Travelling Cat Lady: Madagascar Part Eight! (I took A LOT of pictures, folks!)

For the last part of my Madagascar adventure, I flew to Ile Sainte Marie, off the east coast of the country. My primary reason for going there is because humpbacked whales congregate in the waters around the island in July, August, and September in order to give birth and start raising their babies. I stayed at an INCREDIBLE place called the Princesse Bora Resort. I had my own little bungalow, including a friendly cat and dog that visited me (not simultaneously).

Upon arrival at the airport, 2 other guests of the resort and I were met with a zebu cart. I was pretty uncomfortable being pulled by animals, so I opted to walk instead. It was not a long walk, so it wasn't actually that heroic. ..

After throwing my bags in my bungalow, I raced to the dive centre to find out about whale watching and snorkelling. The lovely woman behind the counter said I could out set right then for a snorkelling adventure. Apparently they were expecting some rough weather, so it was a good idea to take the opportunity when it presented itself. So I did!

Herman was my boat pilot, guide, and general good guy that day, and for the rest of my stay at |Princesse Bora. On another occasion when I went snorkelling from the beach, he casually hung around at the shore to be sure that I emerged.

Here's an embarrassing story. I dove off the boat to snorkel that first day. But when I was ready to get back into the boat, I couldn't do it! A combination of very high steep sides on the boat, and my appalling lack of upper body strength turned it into an impossible task. So poor Herman had to toss me a life ring, and TOW me to shore!!!!!!!! I have now acquired weights and work out every evening.

The weather that whole week was a bit windy and rainy, which affects the visibility underwater.

The shore that Herman towed me to was on Ile aux Nattes. Ile aux Nattes is just next to Ile Sainte Marie. It is inhabited, but has no electricity, and no motor traffic. Idyllic.

Aldobra Fody. I spotted this beauty in the centre of a tree at the edge of the water. I spent about 15 minutes wading through the water, stalking him for a picture. According to my bird book, he doesn't belong in this part of the country.