Our friend Carlos called yesterday to tell us his cousin whom he had not seen for 20 years was visiting his family, coming all the way from Madagascar where he settled some ten years ago. Would we like to meet him and talk about my favorite island ? Of course ! If you are new to this blog, let me explain that Madagascar is the island where my parents originate from. My sisters and I were all born in Aix-en-Provence in France but went to the island a few times. I was supposed to go this month as all my family is there now but the price was far too expensive. My younger sister has just come back, after spending one month holiday at my parents’ place. Naturally I am deadly envious and I can't wait to hear from her.
When Carlos introduced us to his primo, it turned out that actually he doesn’t live in Madagascar but in Mayotte which is a tiny island at the north end of Madagascar. Never mind, we were still eager to learn about his life there. I was curious to know if he was the only one Spanish person there. Nearly...he answered. There's another Spanish man living on the island who earns a living selling Spanish wine…
Carlos’ cousin said he sometimes goes to Madagascar as he loves the country. We talked about the craftsmanship which he finds amazing. The reason why I post this photo of baobab trees is because he mentioned having seen baobabs half the size of the restaurant room where we were having dinner. We also talked about the utmost importance of death in Madagascar, the ceremony of "tossing the bones" (see an earlier post about it in Madagascar on the right side bar) and the very intriguing subject of black magic.
I told him one my dreams is to visit the island of Nosy Be at the north of Madagascar with Monchéri, where the ylang-ylang flowers delicately perfume the air. Mayotte with Madagascar and the Comores islands is one of the world's main producers of these yellow flowers the essence of which is used in many perfumes (Opium, l'Air du temps). French perfumer Jean-Paul Guerlain had its own plantation in Mayotte until 2002. The plantation can still be visited. How i would love to go !
I wish you a very happy week end with this ylang-ylang flower
My week end will certainly be slow
siesta, reading, baking if I have the courage
collage making :-)
We're going to Gym's barn this evening to see an exhibition
of her paintings and other artists work
There's a baroque music festival tomorrow
in a neighboring village
Hope it's not sold out !
photo #1 from website wildmadagascar.org
photo #2 from website madagascar.reise.com
Comments
I can't thank you enough for this. I think can smell the flower : )
Have a wonderful weekend, Lala.
So exotic and wonderful.
bisous...
your plans for the weekend sound sweet! amusez-vous!
Madagascar sounds like a dreamlike magical island. You are so good at teaching us things about places we should all see someday.
I can hear the yearning you have, for your island, and I hope you are able to go there before too long...
Soon I am going to Bon Marche to look for your work! xoxox