the_BOBNOB
Grey Hound
awesome stuff :thumleft:
My Big Madagascar trip Dec 2008 - Jan 2009
- Thread starter Blou Zebu
- Start date
I work at a theological seminary here in Madagascar. Once our students graduate after four years of study, they become pastors. Then thye are sent to tine out of the way villages. Pastor Narisoa and his wife Voahangy, also a pastor live in Befotaka. IT seemed like a good idea to visit them, seeing that I will pass through Befotaka.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/3170003523_6770692110.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
I celebrated Christmas with the Christians at FJKM Befotaka.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1115/3170035943_e505ab9df5.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Malagasy Christians often use palm branches to signify a important feast
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/3170039189_4d2d11aab7.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
It is typical that everyone will greet the pastor and then form a line and greet one another after a church service. I like this practice.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3170867338_872404f1e3.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
There are always millions of kids in any church service. And they are amazingly quiet and well disciplined. But the adults are also much more lenient with them if they do make some noise.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/3170038335_d77b31bdab.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The congregation gave me a gift for Christmas. IT was quite unexpected. The Malagasy people are gracious, kind and humble. They considered me to be an important visitor who should be honored, and therefore the gift. Although I appreciate their token of love, it is often very humbling. They go out of their way to make you welcome, honour you and help you. And all I did was drop by unannounced and uninvited.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3170034785_0a02a0b04d.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
This lady is one of the Christians in Befotaka. She does not live in the town itself but in one of the surrounding villages. She stopped by just to chat with the pastor. And as a farmer, she could not just leave the weeds growing in the pastors garden. So while talking she weeded the garden. It was such a natural act. I did not get the impression that she was trying to 'score' something or impress. The weeds werent supposed to be there and she removed them. Her humility was refreshing.
I think that she is a recent convert. (I cant remember if it was her or one of the other women.) She was what we would call a witch doctor or sangoma. She used spiritual means to heal diseases. (In Madagascar there seems to be a link between sin and sickness.) She got ill and could not heal herself. Nor could others heal her. And western medicine had no effect. Out of desperation she went to the church where the pastor and other Christians prayed for her, and she was healed.
In the Acts of the Apostles we read how people burned their "medicine." This still happens here when someone becomes a Christian.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/3170040303_5a412fc657.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
They just could resist posing for the resident photographer.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3170041465_05a16b05df.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The morning of the 26th I set of for Ankivy to cross over to Nosy Be.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1146/3170874136_6c948c2625.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The moment I arrived the "<i>responsable</i>" for the Zarga approached me and "forced" me to go with them. Initially they wanted 25 000Ar (Approx R125) for the crossing. I then negotiated this down to 20 000 Ar. The waiting and loading process took 2 - 2:30 hours. It was hot and humid. I was tired.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3170878996_fba3fd8e47.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Then they told me, "Remove your bike. We cant fit it and 4 vehicles and the bike."
Then we had a huge fight. I arrived first of all the vehicles. But seeing that they get 4 or 5 times more for a vehicle I dont count. I really was upset with this guy. I realised all along that Im fighting a losing battle and that they will not change their minds. So I demanded my money back. They promptly gave me the 20 000Ar back.
But then I got confused and told the guy that I paid 25 000Ar, he still owes me 5 000Ar. And he gave me the extra 5000Ar.
I truely and honestly made a mistake. But when I realised it later the afternoon I did feel a little better. I am the only guy in the world who got the better of the Transporters in Madagascar. They are very good at abusing your trust and taking advantage of you. I know I should feel guilty because I stole this guys money, albeit accidentally. But I still smiel when I think of it! (Hope my pastor doesnt read this! ;-) )
On the next ferry I found out that the correct price is 15 000Ar for a person with a bike.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/3170050471_4006db1776.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Various modes of propulsion.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/3170885470_7268c004e5.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
A tug towing a barge out to the deeper water were containers will be offloaded. The container ship cant come in to the shallow harbour.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/3170045659_a6fdfbded6.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
This should be big enough for the rice for a family of four!
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1074/3170058629_02433e7923.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
A chameleon
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3170889546_2e2995bdc7.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Some Malagasy snails. Big hungry bastards!
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3175737025_d64a0a4dac.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3175739977_f274ed754e.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Sunsets
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/3170002013_b223158906.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The Fig-tree Hotel
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/3170002417_8cce103391.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Beach party every Sunday afternoon
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3170069037_0464bdf6fc.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Prostitution is a massive problem in Nosy Be. I counted close to thirty "working girls" at this party. It is disgusting to see this bald, fat old (white) men with young girls.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3170832310_8bbfa0db57.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Island
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/3170899758_99469512cd.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
For sale!
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3170900338_3813675f4b.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Local Fisherman's catch
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1116/3170071341_56627b2ee2.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Sign at the harbour
I did not take many pictures on the trip back. But if you want to get a feeling for the trip back, I suggtest you read this report from back to front.
Any questions?
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/3170003523_6770692110.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
I celebrated Christmas with the Christians at FJKM Befotaka.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1115/3170035943_e505ab9df5.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Malagasy Christians often use palm branches to signify a important feast
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/3170039189_4d2d11aab7.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
It is typical that everyone will greet the pastor and then form a line and greet one another after a church service. I like this practice.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/3170867338_872404f1e3.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
There are always millions of kids in any church service. And they are amazingly quiet and well disciplined. But the adults are also much more lenient with them if they do make some noise.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/3170038335_d77b31bdab.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The congregation gave me a gift for Christmas. IT was quite unexpected. The Malagasy people are gracious, kind and humble. They considered me to be an important visitor who should be honored, and therefore the gift. Although I appreciate their token of love, it is often very humbling. They go out of their way to make you welcome, honour you and help you. And all I did was drop by unannounced and uninvited.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3095/3170034785_0a02a0b04d.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
This lady is one of the Christians in Befotaka. She does not live in the town itself but in one of the surrounding villages. She stopped by just to chat with the pastor. And as a farmer, she could not just leave the weeds growing in the pastors garden. So while talking she weeded the garden. It was such a natural act. I did not get the impression that she was trying to 'score' something or impress. The weeds werent supposed to be there and she removed them. Her humility was refreshing.
I think that she is a recent convert. (I cant remember if it was her or one of the other women.) She was what we would call a witch doctor or sangoma. She used spiritual means to heal diseases. (In Madagascar there seems to be a link between sin and sickness.) She got ill and could not heal herself. Nor could others heal her. And western medicine had no effect. Out of desperation she went to the church where the pastor and other Christians prayed for her, and she was healed.
In the Acts of the Apostles we read how people burned their "medicine." This still happens here when someone becomes a Christian.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/3170040303_5a412fc657.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
They just could resist posing for the resident photographer.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/3170041465_05a16b05df.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The morning of the 26th I set of for Ankivy to cross over to Nosy Be.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1146/3170874136_6c948c2625.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The moment I arrived the "<i>responsable</i>" for the Zarga approached me and "forced" me to go with them. Initially they wanted 25 000Ar (Approx R125) for the crossing. I then negotiated this down to 20 000 Ar. The waiting and loading process took 2 - 2:30 hours. It was hot and humid. I was tired.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/3170878996_fba3fd8e47.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Then they told me, "Remove your bike. We cant fit it and 4 vehicles and the bike."
Then we had a huge fight. I arrived first of all the vehicles. But seeing that they get 4 or 5 times more for a vehicle I dont count. I really was upset with this guy. I realised all along that Im fighting a losing battle and that they will not change their minds. So I demanded my money back. They promptly gave me the 20 000Ar back.
But then I got confused and told the guy that I paid 25 000Ar, he still owes me 5 000Ar. And he gave me the extra 5000Ar.
I truely and honestly made a mistake. But when I realised it later the afternoon I did feel a little better. I am the only guy in the world who got the better of the Transporters in Madagascar. They are very good at abusing your trust and taking advantage of you. I know I should feel guilty because I stole this guys money, albeit accidentally. But I still smiel when I think of it! (Hope my pastor doesnt read this! ;-) )
On the next ferry I found out that the correct price is 15 000Ar for a person with a bike.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1196/3170050471_4006db1776.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Various modes of propulsion.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/3170885470_7268c004e5.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
A tug towing a barge out to the deeper water were containers will be offloaded. The container ship cant come in to the shallow harbour.
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/3170045659_a6fdfbded6.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
This should be big enough for the rice for a family of four!
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1074/3170058629_02433e7923.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
A chameleon
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3170889546_2e2995bdc7.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Some Malagasy snails. Big hungry bastards!
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3514/3175737025_d64a0a4dac.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3175739977_f274ed754e.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Sunsets
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/3170002013_b223158906.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
The Fig-tree Hotel
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/3170002417_8cce103391.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Beach party every Sunday afternoon
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3170069037_0464bdf6fc.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Prostitution is a massive problem in Nosy Be. I counted close to thirty "working girls" at this party. It is disgusting to see this bald, fat old (white) men with young girls.
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3170832310_8bbfa0db57.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Island
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/3170899758_99469512cd.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
For sale!
<img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3170900338_3813675f4b.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Local Fisherman's catch
<img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1116/3170071341_56627b2ee2.jpg?v=0" title="" border="0">
Sign at the harbour
I did not take many pictures on the trip back. But if you want to get a feeling for the trip back, I suggtest you read this report from back to front.
Any questions?
Nardus
Pack Dog
Very interesting - thanks for sharing !!
If you get a couple of bikes, I (and some mates) will be one of your first clients - let me know.
If you get a couple of bikes, I (and some mates) will be one of your first clients - let me know.
GO GIRL
Race Dog
Wow what an interesting report and I am sure that there is so much that you gained from a trip of the nature.... 8) 8)
Just love reading about all these 'faraway adventurous places'... very interesting just getting there and doing it what fun, what an experience and adventure
:biggrin:
Just love reading about all these 'faraway adventurous places'... very interesting just getting there and doing it what fun, what an experience and adventure
:biggrin:
Nardus
Pack Dog
Het gister Metaljockey se Madagaskar foto's gesien - wow, wat 'n mooi plek. Hulle het verseker jou hulp en raad baie waardeur !!
kevin
Race Dog
ClrScr said:
Looks a lekka place to ride and explore, nice RR - I would also consider a trip there
Misty
Race Dog
eSKaPe said:
Um yes please can we?!! Nice one ClrScr! :thumleft:
Misty said:
Julle is welkom.
Ek het iemand gesels en hy is bereid om bikes uit te huur per dag. So in die orde v R200-300 minder vir langer.
Ongelukkig is dit Tjaaineeze baaiks maar hulle is BRAND BRAND NEW. Hy het 40.
Se net wanneer.
kevin
Race Dog
Misty said:
Of course! Now ClrScr has a few potential customers for his business venture
Cave Girl
Race Dog
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2007
- Messages
- 2,506
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Croydon - Kempton Park
- Bike
- Kawasaki KLR 650
Wow brings back memories - thanks for all the pic's
Great RR ClrScr! :thumleft:
Would love to come over for a ride holiday ;D
Would love to come over for a ride holiday ;D
Misty
Race Dog
Jis ClrScr dit klink mos nou soos 'n blink plan!!! Miskien iets om na in te kyk om so 'n groepie te reel! :ricky:
Similar threads
