunately for us, G can help communicate. When we landed today, we were the only plane at the airport. It seems that everyone is waiting at ground for us. As we were passing the custom, the immigration officer found out he forgot to bring his stamp with him. After 10 minutes of high pitched discussion among the officers, we were asked to meet the officers in town to get passports stamped. So, the officers, holding our passports, followed our hotel car to town. We waited in a small parking lot for almost half an hour until we see our passports again. This is a first!
Due to its geographic position, Madagascar is culturally influenced by both Africa and Malaysia. Malaysian came to the island hundreds year ago by floating boats with right trade winds. It is interesting to see familiar Asian elements this far out. Very green landscape with banana and sugar cane fields. Asian buffalo is the main farming cattle here.
At Nosy Be, it seems like we are back to 1960s. The island is undeveloped except some hotels by the beach. On the way to town, we saw street venders using candles for lights. Do not remember when have I seen that last. Where we stay, L'heure Bleue" is the best lodge In the island. It is simple yet clean and cute. I feel like a young hippie. Not bad!
Temperature is constant around 20 Celsius. Sea breeze is gentle and comfortable. Lodging is also priced at 1960s. No wonder French kept this place as a secret.
September 19, 2013
The rain poured down last night for hours. Waked up to a bright and blue sky. Every leave was washed to a green and fresh shine. What a morning! Jeffrey and G went for a morning dive. there is no fishing allowed in the marine park, therefore, fish are really oversized. They saw groupers at 300 ponds. Whale watching is popular but we did not organize.
Local black faced monkeys.
Local woman selling shells.
Posted with Blogsy
now the secret is out! hope you enjoyed the bit of time travel and had a happy mid autumn festival. reminds me that we spent last years mid autumn together in nepal.
ReplyDeleteWe did too!
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