Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

hi francis, i see you go back to the big island regularly. i might be planning a trip there next year, but i’ve heard there are some governance issues in the country right now. my friend vidal was supposed to go there with the babakoto association, but he’s a bit hesitant because of the problems. maybe things will have improved by next year, but my plans are still on for now. see you soon, francis! yves bessot

hi, governance issues have existed for 35 years, and that doesn’t stop anyone from going there... No, there aren’t any particular problems in Madagascar, except in Tana, but Madagascar is huge and elsewhere there aren’t any specific issues. so don’t worry, have a great vacation in this wonderful country....

Good evening, I just discovered this post—bravo! So many memories... I first discovered Madagascar in 1966 aboard the aircraft carrier Foch, where I was a naval officer cadet. I’ve returned often since then, and now I spend a few months in Madagascar every year. Soon, it’ll be permanently.

Misaotra betsaka, veloma...

Good evening everyone,

A phone call from Francis this afternoon from a quiet little spot in Nosy Be. Everything's going well despite the not-so-great weather... well, it's raining this time... phew for the vegetation. He's trying to send us some photos before returning in about two weeks... The weather isn't great here either, you'll see, Francis!!!

Veloma Zoma

Amporaha, July 1970, Le Chalet, a peaceful moment under the early afternoon sun, alizé in the coconut palm fronds, scent of bougainvillea and in the distance, the murmur of the Indian Ocean, an invitation to mora mora

Hello everyone! Just back in Paris with this lovely weather I ordered up. Apologies for posting these messages I’d prepared but didn’t manage to send while I was short on time in Hell-Ville. Have a great day! Francis, the Nosy Be-er

Nosy Be, 11/23 Hello everyone, Thanks Stéphane, your Breton rain arrived safely. It’s been raining almost every night for the past 5 days. The only small downside is that it’s now starting to rain during the day too—tourists won’t be too happy about that! For us, it’s perfect. Mother Nature is reclaiming her rights, and everything’s growing back. It was really needed. I went for a little trip with Patrick (for those who know him) to the mainland in a small, slightly overloaded pirogue. We left early in the morning but only arrived safely the next morning. The sea was particularly rough in the afternoon, so we took shelter on a beach (Ampohana) and set off again at night. We were even treated to a whale ballet. I’m still surprised by the number of tourists in Hell-Ville. Here are some of the photos I promised. Best wishes to all, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Nosy-bé on 12/02 Hello everyone, We celebrated the association's birthday on the 30th, and it went really well. Fewer people than usual, but for us, it was the most successful and fun celebration yet. Tomorrow, I’m picking up a friend who came last year—Michel by TGV at Fascène. He wants to take a canoe trip to the mainland. Best wishes to all, Francis, the Nosy-béan

Nosy Be, 12/13 Hello everyone, As planned, we left on the 5th for an excursion to the mainland by pirogue, with Michel TGV arriving on the 3rd as scheduled. We turned back on the 4th day because the weather suddenly turned stormy during the night until the morning, and since the weather is uncertain at this time of year, we decided to head back. Michel spent a morning on the islet and did two treks, including one to Mont Passot. He’s returning tomorrow, and I’ll be back two days later. I know it’s really nice in France and that a lovely 30°C is waiting for me when I arrive, but what can you do—everything comes to an end, and honestly, a little cool weather wouldn’t hurt. Some might say I’m crazy! Cheers, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hello to all Amporaha fans,

I wish you all an excellent 2011. As for me, I’ll be celebrating the New Year on the beach at... Amporaha! I’ll be in Nosy Be with my wife for just three days over New Year’s, but it still makes me just as happy. I’ll be thinking of you all.

By the way, among the recent documents released by Wikileaks, I picked out this one, which has undeniable strategic importance. It’s the famous ranking from the regatta organized in 1971 by the CNUT. Don’t ask me where I got it—I protect my sources...

Bruno LATASTE

Here’s some happiness in messages and pictures. So many memories of this little paradise. (1968 and 2008) Best wishes to all the former campers of Amporaha.

Happy end-of-year holidays and a fantastic 2011 to everyone.

Claude

Hi Bruno, What reassures me is that I arrived right in front of you, 16 (Ph Agrissais). I remember now, because we almost got stuck in the *zouzoures*!! 🙂 Your source is great! See you soon and have a great stay in Nosy! And if you see Francis, say hi for me—I’m thinking of going back to Helleville at the start of 2011!! Philippe

🙂 To all the cyber readers of this site and to my friend Francis, I wish you the best travel-filled wishes for the tropics, with ingredients like health, joy, love, and happiness. With this recipe, you’ll start a fantastic 2011. I hope that in this new year, we can reunite with our families—GAC, PERRIN, DELPECH, BRASTEL, VIVIER, ANGELIER, and many others. 😇 Sending kisses to Muriel, Marie Lou, Brigitte, and Josiane, and I hope you all have wonderful end-of-year celebrations with your loved ones. Childhood friendship from Amporaha. Photos taken in November 2010 at the former military site BAHUHO in Antananarivo. The last photo is of ESCA in Antanimena, which hasn’t changed. Latest news from Tana: very little social progress, and it’s still not safe to go out at night in the capital. Patrick 😏

Hi PROME and everyone,

I made a mistake and the photos I randomly fished out disappeared without my text. I was saying that I didn’t know this BAHUHO city, but I was very familiar with ESCA, having spent two years there, including one as a boarder in ’71 and ’72. What memories of dorms, classes with teachers sometimes in robes, judo, the pool... One time, toward the end, we went out and joined Malagasy students who were protesting. An incredible atmosphere that I’ve never experienced again in protests back in France. As for regattas, I also did the 12 Hours of Mantasoa, always with P. CARDOT, and it was really a blast. On the other hand, when I took part in the Mada Raid in 1993, it was a whole different story—it was in a pirogue... Anyway, cheers to everyone, and see you soon.

Bruno

Hello I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. I’d like to extend my best wishes for 2011 to you and your families. Best regards

12/24/2010 Hi there, Yes! I was at ESCA from 1967 until the end of 1969. You must have known the super stars like the Redoutable "Huns Renals" and the "Directeur Romain". I’m attaching his photo—it was taken in November 2010 after his heart surgery and aortic graft. I need to look for it, but I should have a recent photo of the "Surv G Renals" who lives in Quebec in a retirement home for missionary brothers...

ESCA left me with great memories in terms of studies and a well-equipped school for the time, but when it came to discipline, even a disciplinary regiment couldn’t hold a candle to it... (hours of detention, slaps with a ruler, etc....)

The Bahuho district was located—and still is—past Lake Anosy, at the exit of Mahamache Stadium toward Timbazas, just below the Queen’s Palace.

From Bahuho to ESCA, I crossed all of Tananarive, but back then it was pure joy (Zoma). I was a teenager, and the memories are still the same today. Plus, there were three dream stays in Nosy-Be.

Have a great holiday season, and maybe see you around this area soon. VELOUMA. Patrick from Bordeaux

Merry Christmas to everyone. Francis, are you back? Best, Franck

Hello everyone, friends of the BA 181 from Ivato, I wish you all a happy end-of-year celebration and a fantastic and excellent 2011!!! I got back from Nosy Be (that’s for Roums, who couldn’t handle the Tahiti sun—yeah right, supposedly for work...) on December 17th. I was even welcomed by a beautiful blanket of snow—it was really great! The change of scenery was total, but I didn’t even get cold. I’d packed an excess of... warmth from the start. - Bruno, I hope you have a great vacation in Nosy Be—too bad we won’t be there at the same time! - Philao, you could use some Nosy Be sunshine, so I hope we’ll be there together! For New Year’s, I’ll be on the beach in... Quimperlé. - Prome, your order is here—I’ll call you as soon as possible. Sincerely, and once again, a fantastic 2011 to EVERYONE!!! Francis, the Nosy Be local

And here, dear friends, to close out 2010, a message sent by a friend: Dear friends,

Please take note for the upcoming year 2011:

I want to inform all the friends who sent me wishes promising happiness, fortune, and money in 2010, that: WELL: IT DIDN’T WORK, NOT AT ALL!!!! So, in 2011, PLEASE send the money directly! .. PS: I ' also accept bottles of wine or coconuts THANKS

Thanks to you, Francis, The transition must have been brutal, "from the coral sand of the deep south to the white mantle of the far north"... That’s where my idea from yesterday for my future came from—spending six months in the tropics (Oct-Mar) and the rest in my Périgord. Thanks for thinking of my request; I’m still available for the transfer to Bdx. We’ll be in touch by phone. Thanks again. HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2011 TO YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND THE NOSY-BE CLUB AND IVATO’S B.A. TEAM.😊 See you soon.😏 P. ROME

Thanks Francis, and like you, brrr, I just spent a month in former Indochina. Happy New Year to all who knew Nosy Be and BA 181 at Ivato. A nostalgic soul for the coconut trees and the morning scents of the path leading to Hell-Ville. Pierre

I posted a message here that still hasn’t gotten a reply. No big deal, I guess you’re all just sticking to your own little group. Happy holidays anyway...

Best wishes for 2011 in the coming year, and lots of happiness ahead for trips to Madagascar... for friends of the BA180 flight and the Amporaha camp in Nosy...

Thanks for the kind wishes, and in return, please accept ours. Warm regards, A Y

To everyone, I wish you a very happy New Year 2011. I hope this new year will allow us to see each other again—it would be really great. Especially since we don’t even need to take a plane for it; I’ve found a place much closer. Though I can’t promise warmth and sunshine, we’ll have it in our hearts when we reunite. So to all the old-timers from the Ivato BA and Nosy-Be crew, I wish you nothing but happiness and hope to see you soon. Kisses to all

Marie-jo

Francis and friends from the Forum,

Thanks for your New Year’s wishes. I wish you, your family, and all the friends from the Nosy Be forum a HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011.

A former Ivato attendee (1969/1971)

Jean Marie

I was there from '69 to '72 at L'ESCA... I got to know the Raynals, Hamels, Boisverts, Jean and his pipe, and all the others well. Mr. Hodemont and Mrs. Micoin in French class.... After that, it was the French high school after finishing school at BA 181 and correspondence courses from the CNTE in Vanves.

Do you remember Désiré, the former wrestler/bus driver, with that military green Chausson bus that took us to ESCA? And then the CMAI on weekends...

By the way, if anyone has photos of the CMAI, I’d be very interested for the Lake Ambohibao page on Facebook—you’re all welcome there.

For info, I’m in touch with the (grown-up) kids of the Laviero, Hebraud, Thomazo families, and a few others.

See you soon

hello to all friends from the Amporaha camp, I want to wish you all my best wishes for this new year and lots of meet-ups under the tropical sun. I hope this year will be the one for me to relive the unforgettable memories of that part of my life😎 see you soon Yves

Hello everyone,

Wishing you health, love, and happiness for 2011... Travels, reunions, memories... Building the future

Warm regards, Zoma

Another year where I wish everyone the very best, perhaps with a trip to the Big Island to relive our memories and to Nosy-Be to refresh those amazing moments.

You mentioned ESCA; I don’t recall the name of the high school run by the religious order where I taught physics to final-year students in 1962, recommended by my sports department head, who himself taught gym classes since we were free to leave the base after 1 p.m. More memories...?

My first hello in 2011 to the forum’s cyber readers. Yes! I knew all the names mentioned. "Huns Renals" was the Headmaster back in our day—the terror of ESCA. Mrs. Micouin was my best French teacher ever +++. I went to accompany her to her final resting place last year, and I’m still in touch with her son, Roland Micouin. And from time to time, I chat with Romain Bruno Légaré, the former director of ESCA. He splits his time between Quebec and Madagascar and is currently in Ambatolampy. He’s 85... but still in relatively good shape.

That’s the news from 2011. I think we must’ve known each other or met back then at ESCA or the B.A. See you soon. P.Rome 😉

Hi carthago47, Thanks for your wishes—we had a great holiday season too. Wishing you a happy and fulfilling retirement in Madagascar!

In response to your post: « I sent a message on this thread but still haven’t gotten a reply, » I’m sorry, but I don’t see any message that requires a response in your two previous posts. However, regarding « I think you stay closed off in a clique, » why closed off?... And for clique: It’s not entirely untrue because the theme of our forum on VF is: Looking for friends from Amporaha camp in Nosy-Be and BA181 from Ivato... As someone who was in the air force, you must understand that... the family spirit! Yes, we *are* a family—quite a big one, but a real family nonetheless!

Best regards, lenosybeen

Hey everyone!

Francis, I had the same reaction as you regarding carthago47’s post. After scrolling through several pages of the forum, I didn’t find any message from our friend asking for a specific answer on a particular point. That said, I understand his reaction. It’s true that sometimes we might give the impression of being in our own little bubble, but I think that’s just how it is for anyone who’s shared a common experience that still sticks with them even 40 years later (50 years for me...). Anyway, sorry about that, carthago47.

Okay, I’m back from Nosy Be and I already want to go back. Go figure... Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit Amporaha—we only stayed for 4 days, and since it was New Year’s Day, we were a bit... occupied. I tried taking photos to make it look like I’d been there, but I’m giving up on that scam. You’re all way too sharp.

Once again, best wishes to everyone!

BRUNO

See you next year!

In response to your post: “I sent a message on this post but still haven’t gotten a reply,” I’m sorry, but I don’t see any message that requires a response to your two previous posts. No worries—when someone says hello to me, I reply, and it’s not written anywhere that I shouldn’t… See you later, bye…

Hello everyone, Bruno, ... lucky guy! 😊 I see you also had the chance to enjoy great weather in the photos! Andilana Beach where we swam and had an afternoon snack around 4:30 PM before heading to Mont Passot to take sunset photos and return to Amporaha for those who were lucky enough to do the island tour. Photo 3 with the THB—was that at Andilana at Loulou’s place? I’ve been diving back into our site a bit (I know, I come from the *mora-mora* land): http://www.ivato-nosybe.com/musiques.html. Feel free to check it out anyway, and be kind about the sound quality—remember, it was live from my room above the restaurant! I still have 2 or 3 more tracks on the way... oh, the *mora-mora* life! To everyone, thank you for your wishes, and I hope you have a happy and wonderful 2011. Francis, the Nosy Bé local

Hello, hi, and happy New Year! Actually, those photos aren’t from Amporaha—I think I recognize Andilana Beach and one of the tables at "Chez LouLou"! It’s great to see them; they bring back good memories too.

Best,

Claude

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out to wish all the friends from Amporaha camp my best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity. To Francis, I hope 2011 brings you the support you need for your ASSO, ... For my part, I’m hoping and doing my best to return to Madagascar soon, under the circumstances you know, and maybe a trip to Rodrigues Island—even farther than Mauritius!! Wow, long live adventure and meeting people at the ends of the earth...... I hope to hear from Yannick, to whom I also wish all the best for 2011, along with memories of a weekend spent on that remote island... and in the company of friends from the village... Francis, pass on my warmest memories to the whole little village family from that unforgettable weekend, hoping to return in 2011!!!

Best wishes to all and Happy New Year

Philippe

Hi Bruno, I hope you're doing well since the last time we were supposed to meet in Saint-Pierre, Réunion. We're heading back there in May for 3 weeks. I sent you an email. Best regards,

Jean Marie a former from Nosy Be

Hi Francis, how are you? Can you stop teasing us with your sunshine while we’re enduring a harsh and dreadful winter (at least in Paris!)?

So, when am I coming? This summer... how’s that? I don’t want anything at the start of the year... Except for the Lamumu conventions! Because I wish all the happiness and success every day and every month of the year to those I love... I don’t wait for New Year’s to do that.

How long are you staying? Dinner with my favorite little Grevisses soon?

I changed my phone after being in distress (ORANGE!) for over a month—I’ll tell you all about it privately in your personal inbox...

Kisses, MUMU

Hello everyone, I’ve been a bit absent from VoyageForum lately for various reasons, the main one being the time spent working on our site: ivato-nosybe.com. Take a quick look! Honestly, I thought building a website would be easier than this. The time it takes is just unbelievable!!! I’ve got to say, I’m much happier and more comfortable in my pirogue and in my *case*...!!!!!! Can’t wait for May! Have a great day, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Good evening everyone, Yikes! May has come and gone, and still no flight ticket in sight! So, I definitely won’t be in Nosy-Be this summer. In response to the emails from Jean-Pierre, Lyse, Michel... No, I’m not in Madagascar! Never mind, let’s meet there in November-December. And why not for the association’s anniversary?

Still, I’ll be by the sea this summer: Île d’Oléron (for sure) and maybe Brittany afterward, with my 7 little "zafys" in tow if I can find a spot near the sea to park a caravan and pitch 2 tents. A shout-out to my Breton friends—if you know a nice little place (like in the photo, preferably—I’m not picky...), let me know! Have a great evening, Best, Francis, the Nosy-Be local

Hi Francis, If you're on Île d'Oléron (Amporaha on Oléron) this summer, please let me know the dates—I’ll come visit you by ultralight aircraft. How about meeting at the airfield, for example? It’s not unusual for us to go eat some oysters (we leave the Périgord in the morning, spend the day on Oléron, and return to the Périgord in the evening). Make sure to note this proposal in your calendar!

Madagascar, I think that’s for the end of the year—I’m going there to film several reports on biodiversity, etc. Cities I’ll be visiting: Tana, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, Mananjary, Morondava, Tulear. I’ll try to take a week off to come to Nosy Be… See you soon, and my best regards to all the Nosy Be locals (Nosybéens and Nosybéennes) who’ve stayed in Madagascar. Kisses to the girls… Patrick

Hi Patrick, I’ll be on Île d’Oléron with my little family from 7/23 to 7/30, then in CARNAC (Morbihan) from 7/30 to 8/13. After that, back home in the Paris area before heading to Nosy Be at the end of September. I got a call this morning from Yannick—he’ll join me there in October. See you soon, Francis

Hello everyone, I see some of you are back from vacation like me. Vacation! A big word when you spend it with your 7 grandkids! But what a joy to be able to gather them for so long, all the same. My grandkids' slogan: Brittany won’t beat us! Gotta say, the Brittany sun wasn’t exactly making appearances! Bring on the Nosy-Be sunshine!!! Oh, speaking of Nosy-Be, I checked direct flights to Nosy-Be (gotta chase the sun where it is!) and bam—starting September 2nd: no more direct flights to Nosy-Be!!! http://www.madagascar-tribune.com/La-portugaise-EuroAtlantic-Airways,16338.html What a pain! Air Mad: You’ve got to be kidding me!!! And I’m being polite! Hope everyone’s settling back in well. Francis photo 1: My 7 little monsters in La Turballe photo 2: Training my future (replacement) pirogue rower in Nosy-Be—who knows?

Hey Francis,

Here you go again, off on another trip... and on top of that, you're flying with a Portuguese-Malagasy airline! You're lucky, aren't you?

Sure, it's not ideal having to go through Tana to get to Nosy Be, but Tana isn't as terrible as it's made out to be... It's a chance for you to avoid going straight to your little slice of paradise, and sometimes, it's not so bad to change up your routines a bit... Safe travels...

Hi everyone,

Yes, it's finally happening—I'm leaving in exactly two weeks for Madagascar: October 18th with Corsair. Who’s joining me?! I’m planning to return on December 22nd.

About our site "ivato-nosybe.com", some of you have never been there: http://www.ivato-nosybe.com/forumivato/index.php. It’s a mistake because that’s where everything’s happening right now!!! Don’t hesitate to check it out!

Cheers, Francis, the Nosy-Be local

Photo comments: I miss my job and the "beast"!!!

Hello, 🙂

I'm happy for you and hope you have a great stay.😇

Best,

Yves

Good evening, Thanks to you, Yves and anytime over there! 😛 😉. See you @ Francis

Hi Francis,

How lucky! Have a great trip and say hello to Nosy Be for me!

Jean-Marie

From white raisin to black raisin, got 5/5 Mission accomplished (Best) regards, black raisin 😉 Thanks Francis

Hi Francis,

I sent you a personal email about my daughter’s registration on the site.

Jean Marie from Raisin Noir