Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

Hello and best wishes to everyone! I stumbled upon this forum by chance, and it’s bringing back so many wonderful memories! I lived in Madagascar between 1960 and 1964, in Ivato—I was just a little kid... and I also spent three "seasons" in Nosy Be. My goodness, paradise! I’ve been reading through the forum, and it’s all coming back to me—Ivato, taking off in a Dakota (troop transport version), sometimes on patrol with AD4N Sky Raiders in formation!!! Just pure happiness😄 As for Nosy Be, I remember Emile, the 403 pickup truck, the canvas camp, the lobsters, the playful groupers underwater, the beach of course, Miss Coco (I think she made dresses out of Gauloises cigarette packs—please confirm if you know!). Oh, and the pigeons the adults hunted, which were flavored with green pepper... they were really delicious! On another note, a personal message for Emile’s son: do you have a sister born around 61-62-63-64 whose second, third, or fourth name might be Andrée? Looking forward to reading your replies, and as soon as I can, I’ll dig up some photos and share the memories I still have. Best, Patrick

Hello Patrick,

Stayed with my parents in Ivato from June '68 to July '70 and in Nosy Be from September '68, July '69, and '70, as well as Easter '69. Here’s a little madeleine moment for you...

Veloma, Zoma

Hello everyone, Welcome to the forum, Patrick pjt94! The day before yesterday, I spoke with Bruno Lataste (in Réunion) on the phone. He had sent me a photo from 1961 featuring Mr. and Mrs. Tissandier, and right after, I got Mrs. Tissandier on the phone, who told me they had already seen paradise on earth in Nosy-Be. Mr. Tissandier wasn’t there because he was at his town hall (Mayor, yes—even at that age, some people still work hard!!). And what a surprise—Mr. Tissandier and Mr. Lataste (Sr.) live in the same region!

About my sister, I assume you’re referring to Isabelle, whose second name is Andrée. If you know that, I guess you’re the son of a certain Dr. André T... , who delivered my mother (known under the name Mrs. Émile) on June 21, 1965, in Amporaha, and who is Isabelle’s godfather—hence the name! Wow, the world is small! Thanks, internet!

This is only the second doctor who delivered my mother that I’ve found—only 8 more to go! Oh boy, I still have a lot of work ahead! If you’d like, we can reconnect privately by email or phone. My email and number are on the forum.

Best regards to all, Francis, the Nosy-Bean

Oh! I almost forgot:

In the photo from Zoma’s previous post, the little "white" girl in Salèpa’s arms (her mom, RIP) is actually my cousin Nathalie Anglesy, who’s currently in Marseille—and I’m her godfather. Yep, it’s a small world! Francis the Nosy Be local

Hello and thank you for your welcome. It’s still magical, the internet—going back nearly 50 years like it was yesterday!!! I just realized I got the dates a bit mixed up. Actually, I was in Ivato from ’62 to ’65, and I made "stays in Nosy Be."

Small mistake about the vehicles too—it was 403s rather than 404s

Best,

Patrick

how can I access the list of members on the Nosy Be site? My password isn't being accepted.

Thanks in advance

Hi voisin101, Reply sent via PM (private message). Have a great day everyone! le nosy-béen

Hi there,

I stumbled upon this site by chance. Having spent time at the CMAI on Lake Ambohibao, I started a Facebook group where members freely add photos. You're all welcome to join, and you'll surely recognize some familiar faces. For your info, it covers the period from '71 until the club closed and the base moved to Réunion. Here’s the link: file:///Users/yollant/Desktop/VLG/www.facebook.com:group.php%3Fgid=147719159829.webloc

We’re waiting for you to share all this!!!

Thierry YOLLANT

Hi Jean Louis, I’m Thierry YOLLANT. We were at CMAI at the same time!!!! I was just a teenager back then, but I created a Facebook group about the lake and that era. All photos of CMAI are welcome. You’ll see, there are quite a few, but none from ’47 yet. For your info, my parents bought the #42 from the club when it moved.

We’re waiting for you to share all this! See you soon.

Thierry YOLLANT

file:///Users/yollant/Desktop/VLG/www.facebook.com:group.php%3Fgid=147719159829.webloc

Hello,

Those photos are amazing... I’m Thierry YOLLANt, and I used to go to the CMAI back in the day, as well as the pool on the base toward the end. I started a Facebook group about Lake Ambohibao, and there are quite a few photos of the CMAI there. You’re welcome to join, and any photographic contributions are appreciated too. The photo where you can see a bit of the lake—where exactly is that? I don’t recognize the spot. Best, Thierry

file:///Users/yollant/Desktop/VLG/www.facebook.com:group.php%3Fgid=147719159829.webloc

Hello, 😊

I’m reaching out because I was very familiar with the B.A. 181 at IVATO from January 1965 to July 1967 (I was 11 years old in 1965). I think I recognize the movie theater (second photo from the left at the top). In fact, in 1967 (June or July), it was used as a morgue after a civilian plane accident. I know it’s not a happy memory, but I’m mentioning it to support what I’m saying. I also recognized the tennis court facade, where the pool was on the other side of the road. So many great memories...

Best regards,

Yves FERRARO

Hello Yves, the date of the plane crash was 19/07/1967. It was a DC4 1009 from Air Madagascar, and there were no survivors (42 fatalities).

http://www.liste-noire.org/crash-du-19-07-1967-de-air-madagascar_1839.html Click on the link. Best regards, a former member of BA181 jlou82

Hi jlou82, 😊

Thanks for the details about that air accident and the link you shared.

Best regards,

Yves

Good evening I wanted to upload some photos to the site but couldn’t. How can I do it? I also tried to access the members list, but it’s asking for a password I don’t have. Have a good evening, everyone Best regards Paule

Hi everyone!

Here’s the watercolor I painted based on an old photo. More are on the way.

See you all soon!

Hello Charles!!!! Don’t you think there’s a certain resemblance?? Well done for your artistic sense, I visited your blog.... Keep making us dream and paint Nosy Be.... (the photo is from April 70) The colors are a bit faded compared to your watercolor... Best regards

Oh yes! What can I say, JLouis—photos are like our hair, they turn gray with the years. Already forty years... For the next watercolors, I’m still thinking of drawing inspiration from your photos, maybe the restaurant or the pirogue on the beach with the coconut trees in the background. Perhaps the pirogue, which reminds me of those lobster outings... and then that amazing cornucopia I found at 5 meters deep, which made quite a few people in the village jealous.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Best, Veloma Charles

Hi Bruno from Saint-Pierre, Réunion!

I was browsing the Nosy Be folks' site and noticed you live in Saint-Pierre, Réunion - I’ll be on the island from April 27 to May 11 staying with my niece who lives in Les Salines - I think we could meet up -

Best, Jean Marie A former Nosy Be resident (1969/1972)

Good evening everyone, I’ve been a bit absent from the site lately. I’m leaving on June 9th for my island until September 9th. I waited a while to book my flight ticket, but it’s done now. And still my little catchphrase: Who loves me, follow me! Especially now that there are boxes to check!! Have a great evening, everyone. Francis the Nosy-Be local

yeah, that’s where I’m going!!!

Good evening Francis,

As always, you're always on the go—another departure! You're an excellent customer for the airlines! Just make sure you don’t take all the fish during your tiny three-month stay! Anyway, fair winds to you, and give us some news from time to time.....

Hi Francis, I’m heading to Madagascar from June 11 to 26 and then from October 22 to November 15, 2010. Will you be there? Yannick

A little hello from France!!!

I'm the daughter of Captain ESPOSITO-LANGELLA Antoine, Dominique. We were at the camp in 1973 or 1974... I was 15 years old. Mom was often in the kitchen with yours, I think... So many wonderful memories... that keep coming back. It was my dad who found the forum! I'm not very good at inserting photos, but I'll try! Lots of love and see you soon, Dominique.😏

Charly, good evening, what a lovely watercolor!!!!

Good evening, What budget should I plan for a 3-week trip to Madagascar, with Francis?

Without Francis: I’ve seen recent photos of the old base—so sad and desolate! Even though I was just a kid back then, a few strong memories remain. Anyway, about prices: nothing’s happening right away, but you never know what the future holds, except for those in the know. See you later, Bertrand, just a little boy during his stay in 67-69

Good day! I’m the son of Captain Guy NEFIOLOv, who was a pilot at Ivato during the same years as your father! The name Esposito rings a bell! I think he must have known my dad! Could you ask him? Unfortunately, mine is no longer with us. Malagasy kisses, Stéphane NEFIOLOV

Hello Stéphane, I received your email and immediately contacted my father. Indeed, he did know your dad in Ivato... I’m sorry he’s no longer with us. We lived in Tana, and the year of independence, I was in 10th grade. We followed courses through the CNED, and some supplements were taught in Ivato by conscripts... I’m the same age as the Perron children (Yann in particular)... I gave my father my contact details on this site, and I think he’ll get back to you. Thanks for reaching out. Dominique Esposito-Langella

Well, this is nice! I thought I recognized you, though I’m a bit younger than you, but I have a sister, Brigitte, who must be in your class! I’ll take the liberty of using the informal "tu" with you—among former Mada folks! (laughs) Here’s the address for my website with all my contact details: www.stephane-nefiolov.com Hope we stay in touch, and that you’ll like the music on the site! I’d love to hear news about your father! Malagasy greetings, Stéphane

Hi Dominique, I’m Thierry YOLLANT. I also took the CNED correspondence courses back in ’72 after ESCA closed... I knew Yann PERON well and was a regular at the CMAI. My dad was a former military pilot who switched to civilian work and was based at Air Mad. By the way, I made a little Facebook page about the lake with quite a few vintage photos. I’ll share the link if you’re interested. You’ll find some old faces from the base there—Hebraud, Laviero, and others...

file:///Users/yollant/Sites/www.facebook.com:group.php%3Fgid=147719159829.webloc

Cheers, Thierry

Hello,

I think we must have crossed paths or known each other! I’m the son of Agrissais, and I think your dad must have known mine. He doesn’t live far from me, and I’ll talk to him about it because the name Esposito really rings a bell. I was in Ivato in ’71 and ’72; my first name is Philippe, ......

And for those who followed Francis’s adventures, well, I just got back from Tana and, of course, Nosy Be, where I met him and we spent some great moments on, on, on the Sacred Islet facing Amporaha!!!! But I think that’ll soon be known on the alumni site. Philippe

Hi there, You’ll need to check with Francis about this. We’ve been thinking about a group trip next year—we’ll talk it over with Francis again. A combo trip: a little tour of the mainland and a stay in Nosy Be.... Best,

Just thinking I was there in 1972! It feels so strange! Stéphane NEFIOLOV

Hello, Since I was in Ivato in '71 and '72, we must have met! I also used to hang out at the CMAI and was part of the diving club. My dad was a pilot on Nord aircraft and helicopters too.

So, we definitely must know each other! Philippe

Hi Philippe, In any case, your dad must have known mine—he was a fighter pilot at Ivato in 1972. I was 12 at the time. We often went to the lake to play 421 and go waterskiing! And of course, Amporaha! Talk to Francis about it; he knows me well! It’s great to meet people who remember all that! Malagasy greetings, Stéphane P.S.: You can check out my website: www.stephane-nefiolov.com, where the first photo in the "photos" link might bring back some memories!

Hello everyone, I just checked my mail—sorry for not replying individually! The connection is *super* slow, especially since I logged into VoyageForum for the photos, and there was a power outage, so I had to start all over again.

I’ve been in Nosy Be for nearly a month now. The trip went smoothly—three seats to stretch out on, what more could I ask for? What worries me is that it’s the first time I’ve seen so many empty seats (at least 30)...

An old friend (the 4th), Yannick from Brittany, joined me for a while, as did Philippe from Agris (the 5th). We spent a memorable little day on the sacred islet. We didn’t do much, but the magic was definitely there!

I’ll let them share their own impressions.

I just got back from Tana (June 27 to July 1). As a tourist, no issues at all. The only thing I noticed was more checkpoints on the road (14 between Ambanja and Tana, no less!).

The June 26th celebration was just as lively as last year—non-stop from Friday at 4 PM to Saturday at 6 PM.

We’re planning to leave next week for about ten days in the Mitsio Islands... Any takers?!

I’m attaching a few photos—just to give you an idea...

Correction: only 4 or 5, since it took over 3 hours to upload them.

See you soon, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hi everyone,

This Sunday, July 11th at 6:00 PM, I just got off the phone with Francis. All is well! He’s returning by boat from a little trip to the islands north of Nosy Be... which explains the radio silence (no signal, no internet cafés, just pure bliss). Pure bliss—gathering, fishing, and hunting (fruit bats, pigeons)... He’ll be at the port in 6 hours.

Two photos from 40 years ago.

Cheers, Zoma

Hello everyone, Back from the Mitsious islands, about 30 miles north of our starting point, I’m sharing a few photos. We’re all a bit disappointed—while the bungalows are made of wood (and concrete), they’re not at all typical of the region, and there’s a steady stream of sailboats, catamarans, and... Well, it seems they’re catering to this new wave of tourism. I’m not against tourism development, but what I regret is that it always comes at the expense of the locals, despite what they’re initially told. To be honest, *we* (the new tenants of the place, obviously!) were made to feel clearly unwelcome! In fact, we unanimously decided to picnic elsewhere next time. Sorry for the poor tourists—they won’t be able to snap photos of our "sideshow" (the pirogue and... us) like they did when we arrived. Otherwise, everything went well—fishing, hunting, no problems. Best to all, the Nosy-bean Photo 2: our pirogue in the background " 7: Robinson-style meal " " 8: Fany " " 9 and 10: the children of Nosy Mitsiou

July 20, 2010

Hi Francis,

Thanks for these updates and photos—I’d love to share your moments, create content for the site, and send messages through reports. It’s so good to read and see your posts. The past years come flooding back, and suddenly, I feel like walking the fine sand of the Malagasy islands again. But I’m not giving up; time will sort things out, and I’ll come join you to rediscover part of the past and the future of this region. Despite the changes, there’s still something authentic left, which you express so well. Returning to the roots—but when? Thanks again, Francis. I sent you an email to your personal address. Keep sending us your messages; they’re really uplifting. See you soon! Best to the Malagasy friends who are with you. Volouma! Patrick from Bordeaux

Hello everyone, and dedicated to Yannick (who will recognize himself) and Francis, A bit late, but in memory of our meeting in this part of the world, I’m sharing a few photos I gathered here and there with my two buddies... (isn’t life beautiful over there!!!!) I’ve got more up my sleeve.

Location: not listed on the map Area: off-limits to all foreigners!

Photo 2 (hint): Sacred islet, Photo 3: Return with sunset and... the captain’s rest! Photo 5: Towing prep.. Photo 6: Departure prep.. Photo 7: Early morning arrival

I’ve got more in store. What a weekend! Hoping to do it again soon. Cheers, Philippe

Is there a problem with the Ivato-Nosy Be site?

Best to all

Good evening everyone, There was indeed a technical issue with ivato-nosybe.com: Here’s the result after 3 months of Robinson Crusoe life in Madagascar! It’s tough getting back into the swing of things, especially with the computer, but it’s done—fixed, at least until the next hiccup.

yeah! Already back! The little getaway went more or less well. I didn’t manage to do what I wanted, but there’s always next time. I had the pleasure of spending a short weekend with Philao and Yannick on the islet. Thanks Philippe for: Location: not mapped Area: off-limits to all outsiders (I’ll add: to the club)! The association now has 3 bungalows. A shout-out to fans of simple vacations and nature lovers. Ah! Can’t wait for the next holidays!!!! Francis the Nosy-Be local

Good evening everyone, A little reminder to members of the ivato-nosybe.com site who may have forgotten the access code for the restricted pages: Just me contact me or get in touch with zoma.

Here’s a little photo of the camp dismantlers from 19XX—maybe some of the conscripts will recognize themselves? Who knows? Best, Francis the Nosy-Bean

Hello everyone,

Here’s a first photo from a trolling fishing trip... no details on the catch: bonito, barracudas, etc. Or maybe we came back empty-handed (a very rare occurrence)—was it even that important?

Second set of photos: a walk—or should I say, a stranding—on a beach in Nosy Komba. We arrived by *Lokode* to see the lemurs, but in the meantime, the tide went out... and out... and we ended up heading back pretty late with the white speedboat. Some of you might still remember that day—bananas and coconuts all around!

Cheers, Zoma

Emile and the 403!!! Awesome, awesome, awesome!

Hello Bernard. A sleepless night, a browse through some websites. A thought led me to this site....., well, it’s so nice to reconnect. I’m getting my bearings. Ivato 1971-1972, military service at the military base, we became friends and formed a great team with Hervé Muiron. I used to play tennis with you, Hervé, and his sister, the beautiful Katy, with whom I also did judo. When you left Ivato, I stayed in your room at your parents’ place, and they became "Uncle Gaston" and "Aunt Odette" to me. The house, your parents, your sister, and even the Brittany Spaniel. In ’74, you were my best man at my wedding in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, and your parents were, of course, part of the celebration. I’d love to hear from you. Best regards, Dominique. 06 14 89 56 29 d.pantenier@free.fr

Hello everyone, Welcome to the DonDOUME club! I can’t say it enough: what a small world! And thank you a thousand times over, internet!!! . I’m replying to your PM (private message) by email. Cheers, Francis - -- - To Nefiolovs: You looked better in the pirogue!!! And yes, the photo of the 403!!! Some of us pushed it!!!! Some still remember it! (with a photo by Olivier Raymond as proof). Now the road is paved, and you’ve got awesome 4x4s with AC at your disposal. Big SOUBIS - -- I’ll take this opportunity to let you know I’ll be at "the place not marked on the map" in Nosy Be from November 4th to December 16th, and a week-long pirogue trip to the mainland is planned for early December (right, Michel TGV?). But as Philao would say: off-limits to anyone not in the club! Cheers to all, Francis, the Nosy Be local

hi everyone, the forum’s pretty quiet these days... I suggest joining us on Facebook to reconnect with "old-timers from Mada"! Click here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=237686453764 best, jlou82

Hi everyone, I’ve been in Nosy-Be since Thursday morning, and the trip went really well. A bit surprised by the number of *vazahas*—there were at most 5% Malagasy people, and the plane was full. The usual chaos (intentional, of course) for the visa on arrival—just what we’re used to. Still, it’s worth noting that the visa costs 45 € on the spot (for those staying over 30 days), with the "formalities" being just the 45 €, about half an hour in line, and a hard stamp for good measure. So why bother with embassies?

The sun is relentless, a stifling 34°C, no breeze, and traffic jams in town (yes, even in Nosy-Be!). Welcome to Hell-Ville, Nosy-Be. Quick shopping in town, then... phew, the pirogue—a little... no, *a lot* overloaded, but after 45 minutes of sailing, finally the land, the countryside, nature!!!!!

But there’s a big issue: everything on the campground is scorched by the sun. I’ve never seen anything like it. It hasn’t rained on the campground since April 26th exactly.

No photos this time, but next time for sure. Cheers to all, Francis, the Nosy-Be local

...and there you go again, Francis, that's great! I’ll jump in on the embassy visa topic: I agree with you, it's better to get them on the spot. For example, I'm leaving for Vietnam on the 17th; a 100 € multiple-entry visa in Paris... and only $50 on the spot. Don’t get scammed if you have travel plans. Have a great stay, Francis, on that unforgettable island known since 1965.

Well, I'm gonna send you a good dose of Breton rain, and that'll do the trick! Have a blast, my friend!

Hey Francis, Just a little hello from Tahiti where I’m currently working... Yeah, my good old Transall needed me!! Have a great stay in Nosy Be. See you soon, Franck