Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to one of the reforestation programmes in Madagascar. See
Click Here
,
Click Here
and
Click Here
for details of some.
ANGLO-MALAGASY SOCIETY
If you live in the UK and have fallen in love with Madagascar, or indeed are involved
with the country in any way - whether through family, charity, NGO or business con-
nections - consider joining the Anglo-Malagasy Society.
Adetailedquarterlynewsletterkeepsmembersinformedofnewsanddevelopments
from the island. The AMS holds meetings in London four times a year with speakers
on a diverse range of Malagasy topics, followed by a delicious Malagasy buffet. See
www.anglo-malagasysociety.co.uk
for more information and a membership form.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
In recent years there has been a welcome shift of attitude among visitors to developing
countries from 'What can I get out of this trip?' to 'How can I give something back?' This
chapter addresses those issues, and suggests ways in which you can help this marvellous,
but sometimes tragic, country.
THEYDOTHINGSDIFFERENTLYTHERE
IoncecaughtourMalagasyguidescowl-
ing at himself in the mirror. When I teased him he said: 'As a Malagasy man I smile a lot.
I can see that if I want to work with tourists I must learn to frown.' He knew that the group
considered him insufficiently assertive. Tolerance and the fear of causing offence is an in-
tegral part of Malagasy social relationships. So if a tourist expresses anger in a way that is
entirely appropriate in his or her own culture, it may be counter-productive in Madagascar.
Deeply unsettled, the person at the receiving end may giggle in response, thus exacerbat-
ing the situation. If you are patient, pleasant and keep your temper, your problem will be
solved more quickly.
Avoid being too dogmatic in conversation (you do not have exclusivity of the truth).
Make use of 'perhaps' and 'maybe'. Be excessive in your thanks. The Malagasy are very
polite;wemissthenuancesbynotunderstandingthelanguage.Bodylanguage,however,is
easier to learn. For instance, 'Excuse me, may I come through?' is indicated by a stooping
posture and an arm extended forward. Note how often it is used.
Part of responsible tourism is relinquishing some of our normal comforts. Consider this:
fuelwood demand in Madagascar has far outstripped supply. Wood and charcoal are the
main sources of energy, and the chief users are city dwellers. In rural areas, tourist estab-
