Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

Me too, I was there in 1971. I left in July to return to France. I was in Nosy Be as a radio operator at the Ivato base. Nothing but good memories, but I don’t remember your name!

I’m Paul Janeczko. I was at Ivato in 1971 and 1972, and I used to waterski. Did we cross paths?

We might have met—I was a member of the CMAI, and I also did water skiing and aquaplaning, with a chair set up on top like a real acrobat! I don’t remember much, but one of the CMAI leaders was Adj. Mahistre Vidal... Anyway, we all returned to mainland France because the base was preparing to move to Réunion. I suppose that’s what you experienced in ’72.

Janeczko Paul I was in Nosy Be in July 1971 I recognize photo 2

Hi Paul, I was in Madagascar (Ivato) from 1969 to 1971 (July), same time as Nosybé2! Same profession. Like him, I was a radio operator and also went to Nosy Be several times. With my friend Mahistre, we took care of the CMAI by Lake Ambohibo (!) Water skiing, sailing, and working with young people.... I returned to Madagascar in 2005 and 2007 with an association (building schools) in the Zafamanary region on the central highlands of the island. Great memories! But exhausting! We were supposed to go to the Comoros and Nosy Be at the end of 2013, but family issues made us postpone the trip.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Jean Marie V. (in the Cévennes)

Hello again. I was in Ivato in 1971 and 1972 with the GAMOM50, SAMAR SATER service. I traveled a lot in the northern Atlas, did waterskiing, sailing, diving, parachuting, and spent time at the base pool. I used to go on missions for airdrops at sea and on land—I think we must have crossed paths. I remember a severe sunburn the boat operator for the waterskiing on the lake got! Bike to you, Paul Janeczko

Hello everyone,

I stumbled upon this forum by chance. I’m Pascal BARNERIAS, and I was just a kid during our stays in Nosy Be (from 1966 to 1969, if I remember correctly), but I still have some great memories... Maybe some of you remember my parents, my father Marius (now 89), who was a communications ADC in Ivato from 1966 to 1969, or my sisters Dominique, Martine, and Françoise. It’s been such a pleasure reading through all these pages. We have lots of slides and some Super 8 films—I think we’ll be able to post some of them. Take care,

Pascal

I was at IVATO from January 1971 to July 1973, just before the Base was dissolved. I spent time in Nosy Be as a mechanic (electricity via generators and water supply) and as a supplier, going to buy food in a 4x4. I tried water skiing once, but I was terrible at it, so I stopped. I used to hang out with pilot DEGUINGAND, doctor CORDOLIANI, and photographer Christian DONNOT, among others. I lived by the lake in TANA, then after the incidents, I moved to the IVATO housing estate. I played soccer, rugby, and especially pétanque every afternoon.

Hi Pascal, I was a radio operator at the Ivato base reception center from '69 to '71, and your name rings a bell. I remember your face, but it was so long ago. I also went to Nosy Be as a radio assistant to the camp chief, both for work and vacation, and I think your dad worked at STS on the base. We definitely crossed paths. Welcome to the site!

Hello. I’m Janeczko. I remember Mr. Deguingand.

TO ALL, my friends,

With the hope of seeing you again soon for my greatest pleasure, To you and your family, I wish you

A HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014

May this year be as radiant as the sky in the photo Warm regards, Francis the Nosy-Be local

Good evening, Dear friends, I have two pieces of good news to share: - The first: At last, I can announce to those who contributed to Mumu’s fundraiser that the 3 packages have finally arrived—after quite a struggle! (photo at the bottom) I was a bit stressed because they’d been on the way since the end of March 🤪! Between the dock workers' strike in Réunion, some packages disappearing from the container, and transport issues to the site, I lost the only hair I had left on my head! A huge thank you again to everyone.

- The second: The photo library on our site "ivato-nosybe.com" is growing, and if you’d like to share your photos by posting them yourself, you can do so here --> http://www.ivato-nosybe.com/diaporama/index.php I’ve started, now it’s your turn. If you have any trouble, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Have a great evening everyone

Thanks Francis! We also hope this new year brings you health, happiness, and prosperity, and that your move to Nosy Be goes smoothly. We’re really thinking about coming to recharge on the beaches of this beautiful island that left us with so many great memories. Best wishes, Yves and Jeannick😎

Happy New Year to you too... Gégé.

Happy New Year to you, Lenosybéen! I just had a chat with Gégé, and he reassured me about Mada. 😉

Hello LENOSYBEEN, I’m new to the site. I lived in Cité Foche between ’69 and ’71, and for nearly 12 years now I’ve been looking for former residents of Foch. I’m COIQUIL Bernard—my father worked at Ivato, and we spent our holidays in Nosy Be. I went to school in Tana at the Collège de France; I was twelve in ’69.

Good evening everyone, Bernard, You can contact me privately by clicking on one of the links at the bottom or by clicking on "lenosybeen" on the left and sending a private message. I know it’s not obvious at first. See you soon! Have a great evening, Francis, the Nosy Be local

hey francis, i just added a few photos to the nosy be album with some sunset shots. i’ve got more—i’ll add them a bit later.

Hello everyone, May is finally here, which means it's the best time to visit Nosy Be! I'm leaving in less than 15 days now for... the village of the pirogue fishermen to practice my first job as a pirogue fisherman!!! I think this year, to start, I'll do a little week-long fishing trip off the Mitsiou islands. Who loves me, follow me!

Best wishes to all, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hello everyone, I got back from Madagascar about two weeks ago now... and I'm still struggling a bit to get back into the swing of things. My first flight with Kenya Airways: CDG -> Nairobi -> Tana -> then... Nosy-Bé by road. The return trip was the same in reverse. Aside from the journey being exhausting, the rest was overwhelmingly positive, especially the savings: over 300 €! I hope you all have a wonderful end-of-year celebration with family or friends. With a special thought for those who find themselves alone.

Best,

Francis the Nosy-Béan

Hello Francis, from your last message, it looks like you're back in France. Must be tough getting used to life in the Métropole again! We wish you a happy and wonderful 2015. See you soon, Gisèle and Jean-Marie

hi francis, we hope you have a smooth readjustment. I can well believe it’s tough to leave paradise! Thanks for the info on the interesting flights. I’m thinking maybe next year, if all goes well, I’ll head over there. Wishing you happy holidays and see you soon! yves

Wishing you all a happy and wonderful 2015! Good health and... lots and lots... of amazing moments like in the photo. Happy New Year to everyone!

Best,

Francis from Nosy Be

hi there After a ton of research, I stumbled upon this super interesting forum. I’m trying to find my grandfather, who I believe was in the military at BA181 between 1960 and 1963, with a detachment at STPMAA in Tamatave... His name would be LHOMME or LHOMMEE, first name Georges.

Just a little backstory: he met my grandmother in Tamatave, and my mom was born from their relationship. The story doesn’t end there, though—he apparently never knew about the birth... My grandmother passed away around 1971, so I don’t have much info, but if anyone can shed some light, that would be amazing.

Thanks everyone

After an enormous amount of research, I came across this very interesting forum. I’m looking for my grandfather, who was supposedly in the military at BA181 between 1960 and 1963, I think. With a detachment at STPMAA in Tamatave... His name would be LHOMME or LHOMMEE, first name Georges.

Hello Céline, I do remember that a certain Lhomme stayed at the holiday camp in Nosy-Be (at our place) but around 1969, 1970, or 1971. I think it was at the same time as Lardenois, Normann, Dezetter, Troin... I even seem to recall inviting him to a party I organized in 1986 at the Taverny base. Not 100% sure about his first name, but I think it was indeed Georges. However, there’s another Lhomme who contacted me in the 2000s about a piece of land in Antaolankena that belonged to my father. A professional swindler! I hope it’s not him for your sake! You can contact me via PM if you’d like. Best regards,

Hello everyone, I wish you all a happy and wonderful 2016! and here are a few photos to warm your heart! Happy New Year to all! Francis from Nosy-Be

thanks francis for these wonderful photos. i also wish you all the best for this new year, and i hope to plan a trip myself soon. see you soon, yves

Francis, Gisèle and I (Jean-Marie) wish you a happy and prosperous 2016. Happiness, health, and all that... plus lots of trips to Madagascar.

Jean-Marie / Gisèle Vidal (In the Cévennes)

Dear friends, I'm off again for nearly 3 months—guess where? Yep, still in my little hidden spot! Here ==> So... who loves me, follow me!

Hey Francis! Three months—I’m dreaming... of your paradise! How’s your region doing? Madagascar is still a dream for me 😅 Send some photos of your paradise! What do you plan to do in Nosy Be—hikes, dives...? See you soon! My plans are getting closer as the months go by, but I still have work to do back in France... Start planning some itineraries, and we’ll figure out a dream trip together... PR😎

Hi Patrick, My region is doing great tourism-wise. I just Skyped with a friend who’s been a merchant for generations in Nosy-Be. He tells me there are more tourists this year. It’s true because I’ve also had more requests to come stay with us: les-piroguiers.com Just in case you didn’t know, I’m trying to preserve a peninsula, and for some time now, I’ve been organizing stays with outings through my association, just like before. It’s true that this is my little corner—I created it—but calling it a "paradise" is far from my mind! Though it could be, or it is, but only for dreamers... Cheers, Francis the Nosy-Be local

Hey there, Friend! I checked out your site, Les Piroguiers, during my stay in Madagascar—it brought back childhood memories. I’ll be making films and taking photographs of nature and the beauty of certain sites. So, if you’d like, I can create some short films for your site or even stage some scenes to attract vacationers... To start, you could take some photos, and I could put together an animation for you. This is a free offer from a former Nosy-Be local... Kudos to you for protecting your property! With my future images, I can add value to your regulated tourism efforts. Cheers, Vélouma. PR😉

hi francis, lucky you—you’re gonna make me dream again! I’m looking into heading to Tana next year. Hope you have a great trip—we’re with you in spirit. yves

😉Hi Lenosybeen GREAT SITE I'll be back in Madagascar and I'll come see you

Have a great vacation

Hi Patrick, Thanks so much for your offer—it’s really kind of you—but welcoming a ton of tourists isn’t at all my goal or that of the association. That said, hosting a certain type of tourists, among others: yes! In fact, to stay true to my goals, I just turned down an offer from a big tour operator (travel agency) for October 2017. Personally, I think the site: les-piroguiers.com that I created for the association is already a bit too modern, as are the photos—but those are from passing contributors and haven’t been retouched. The peninsula we’re on, which I want to protect, isn’t my property! See you soon, Francis the Nosy Be local

Hi Yves, Thanks, and if you need any info on flights or anything else—Tana, the road, etc.—don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m doing Tana ==> Nosy Be by road due to finances. And Jean-Marie, any news from him? Cheers, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hi Christian, Thanks for the site—some of the old-timers really helped me with the text. I’d be delighted to have you over. A warm welcome and a special stay are obviously reserved for anyone who knew the Ivato base or the Amporaha camp. Goes without saying! Cheers, Francis, the Nosy Be local

😏Thanks, see you soon!

My suggestion wasn’t about mass tourism—far from it—just adding a few complementary images to your site to help showcase it better... Like you, I’m not a fan of big touristy tours; that’s not my style at all. Especially since we always travel as backpackers, even with 60 candles on the cake... Thankfully, there are still some protected corners left on our planet... But adding photos or short videos sometimes lets me see and get to know a region we’d like to rediscover... I hope you’ve better understood my proposal now... I’ll reach out again when you’re back in mainland France. Wishing you great moments—here, we’re heading into the gloomy season with bad weather on the way... Warm regards from Aquitaine. Patrick

A promise kept, a little recap of our stay on the pirogue islanders' islet. Two sublime days to immerse ourselves in nature, a "cabin" with all the comforts for sleeping and being lulled by the waves. Animals to keep us company, a garden in full bloom. Simple and delicious cuisine with more than ultra-fresh fish! A haven of peace in this place. The shyness and kindness of the people who welcome us and take care of us. No cars, no electricity, no noise, yet still comfortable!!!!!! That’s the summary—an absolute must-do.

Leila and Stephane

Hello everyone, Leila, thanks for this description. I'm off again! 😉 leaving tomorrow morning still with Kenya Airways to Ivato and then the bus to Nosy-Be, with my final destination being my village: les-piroguiers.com



and pineapples between every hut!!! 😉

It's true, I was already there in April-May! But what can I say, I can't resist the call of the sea! However, I find it a shame (for him) that some of us, old-timers from Ivato and the Amporaha camp, told me they were there at the same time as me in May. I think we could have at least met up, if only to take a little trip to the sacred islet 😎! Isn’t that right, Christian?

So, still true to my motto: Those who love me, follow me! So, until I return on September 12th, I wish you all: Have a great holiday here or why not in Nosy-Be!!!! 😏 See you soon, Francis the Nosy-Be local

Hi Francis, Enjoy your trip!! I’m so jealous.... It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you, and I haven’t been great at keeping in touch either!! A little trip to your little paradise brings back great memories! Anyway, have a great trip, and I’ll try to get in touch as soon as I can. Best, Philippe

Hi Francis! Enjoy your stay. Hope you and your family are doing well. Can’t wait to read about your adventures and see photos of this gorgeous paradise. Sending you big hugs. Marie jo

Hi Francis, In April 2018, I’ll be visiting the "Big Island" with a stopover in Nosy Be alongside former members of BA 181. Maybe I’ll have the pleasure of meeting you? I’ll reach out via PM on the BA 181 Ivato site. Best regards.

Hi Henri, I’d be happy to help, but I just arrived last night at Ivato and will be staying in Nosy-Be until September 13th, of course. So don’t worry if my replies take a while—I’m often out at sea with my pirogues!

In the meantime, here’s a team of former BA members who came to spend their vacation with me in Nosy-Be: and our mode of transport:

Otherwise, get in touch with Christian Grévisse—he’ll explain everything. See you soon, Francis, the Nosy-Be local

Hello Francis, and enjoy your stay on the Isle of Fragrances, as it used to be called... In memory of June 1965, warm regards to the coconut trees, my favorite tree!

Best wishes to the former members of BA 181. Pierre

Hello, I hope you don't mind me asking if, by any chance, you knew Soldier Gérard Payet in Ivato around 1960/1962, more or less. We spent a lot of time with his family—our mothers worked together. I’d love to know if you’ve stayed in touch with any of your regiment buddies, especially this soldier from back then. Thanks for your reply!

Madagascar, what a beautiful country—so many unforgettable memories. Greetings! My VoyageForum username is colimaçons

Hello, I hope you don’t mind me asking if, by any chance, you knew Soldier Gérard Payet in Ivato around 1960/1962, give or take. We spent a lot of time with his family—our mothers worked together. I’d love to know if you’ve stayed in touch with any of your regiment buddies, especially this soldier from back then. Thanks for your reply! Mada, what a beautiful country—so many unforgettable memories. Greetings, my Voyage Forum username is colimaçons.

Good evening, I was in Mada from November 1964 to October 1965, so I couldn’t have known Gérard Payet. But I did have another Payet with me at the time, originally from La Réunion, as expected. I’ve reconnected with a few buddies from my time thanks to this site. The site’s creator, Francis (what a job he’s done!), was only about ten years old when I was in Nosy Bé, and I knew his parents well—I was the camp driver in June 1965..... What a marvel!! Hopefully, we’ll catch up. Best regards, Pierre.

Hello, I’m reaching out to ask if by any chance you knew soldier Gérard Payet in Ivato around 1960/1962, give or take. We spent a lot of time with his family—our mothers worked together. I’d love to know if you’ve stayed in touch with any of your regiment buddies, especially this soldier from back then. Thanks for your reply! Madagascar—what a beautiful country, so many unforgettable memories. Cheers, my VoyageForum username is colimaçons.

Good evening, I was in Madagascar from November 1964 to October 1965, so I couldn’t have known Gérard Payet. But I had another Payet with me at the time, originally from Réunion, as expected. I’ve reconnected with a few buddies from my time thanks to this site. The site’s creator, Francis (what a job he’s done!), was only about ten years old when I was in Nosy Be, and I knew his parents well. I was the camp driver in June 1965..... What a marvel! Hopefully, we’ll catch up. Best regards, Pierre.

Hello, thank you for your reply. I must’ve misread or thought you were in Ivato around 1960/1962. There are so many Payets! My family and I would’ve been thrilled to hear news of them. Thanks again for your response. Wishing you all the best. Kind regards, (colimaçons)

Happy New Year to everyone! Wishing you all great health above all. I’m back from Nosy Be and available for anyone who wants information. lenosybeen@orange.fr

in December 2017

Nosy Be in... 1960?