My dream destination : Madagascar


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

Anonymous said…
Mmm, the "Upside down" tree. I miss them from my childhood in Africa.
christina said…
Once again you have taken me on a beautiful voyage, Lala : )

I can't thank you enough for this. I think can smell the flower : )
Tess Kincaid said…
These trees are surreal! They grow this way naturally?

Have a wonderful weekend, Lala.
I hope your weekend is wonderful too...and I hope a big windfall come your way soon so you and Moncheri can take a trip to the ylang-ylang plantation. How romantic that sounds!
Vanessa said…
Have a spectacular weekend, Lala! And yes, let's go to Madagascar! :-)
Elizabeth said…
Thank you for the picture of the baobob trees . I had heard of them but never seen them.
So exotic and wonderful.
Jojo said…
The baobab trees are incredible. Before reading your post I hadn't heard of them but after reading your post I had to look them up. Now I am intrigued to see the large white blossoms. The article I read said these trees can live for centuries. Very fascinating. Thank you for sharing. Hopefully you will get to Madagascar in the very near future.
l'air du temps said…
dear Lala, your post transmits the most wonderful sense of perfumed air along with gorgeous vistas. i love the idea of having a special feeling for a place. i love having a dream. i hope your dream comes true and you and your sweetheart will be in Madagascar with family and friends in perfect time.

bisous...

your plans for the weekend sound sweet! amusez-vous!
tangobaby said…
The baobab...for years I only could imagine what they must look like from reading Le Petit Prince as a child. And then just the other day, I watched a nature show about Madagascar and learned a lot about the flora and fauna there. And the baobabs are so impressive and surreal! They also have gigantic flowers! I would love to see them someday.

Madagascar sounds like a dreamlike magical island. You are so good at teaching us things about places we should all see someday.
Lavinia said…
Thank you Lala for this information on the mysterious (to me) island. I sometimes wear Opium perfume, however did not know that ylang ylang was one of its ingredients. Those trees are majestic, they look like classical pillars.

I can hear the yearning you have, for your island, and I hope you are able to go there before too long...
Marie Louise said…
Hi, I am just discovering your blog. I've always love these trees although unfortunately have never seen them in person. Your collages are wonderful. You are obviously very talented. I will be back to see what you are working on!
P said…
Ahhh...I want to see this place!
Yoli said…
Lala, yo siempre e querido ir a Madagascar! Para mi es un lugar encantado. Dios quiera pueda ir un dia.
paris parfait said…
Beautiful photo of the flower and what amazing trees! You'll have much to talk about w/ your friends. As for the expensive airfares these days, I'm afraid much travel is being curtailed as a result!

Soon I am going to Bon Marche to look for your work! xoxox
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