Amboniriana

Ambonirina, Amboniriana, Ambonirihana, Ambonirihina, whatever, I think each of them works. I started school there in 1986: singing, playing, learning 1 2 3 and ABC…Here I am, back to the old times when I was young, innocent and carefree. 

The Saint Raphael Primary School, Amboniriana

I remember singing our national anthem every Monday morning. Our teachers (I had three) taught us to be courteous and polite: say hello to people you meet, say thank you when someone gives you something, bottom line, I learned the value of education. I had great professors, most of my classmates were nice and I am very happy that as time passes by, I’ve managed to stay in touch with them or at least some of them. 

The school has not changed much. Years back, there was only one big room shared by the 5 classes. Now, another building has been built to give some space to the kids though, which is good.    

The two buildings

The Fast and the Furious: The Anjeva Drift

September 22nd: Rallye Total FMMSAM (September 21-22-23)

For years, local and foreigners racers compete to be the country’s fastest driver. Well, I don’t know how these things work anymore. Plus, I have no idea about the cars’ itinerary or where they stopped (and personally I don’t care much). All I know is they went past Anjeva so my brother took some pics. I added some on facebook in case some of you are interested to see.

Faliary

On one hand, I like car races because:

-They attract tourists and visitors

-They increase the income of local merchants

-Local people are fond of car races

-I have a friend who is a racing driver: Fidy Anjeva

On the other hand, here is the thing: car races can be seen as a very interesting entertainment indeed, but also a damage for the road. When the rain season comes, the dust becomes mud and it takes a long time for the villagers to get to town. Anyway, don't forget to check the facebook page for the pics.

Dust in the Wind

  

Alarobia, Ambatomanga, Ankorona

Wednesday September 19th  

We got up early to go to Alarobia (Wednesday in English) where there is a big market once a week. I was very excited to be there after years of absence. Sitting behind my brother on the motorcycle was not very confortable but as I said earlier, the road had been paved and that made it easier for me. 8 miles South (from Anjeva), 20 minutes and here we go. We went all over the place looking for vegetables, sausages and beef. Yummy!!!

The Alarobia market: the sellers and shopowners come from nearby towns and villages

It was noon when we finished our business at the market but despite the hunger, we came up with the idea of going South again till we reached Ambatomanga, a small lovely location known for its delicious cheese and youghurts.    

Ambatomanga

There again, the three of us (note: me and my brothers) thought we should continue and head to Ankorona, the village our daddy comes from. My grandparents own a couple of houses there and even though they live in town, they managed to keep the properties in good condition.  

What a nice day. Not only we spent quality time together but we saw a lot of places breathing the fresh air of the countryside. I almost didn’t feel my tiredness.

The road to Ankorona (Andidy)

Imerinkasinina

Friday September 14th
 
There are a couple of ways to go to Imerinkasinina: Ambohimanambola or Ambohimalaza. But if you depart from Anjeva, get your legs prepared. I am not talking about the 3km ahead of you but the fact that you have to go up a hill and take the paved road up there. The panoramic view is terrific though. You can even enjoy watching the light of Antananarivo at night. Bottom line: go, you won’t regret it!

Welcome to Imerinkasinina

The village features among those historic locations (Imerimanjaka, Ambohitrabiby, Ambohimanga, etc.) reported to be where lords of the merina Kingdom, also known as the andriana lived or visited. There, you could see the ‘amontana’ and ‘aviavy’ (those are the names of the andriana’s trees) planted centuries ago. That’s about it, at least that’s what I am sure about. Anyway, the stories are told differently and it is difficult to pick one version…

However, if we refer to a not distant past, Imerinkasinina is the place where a self-made man, Marc Ravalomanana grew up, raised a family and started his little dairy business before he became the wealthiest man of the country and - wait there’s more - the 6th President of the Republic of Madagascar (2002-2009). 

Unfinished business

I left Madagascar in 2003 and I could easily notice the changes when I got back. Big homes and refurbished structures here, paved road there, more rich people and more poor people too. From what I hear from some of them, the former president brought huge improvements to the surroundings in various areas. There is no question about it. But he couldn’t finish the collective (and personal) projects he started because of the 2009 coup.

Anjiro

Saturday, September 8th
 
As you probably know (or maybe you don’t), Anjeva is a train station served by the TCE (Antananarivo-Toamasina) rail line. Beside tourist trains like Madarail’s Micheline or the Trans Lemurie Express, currently there are no passenger trains nomore. Therefore, the line is for goods transportation only. You can check out the Intermodal containers pics on the gallery section or facebook.

The Saturday market at 2pm: not much left

Now, allow me to introduce another TCE rail station: Anjiro. The names sound a bit alike, right?. Some people often get mixed up because of that. Anjiro is situated few kilometers East from Mandraka, a location known for its famous national park and high mountains decorated with wild forests. We went there to visit an uncle so to get there, we had to take the RN2 (the 2^nd national road to Toamasina) with one of those big mazdas instead of the train. Cost: $2 per person. 

Mandraka

Anjiro and Anjeva are more related than you think though. Did I say we enjoy soccer? So do they. We have played against each other for years but up to know, it hasn’t come to my knowledge that girls play too and they even planned to face us in a tournament. It was great to see them in action.
 

Go girls!!

On our way back, I took the time to enjoy the green landscapes of Eastern Madagascar. What a nice ride.