Madagascar - First impressions

Upon reaching the airport, I read that 72% of all plants in Madagascar and almost all animals are endemic, i.e. they are found only in Madagascar and nowhere else in the world.

The last few months in Pune have been hectic with the combination of everyday events and work, and so, I feel like I’ve been sleep deprived. When I reached Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, which is also called Tana, I had a quick lunch, and slept for 16hrs straight. I also passed out immediately upon boarding the flight from India, and slept throughout the flight. Last night, again, I slept for close to 12 hours. I have to admit, it feels good to catch up on sleep. My body seems to appreciate it.

I didn’t only sleep. Yesterday, I managed to explore a bit of the town center too.  

Tana is really pretty. It’s a very French colonial town. It has small buildings and houses (I've got French windows in my hotel room!!). The town center is in a valley surrounded by the upper towns on each side filled with small brown/beige houses. The people here look like a blend of Africans and Native Americans. I find them very attractive. So far, my interactions with the locals have been very friendly and courteous. I don't feel unsafe as I did in Tanzania. Everybody speaks French. It's been a while since I've traveled to a place that's not France, where everyone speaks French. The last time was Rwanda, but there, everyone spoke English as well as they spoke French. It feels, a little strange...but really cool!

Madagascar does feel poor and reminds me a bit of other parts in Africa. But like in other parts of Africa, the people here have a swagger about them. Which is awesome.

I also figured out my plans for the next week. Am leaving tomorrow to the National Park in Andasibe for 2 days and then, am off to the island île-Sainte-Mairie in the east of Madagascar to relax a bit by the beach and hopefully see a whale or two.