Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

From 1972 to 1973, I worked at the A.A. rest camp as a technician

Hello, I really enjoyed reading your discussions. I’m sending you a photo of Pouliquen that everyone admired. On the left, I think it’s Gérard Troin, and on the right, a boy whose name I can’t remember—he told Pouliquen he’d seen a manta ray... As a result, Pouliquen went looking for it every day. With that boy, my sister and I had a pirogue race... we started off like a shot, leading the race, but when it came time to turn around the buoy... impossible! We ended up being towed back to the beach by a boat... what a embarrassment! Corinne Boutin

Hello Corinne Boutin, Would you happen to be part of the Boutin family who was at the camp during the summers between 1967 and 1970? After looking at the photo and reading your comment, I suddenly had memories come flooding back. I have memories of the Boutin family—I think there were two sisters.... Back then, we used to eat together with Marie Lou Troin, Nathalie Gac, JJ Gourves, and myself, Patrick Romé. The pirogue races: during one race, we were disqualified because Francis’s sister was with us. I’m in Bordeaux now, and my daughter is in Gujan, so maybe see you soon. Until then, here’s the best memory from a Nosybéan. Velouma and see you soon. Patrick Romé

Ah..............I live in La Teste now... I’ll send you another photo: the blue dress is my sister Christine, and me in the green one! There was also Monique, who was much younger (11/12 years old), and my older sister Martine, who, poor thing, had just left to return to France. My dad worked at Fiadane, assigned to air transport. I lived on Boulevard Labigorne, in a small army villa facing the zoo. My memories are just like yours: magical! My 14/15 years in an incredible country... and then Nosy Be... where our busy parents gave us royal freedom—what an amazing discovery! See you,

Hello Corinne, So glad to have you with us. Your photos are amazing!! Ah, Pouliquen: A great diver indeed!!! I think I know the guy in the blue shirt!!! I don’t think it’s Gérard, but I could be wrong. Your two photos are definitely from slides—they’re upside down. I sent you a private message. Check your messages at the top of the VoyageForum site. Best, A friend from 40 years ago The Nosy-Be local

Well, here we go! It really is you and your sisters who were in Madagascar at the same time as us. I lived in the Bahuhau city, not far from the Zoo on the hill leading to it. By the way, if I take the time to look at the S8 photos and videos, I think you’re all in them—especially in the videos from the beach parties like the "Pirogue Races," etc. Those were wonderful years, and when Francis and I talk, so many memories come flooding back. We’re both the same age, after all. When I started looking for friends from Madagascar back in 2005, I remember that my dear friend JJ Gourves and I mentioned your name—proof we hadn’t forgotten you!

Let me use *tu* with you, because even if there’s been a little gap of a few years among the "Paradise kids," we can still talk to each other informally.

I’ve reunited with a lot of our old classmates from back then, and every time, it’s such an emotional experience. Yes! Those were happy years—our first teenage freedoms, so cool!

I have to step away now, but see you soon, dear neighbor. The basin is nice, but Nosy-Be is even better ++++ Recently, I filmed a report about an old sea wolf and oyster farmer in La Teste. I’ll be back on the site this evening. Patrick Romé

Hi Corinne, Here’s the email address where we can stay in touch: cinevideo33@orange.fr See you soon—I’ll have some photos to send you. I think I have that famous canoe competition on a digitized S8 film, and you’re in it along with your sisters... maybe even others. Warm regards, P. Romé

Hi everyone, Some of you told me you weren’t aware that the reunion trip originally planned in Madagascar was postponed to June 2013. There was even one person 😉 who fell off her wardrobe crying 😕. So, I’m letting you know here on VF that a trip is planned to Nosy-Be from May 25 to June 11 for those who are interested. Here’s the link to our site: http://www.ivato-nosybe.com/forumivato/viewforum.php?f=46 Cheers,

Hello everyone, I’ll be in Nosy Be from mid-May to mid-July. ...Those who love me, follow me... The local association is already aware of the arrival of vacationers from 25/05 to 11/06. A new pirogue arrived in the village the day before yesterday, like in the attached photo with Yannick Breton at the helm, but much deeper. Best wishes to all, Francis the Nosy Be local

Hello, A few photos I’ve been meaning to post on this forum for a while— the airport, the market, the town hall before and after 5/72. I’ve got a few more still... See you soon! Pierre 40 years have passed!!!

Hello everyone,

The flight with Corsair went smoothly, with 16 empty seats at the back until Dzaoudzi, where we had a layover of about an hour. We arrived at Ivato almost half an hour early. I hit it off with my neighbor, a really nice Guadeloupean (a customs officer), which makes sense, given we're both Creoles from the islands.

The day after next, the Tana/Nosy-Be minibus ride was more exhausting. We left Tana at 2 PM and arrived in Ambanja at 7 AM, then switched minibuses to Ankify, took the speedboat, and finally got to Nosy-Be around 11 AM.

This year, after the rainy season, the land is lush and green and is finally starting to look like something. There are bananas galore and papayas too.

The night before last, I went night fishing in a pirogue. We left at 4 PM and got back at 6 AM with some good catches.

Have a great evening, everyone!

Francis the Nosy-Be local

Hi there! Wow.. I got your battery and started packing my suitcase... this afternoon I’m gonna buy some flip-flops 😉! Brigitte stopped by on Sunday. We’re at D-7, YAY, and I love bananas. Think about what you might still need. Hugs

On 05/20/2012 Hi Francis, Sorry I didn’t return your call—no worries! I got your message. But I had two minor procedures, and unfortunately, there was a small complication that kept me down for a few days. I’m happy to say everything’s back to normal now.

From what I’ve seen on the site, you’re going to have visitors—enjoy it! One day, we’ll join you. That’s for sure! Lamumu and all your visitors, have a great stay and tell us about your adventure "Ko-Nosy-Be...".

See you soon—with all my friendship—Patrick in Bordeaux.

Hi La Mumu, hope you have a great vacation—I bet lots of memories will come flooding back... Make the most of it... eat some bananas for us! Have a wonderful trip! With friendship from Patrick in Bordeaux... Mumu, remember to take photos... If you pass by Amporaha, we can relive all the memories from back then and now... Kisses, see you soon.

Hey Patrick! I'm so excited to leave. Yes, I'll take photos and you can explain to me again with Christian when I get back how to scan them! LOL No problem with the bananas, it's my favorite fruit. I'm bringing sinkers and fishing lures (I died laughing in the fishing shops I visited a lot this week). We'll tell you all about it and we'll be thinking of you all.... Veloma!!!

hey! all the big fishermen know about Turluttes!!!!. Lots of young women must be relieved to know that the turlutte isn’t a sin . Happy fishing! Catch some groupers and other tropical fish!!! The vibe’s already great! I’d love to share your moments—I think I’ll make it soon. Have a great stay! Velouma dear Mumu. Kisses from Patrick

Hello everyone,

I just got off the phone with Francis... the weather’s gorgeous under the coconut trees... can’t wait until we have coconut trees too!!! Everyone’s doing well—Mumu, Brigitte, Francis—it was time for *sakafe* (little skewers and local fruit). Francis is putting the girls on the plane tomorrow so he can finally catch a break. And we’ll get updates on this amazing adventure in the rediscovered land. *Veloma* Warm regards, Zoma

Well, here we are back after an off-the-beaten-path trip with perfect weather conditions. Thanks to Francis for allowing us to experience unique moments. His deep knowledge of his country and its history, both past and present, his dedication, and his kindness made this stay *amazing*! We lived in the small community village he created (you’ll only discover its name when you arrive!), on land he’s gradually reforesting with coconut trees, mango trees, banana trees, hibiscus, and other magnificent species, on a deserted beach only accessible by pirogue (luckily!). Patrick, our knight in shining armor, served as our guide and interpreter, while Honorée, his wife, treated us to delicious cuisine (so much for losing those expected kilos!). Tooly, Richard, Dada, and Pitt were there at every moment for our pirogue trips, treks, and precious water supplies. Victorine handled our currency exchange. And the children? Absolute darlings with radiant smiles. We set off by pirogue to the mainland, stopping at Nosy Komba along the way. Camping in spots free of tourists, with stunning landscapes on the agenda. We also reached DIEGO by boat and then by road, stopping in the Tsingy of Ankarana for an incredible 10 km trek... There’s still so much more to tell! This nature and eco-friendly "lodge" allowed us to truly become part of Malagasy life, to discover what few people see when they stay in Nosy Be, and to clear our minds. With Francis’s agreement, we’ve set stay and excursion prices that we’ll share with you soon. Francis’s commitment is exemplary in every way. Plus, he can do it all: he’s a guide, teacher, manager, mechanic, builder, gardener, botanist, fisherman, and more! It’s important to support them. The priority is to bring a boat engine from France (to facilitate food, medical, and transfer trips) to and from Hellville (no road leads to the village). The cost of shipping this is around 600 €. So today, I’m officially launching a fundraiser to collect donations to make this shipment happen quickly. Later, it would be great to set up a support association whose membership fees would go entirely to their association to improve life on-site (building 2 additional huts, reforesting the hill behind the village, buying resin to seal the pirogues, wood for small furniture to improve our comfort, pipes (2 km) to bring water to the land—the tank Francis built only works during the rainy season!), purchasing fuel for trips and the generator that gave us light in the evenings and allowed us to charge our batteries. Well, dear friends of Amporaha camp, thank you for your support. You can contact me either here or on our website. A fond thought to Robert the show-off, the young rooster who accompanied us from the mainland to Nosy Be and stood guard—faithfully but noisily—in front of my hut! But that’s another story... AMNY MAGNARAKA! (See you soon!)

Hello everyone,

Quite late, since our two travelers have already been back for over a week, but here’s some news—or rather a summary of their return to Nosy-Be.

They arrived as planned on Saturday, May 26. After a 1-hour delay at Fascène followed by two flat tires, it was off to a great start! Lunch in Hell-Ville, a few shopping stops at the flea market, and a quick visit to the *Donia* (Nosy-Be’s music festival). They reached the camp by taxi-pirogue, sailing in at sunset. The village welcomed them warmly, and the camp is located north of Nosy-Be in Befotaka Bay.

Sunday was for resting and getting familiar with the place.

On Whit Monday, a small *dzoro* (a request or incantation to the ancestors) took place before departure in beautiful weather for the old Amporaha camp, with a picnic on the sacred islet. Their request was granted—we got thoroughly drenched (the only rain during the entire stay) around 3 PM on the way back.

A little aside: Regarding the cooking and the cook’s skills. To date, everyone who’s visited the village—including Yannick Breton, a professional chef—has raved about the cook’s talents. Our two pioneers can share their thoughts on that!

The first week was dedicated to a pirogue trip to the mainland. Unfortunately, the wind wasn’t in our favor—quite the opposite. We had to use the motor the whole way. - We left early Wednesday. We were supposed to cover the *east* side on the way out, but the wind had other plans. So we explored the *west* side, passing Andilana Beach, Sakatia Island, all the beaches, the remains of Nosy-Be’s fishery, the crater port, and arriving in Hell-Ville around 11 AM. After some shopping, we left for Nosy Komba at 2 PM. A nice little hotel, a visit to the area, and the lemur park. Thursday: We set off (almost forgetting the sail!) for Nosy Tany-Kély, but with so many boats on the island, we decided to move on. A deserted beach as far as the eye could see, crystal-clear water all to themselves. We set up the tents and went for a swim. Friday: Off to Marotogny. Set up the tents, visited the village, and took a photo of the hut linked to Jean-Paul Belmondo. Saturday: Return to the camp—unfortunately, still by motor, and it was a long trip. Sunday: A little relaxation in the village.

The second week was a road trip to Diego by 4x4 taxi. We left very early Monday morning, but first, a mandatory taxi-pirogue ride and a true *taxi-brousse* experience to Hell-Ville. Then a crossing to Ankify by *coque* (speedboat), with a small breakdown right in the middle. The ferry carrying our 4x4 also broke down. A quick detour to Ambanja for cocoa photos, then a stop in Ambilobé for a hotel and dinner. Tuesday morning: Early start for the Tsingy at Ankarana Park. Breakfast and a 10 km hike in the park. Left around 2 PM for Anivorano and Diego, arriving around 5 PM. Rooms at Nosy-Bé Hôtel, dinner. Wednesday: Explored Diego, Joffre-Ville, and did some shopping. Thursday: Return to Nosy-Be with a flat tire and an engine on its last legs. We arrived in Ankify at 2 PM, crossed to Hell-Ville by *coque*, did some shopping, then crossed back by taxi-pirogue to reach the village around 7 PM. Friday: Rest and a little fishing for our two travelers. Saturday: Visit to a small local distillery and fishing at sunset. Sunday: Departure for Hell-Ville. Stayed at Hôtel d’Ambonara. We were invited to a communion meal for Patrick and Honorée’s children. Relaxed in the afternoon, swam in the pool, and had dinner by candlelight with the team and the kids—*mouskiky* (skewers), breadfruit... Farewell to the whole team, as we left the next day.

That’s a quick rundown of our two travelers’ stay. Have a great day, everyone!

Hello, I discovered your site, then this forum... moving... and then I saw myself in a photo by Philippe Guillotin on your site... very, very moving. I’m Dominic Campillo, son of Marcel (Chief Warrant Officer, flight mechanic at BA 181) and Simone (a teacher at the base), and the older brother of Fabien and Robin. We lived in Tana from 1969 to 1971, first in a housing estate near Lake Ambohibao, then in a villa on the base. The Esca, Nosy-Be, the Comoros, the nautical club at Lake Ambohibao, Antsirabe, etc... I’m so happy to relive all these wonderful moments with you. I’ll be posting photos from that time soon. I currently live in Aix-en-Provence and Barcelona. I’ve founded a communications agency and an art sales website. I have two kids: Martin, 18, and Victor, 15. Veloma.

Hi everyone,

Yep, it's over—I'm already back in the Paris area! I brought back a nasty flu from Nosy Be!. Apologies to anyone who tried to reach me by phone, but I haven’t had a working mobile for about ten days.

Dominic (so glad we finally talked on the phone!) and Fabien, welcome to the club!.

Have a great day, everyone. In the photo, our little flotilla. (But of course I rowed all the way back!!!)

Hello, I discovered your site, then this forum... moving... and then I saw myself in a photo by Philippe Guillotin on your site... very, very moving. I’m Dominic Campillo, son of Marcel (Chief Warrant Officer, flight mechanic at BA 181) and Simone (a teacher at the base), and the older brother of Fabien and Robin. We lived in Tana from 1969 to 1971, first in a housing estate near Lake Ambohibao, then in a villa on the base. The ESCA, Nosy-Bé, the Comoros, the nautical club on Lake Ambohibao, Antsirabé, etc... I’m happy to relive all these wonderful moments with you. I’ll be posting photos from that era soon. I currently live in Aix-en-Provence and Barcelona. I founded a communications agency and an art sales site. I have two kids, Martin, 18, and Victor, 15. Veloma.

* Hey Juankaplan, I’m Bruno Lataste. I was in Tana at the same time as you (’69–’72), after having lived there as a kid between ’59–’60. We were in a villa on the base, and I attended ESCA for two years (4th and 3rd grade). I’ve had the chance to return to the places (Tana, Nosy-Bé, Mantasoa, etc.) many times since. I’ve lived on Réunion since 1991 and go back to Madagascar regularly. In fact, I’m leaving tomorrow for a week in SAINTE MARIE—whale watching, beaches, walks, etc. I’m especially eager for photos from that era (like everyone else), and I’m really looking forward to yours. Veloma. I’ll probably post some photos of Sainte MARIE on the forum or the site (you must know the address?). Bruno

Hello Muriel, and hello to everyone on this forum.

If you registered on this site, it’s because you knew Ivato BA 181, Tana’s schools (ESACA, Jules Ferry, Galliéni, Rabe, Ampéfilo, etc.), Nosy Be, and Amporaha... We all share at least one connection—a memory to share—and a unique contact, Francis. I agree with Muriel and her idea of a subscription. How many of us are on this forum? 150, maybe even 300, including those who’ve reconnected through Francis’s site. So, to help develop this little eco-village, we can make a community gesture. The families who’ve already stepped up: the Tavels (Mrs. Tavel) and their daughters M-F and Nini, the Grevisses (Mr. and Mrs. Grevisse) and their son Christian... who’ve also reached out to their four children (even though they don’t know Madagascar yet—they’ve heard us talk about it so much, with so much joy and fond memories, that they said, "We’re in, and one day we’ll go!"). So, how many more will join? I hope as many as possible—and as quickly as you all respond to posts on this forum!!! No matter the amount... what matters is contributing to this effort. We all know where the total will go, and one day, each of us can see it for ourselves.

Warm regards to all, Zoma

Thank you for your supportive message. The CRUCHOU family joined you, of course—mom, brother, and my kids too, whom I’ve been immersing in the waters of Nosy Be since they were little. Today, it’s great to help those who welcomed us and allowed us to have such amazing moments, especially when they lack even the most basic things we take for granted! A trip there like the one I had last month really puts things into perspective. I’m available, along with Zoma, to talk more about it.

Sending you hugs, Mumu

I wanted to respond positively, but a postal address would be necessary. Could you please provide contact details?

Best regards, Bernard

Yes Bernard, I know you replied quickly, immediately even! I sent you an email but you must not have received it.... I gave you my contact details: my address: Muriel CRUCHOU 6 villa d'Arcueil 92170 VANVES my email address: lamumucruchou@hotmail.fr I’ll give you my phone number so we can talk. I’ll be back in Paris on August 2nd. Cheers

Hi Bruno. On http://www.facebook.com/dominic.campillo I posted a class photo from 3ème at Esca where you can be found. Best regards. Dominic

Thanks Bernard! I received your letter and contribution today. 🙂 Brigitte COURTOIS-VELY has generously joined us... 😇 Just a little more effort and the village that’s not accessible by road will feel less isolated... See you soon, Muriel

Hey there! We share the same memories! Were you part of the soccer team with my brother Gérald, the Guillotin brothers, the Mayor brothers, Serge Maurin, etc.? If so, I’ve got an awesome photo of you all! I can send it to you whenever you want! See you soon

Yes, I was part of that team. You can send it to me even in high resolution at dcampillo@bazart.com. Ciao Dominic

Hello everyone, Last weekend, Mumu gave me the envelope regarding the subscription she launched: http://www.ivato-nosybe.com/forumivato/mcp.php?i=main&mode=post_details&f=24&p=365 . Or here: http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=5289627#5289627 A huge thank you to all the generous donors! This will be a huge help to the association, and believe me, this money will go where it’s needed! Thanks again, and have a great evening everyone.

PS: Regarding our site http://www.ivato-nosybe.com/forumivato/index.php, especially its forum, I’m looking for anyone who can help me improve it and make it at least clearer by rephrasing the titles, subtitles, topics, etc. I admit this isn’t my area at all—so much so that when I tried to post the above text on our site, I got lost myself 😕. So, from my pirogue (it’s still easier to manage 😉), I’m sending out an SOS to anyone who’d like to help me restructure our site.

Good evening everyone, I wish you all the best for this new year, 2013. Good health and may all your wishes and plans come true. Happy New Year! Francis the Nosy-Be local

All my best to you too! And especially thanks for letting me reconnect virtually with Bernard and all the friends from the Ivato group (61-62) ...such emotional moments!

If I go back to Madagascar, I’ll let you know!

Best,

Jomartinique

Good evening everyone, I wish you all the best for this year 2013. Good health and may your wishes and plans come true. Happy New Year!. Francis the Nosy-Bean

Francis and to all the members of the friends of Amporaha camp in Nosy-Be, I send you all my best wishes for the new year, hoping that this year will bring your dreams to life. Health, happiness, and a little money never hurts! Yves😎

To all former Ivato and Amporaha campers: Happy New Year 2013!!! Henri.

Now it’s my turn to wish all of you a very happy 2013, full of joy and happiness—and why not sprinkled with a return to those lands we visited some years ago.

Short message for jomartinique: I think you’re Joëlle Houzé. If that’s the case, drop me a message at patrick(dot)tarbes(at)wanadoo(dot)fr, and I can send you one or two photos you’re in!

Best wishes to everyone,

Patrick

Happy New Year Lenosybeen and to all the former members of Amporaha camp in Nosy Be. Thank you for welcoming us for unforgettable holidays during our stay in Madagascar from 1963 to 1967. My husband was head of the veterinary and biological service for zone 3; besides meat campaigns for the French army, he oversaw the food supply for the three armed forces, and as a result, we were invited to the Nosy Be air force camp.

In return, I invite you to check out my Madagascar photo albums, which will bring back wonderful memories. http://www.photosdailleurs.fr/al_Madagascar/album0.html

Good evening Takacoser, Thanks for these photos and memories... You can register on our site to see photos from members of your era—there are quite a few. Don’t forget that our site is reserved for all those who knew or were close to IVATO BA 181, near or far, as well as their friends and families.

I’ll take this opportunity to announce the launch of my association’s website in Nosy-Bé: http://www.les-piroguiers.com/ It’s not quite finished or fully active yet, but it’s online. For those looking for vacations with direct contact with locals or off-the-beaten-path experiences...

Have a great evening, everyone! Le nosy-béen

Good evening Francis, I visited the Amporaha camp in Nosy-Be when I was a teenager. My father was Gilbert Guilland, chief medical officer at Air Base 181 in Ivato and a lieutenant colonel—back in 1964–65–66–67. My mother was Yvonne Guilland, my brothers were Yves and Jean-Louis, and my sister was Pascale. We lived in a villa at the far end of the base. I had a neighbor my age named Yannick Bodoko—I had a friend whose father was a paratrooper commander named Claude Rhilac, and I met a young soldier in Nosy-Be named Eric Oré. (I’m not sure about the spelling.) I have wonderful memories of the camp, and reading the messages brought back so many memories—and a few tears.

I returned to Madagascar, where I had the chance to visit the Ivato base, accompanied by an armed guard. I saw the villa we used to live in again. So many emotions, of course.

If anyone could tell me about the people I mentioned above (even family members), it would mean the world to me.

Thanks for everything, Francis, and see you soon.

Good evening, Welcome to the Françoise club (Ciska34)! So happy you’re joining us! Of course I remember your family, especially your parents, by the way. There are a few photos of your family on our site ivato-nosybe.com, under: Members' photos, which your brother sent us. Sign up and by looking through all the photos, you’ll travel even more... back in time. I haven’t heard from your brother in a while. Feel free to contact me privately if you’d like—my email address is at the bottom anyway. Best wishes to you and your whole family, and see you soon! Francis, the Nosy-Be local Anyway, this photo is gorgeous

Good evening everyone, I’m taking the opportunity of Françoise’s message above to say, like I always do: If you love me, follow me! I’m leaving on May 8th until August 5th for... Nosy Be, of course!!! In my new village, where I’m starting almost the same adventure as my parents did. Seven friends from our ivato-nosybe.com site are joining me at the end of May for 3 weeks. I’m sure they’ll tell you all about it when they get back. Best wishes to all, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hi Francis,

We arrived safely but we’re really sad to have left all of you. We had three fabulous weeks. We just spent an hour looking at photos—we’re still there in our heads! Huge thanks for such a great stay that we already want to do again.

Comments from Christian, Nini, Philippe, and Marie: For those who love truly meeting locals, don’t hesitate—Honorée (the cook we nicknamed "The Pearl of the Indian Ocean") and Patrick (the guide who took us on all the excursions) helped us discover local dishes and stunning sites. The village has a wonderful sense of serenity (despite the roosters!!!!!!), and though the comfort is basic (it’s a real Malagasy village), it’s enough for anyone who wants to live "authentically." The pirogue excursions and overnight bivouacs totally took us out of our comfort zone (which is what we wanted), and we even had the chance to see a pod of dolphins!!!!!!! Stay tuned for our next comments and photos...

Here’s a first selection of our photos showcasing our 3-week trip on Nosy Be (Association Village and bivouacs), Madagascar (the Tsingy of Ankarana and Diego) ...

Best wishes,

Here’s a first selection of our photos illustrating our 3-week stay on Nosy Be (Association Village and bivouacs), Madagascar (the Tsingy of Ankarana and Diego) ...

Cheers,

Here’s a first selection of our photos illustrating our 3-week stay on Nosy Be (Association Village and bivouacs), Madagascar (the Tsingy of Ankarana and Diego Suarez) ...

Best wishes,

Hi there, not sure if my previous message went through... I was saying that we had a fabulous trip and lived with our Malagasy friends in the village, in a warm atmosphere. Emotions, tasting Honorée's amazing cooking, sailing with exceptional pirogue sailors, camping on simply stunning beaches of the mainland, moving encounters... Laughter, good vibes, Patrick's humor—our guide, always there, an extraordinary sailor, and all the others, ready to do anything to make us happy and make this journey on land and sea unforgettable. These three weeks felt so short, but we've become true backpackers, Malagasy in our hearts.... Already present last year, I'm so happy to have reunited with all of them... with one downside for Robert the Show-off (the rooster we brought back from a village on the way to Diego), who is still as handsome but whom I would have happily "eaten" at 4 AM! The village is amazing, the vegetation is growing little by little, the huts are comfortable and so beautifully made, Honorée cooked us delicious meals in every circumstance. The pirogue is a true marvel, and the pirogue sailors are impressive! Oh là là!!!!

Hi Francis, I’m thinking of you with excitement—hope to see you again soon. Yannick

Hi everyone, Oh yes!! Back already... until next time! After the old friends from Amporaha camp left, we had a few tourists until I left. So I couldn’t do much there. Best wishes to all. Photo 1: Future doctors arriving at the guesthouse Photo 2: During a pirogue trip to Nosy Iranja Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hi Paul janeczko memories!

Hi, my name is Paul Janeczko. I was in Nosy Be in 1971!