Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MY COPYBOOK
Hilary Bradt
The children of Fianar have learned (from whom?) an irresistible method of getting
money - and more - from tourists. When my group met for dinner, each had a similar
storyandeach(includingmyself)wascharmedbyit.Alittleboycameuptomeinthe
street and said, in impeccable English: 'Excuse me, I wonder if you would be willing
to buy these cards I have made. I shall use the money to buy a copybook for school.
I also collect foreign coins. Perhaps you have one for me?' I asked his age (12) and
a few questions about his family. Each question was answered courteously and in the
samefluentEnglish.Igladlyboughtsomeofhisnicelydrawncardsandfoundashiny
English penny for him. Every town in Madagascar has its child beggars, but only Fi-
anar seems to have these courteous, well-educated ones. I would love to know who
taught them that courtesy succeeds better than aggression. A recent visitor to Fianar
reports being followed by one such child for some distance: 'This cute kid was just
staring at my feet, then eventually - in timid but flawless English - said, “Excuse me,
can I have your shoes?” What do you say to that?'
Soratel
(32 rooms) Ampazambazaha; 75 516 66;
f
75 516 78;
m
033 08 988 88;
e
info@soratel.com
;
www.soratel.com
.
Central rooms with TV, minibar, hairdryer & en-
suite bath. B/fast inc.
Mahamanina
(22 rooms) Rte d'Andriamboasary; 75 521 11/502 50;
m
032 04 931
48;
e
hotel-mahamanina@moov.mg
.Verypleasantdbl,twin&familyrooms;someensuite
with balcony. Excellent restaurant. B/fast inc.
Cantonnais
(14 rooms) 75 521 30. En-suite dbl, twin & trpl rooms with TV. No
food.
Ruche d'Or
(10 rooms & 3 bungalows) 75 506 14;
e
laruchedor@moov.mg
. Out of
town 5.5km towards Tana. An excellent alternative to the city for those who prefer leafi-
er surroundings. Various rooms for 2-5 people, including some budget rooms with shared
toilet.
Budget
€€
Arinofy
(10 rooms) 75 506 38;
m
032 43 091 99;
e
arinofy_hotel@yahoo.fr
.
Per-
ennially popular. Various rooms, mostly with communal facilities. Tent hire & camping
(12,000Ar/tent). Organises treks & homestays.
