LEMURS!

Yesterday was our first stop in Madagascar.  We anchored off the Ile Sainte Marie, a small island off Madagascar’s northeast coast.  The town on the island is Ambodifotatra.  One main street runs through the town.

Main street Ambodifotatra.

A hotel

Cafe

Lots of Tuk Tuks and pedicabs around

A few houses

The people in town were very friendly.  We couldn’t really talk to them as we don’t speak French, but everyone gave a smile and a Bon Jour.  This little girl was walking home from school, and I asked  if I could take her picture.  Very cute.

While we were walking around town, an English speaking local approached us.  He asked us where we were from.  We said we were off the ship, and we asked him about Lemurs on the island.  As you might know, Lemurs only live in Madagascar, and they have been high on our list of things to see.  He said that there was a zoo and rain forest garden about 10 miles from town.  So we hired this guy and his Tuk Tuk and off we went.

The Tuk Tuk putts along about 30mph, a fun ride.

Now, we really hadn’t expected to see Lemurs today.  We have a tour in our next Madagascar port where we should see Lemurs.  So today was an unexpected bonus.  After a 20 min ride, we arrived at the zoo.  Walking through the rain forest was beautiful.

This guy liked to have his chin scratched.

Oh no, a dreaded selfie.  Photobombed by a Lemur!

Licking the salt off my hand.

Just hanging out

A handsome guy, or maybe a girl.  Male and female Lemurs look alike.

The tiny mouse Lemur, smaller than a human hand

We also saw large turtles

And Chameleons.

Chameleons can look in a different direction with each of their eyes.  You can see that is this picture.

A big snake, non poisoness according to our guide.

A poisoness red frog

Small turtle

When we came out of the zoo, our trusty Tuk Tuk driver was waiting to return us to the town center.  We did a little more walking around looking at the crafts that the locals were selling.  We then went to the tender dock to return to the ship.  Lots of locals were gathered at the dock.  I think it is exciting for them when a cruise ship comes to their town.

Our day on Ile Sainte Marie was wonderful.  We really didn’t know what to expect of this port.  Finding out about the zoo and going there was the day’s highlight.  Also, the friendly people were delightful.  Today we are sailing toward our next Madagascar port, we arrive there tomorrow morning.  Our seas today in the Indian Ocean are almost flat calm.  Bye for now, next post will be on Thursday.  BTW, our time difference with the US Eastern time zone is down to 7 hours.

Jer and Helen