MADAGASCAR PART FIVE STILL ON THE WEST COAST

THE RED CIRQUE

I'm not a geologist, and I had a hard time finding much information about this, but there are several unique geological sites in the area around Majunga. In many areas, the beach abuts red cliffs. 

As a result of millions of years of erosion, tiny cities of 'fairy chimneys' have been constructed by Mother Nature herself. The erosion happened unevenly, leaving little vertical structures. Small pebbles ended up embedded on the top of these structures. I saw this phenomenon in two different places. It was unlike anything I have ever seen anywhere in the world. 

A few days after seeing this particular site, I found myself at a place they call the 'Painted Cirque.' Here Mother Nature went even crazier, painting the rocks every colour of the rainbow.

MADAGASCAR PART FOUR - THE WEST COAST

I have just mastered the art of getting into a lakana, the outrigger boats used by the people in this area. The young man I'm speaking with is teaching me another skill - how to count to 3 in Malagasy. I have that here, as everywhere in the world, when you try to speak a few words of people's language, they are always eager to continue to teach you. It is a gesture that is ALWAYS appreciated.

I spent 8 nights at the Antsanitia Resort, about 45 minutes to the north of Majunga. This is the first time I have stayed at a resort. It was a bit weird for me. I took some excursions offered by the resort, went on my own to Majunga and a place called Katsepy, and spent days just walking the beach.

The people of this area are from the Sakalava group. They are fishermen, and zebu herders. Often you see women wearing these beautifying face masks. They are made of local minerals and must be worn for an entire day.

A nearby fishing village. 

Everywhere I went in Madagascar, I saw men and women carrying loads on their heads. Amazing. 

I caught sight of this boy playing on the beach with his toy lakana. Lakanas are outrigger canoes and sailboats used by the fishermen. I saw the boat later when the boy was finished playing with it. It was absolutely gorgeous, obviously made with pride and love.

the sail of a lakana

It was so beautiful to watch these vessels on the water. They reminded me of butterflies with their wings folded back after landing on a puddle for a drink. 

The people of Madagascar have a complex belief system that involves a lot of superstition and animism. Many trees, lakes, and geological formations are sacred. This particular tree is beside a sacred lake. People come here for special rituals, and to ask for help or guidance. Offerings are made by tying cloths to the tree, and throwing ceramic plates in the lake.