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.