"Children in Fenerive" Madagascar Travelogue by drolkar

Madagascar Travel Guide: 1,263 reviews and 3,019 photos

One of my closest friends from my university days, Ingrid, joined the first Peace Corps group to go to Madagascar. Practically from the day she left, she was urging me to come and visit her... and it goes without saying that I didn't need much persuasion! So off I went in September of 1995 for a month-long adventure.

Ingrid was living and teaching English in the small town of Fenerive on the north-eastern coast of Madagascar. I understood right away that visitors from afar were not all that common when a complete stranger hailed me in French when I arrived at the bus stop -- "You must be Ingrid's friend..."!

My best memory from Fenerive, however, was meeting the children pictured above. On that particular day, Ingrid and I had spent the afternoon at a little seaside cafe to relax and talk. At around 5:00 pm, as the sun began its descent, we headed back into town. Along the way, we passed a primary school where classes had just ended for the day, releasing a stream of young children in pink uniforms onto the street.

At first I was not even aware of the children's presence... but then all of a sudden I heard rustling and whispering coming from behind us, with occasional use of the Malagasy word "vazaha" (meaning "white person"). I turned around -- and lo and behold, what seemed to be the entire primary school was following us en masse, giggling and pointing at me (the vazaha!). Shopkeepers and other Malagasy adults watched with bemusement as our bizarre little procession made its way into the center of town: the "vazaha" Pied Piper with an ocean of little pink uniforms tagging along!

I was so charmed by the experience that I decided to try to record it on film. While continuing to walk, I pulled out my camera and turned around in order to photograph the children. The result was instantaneous: they all started laughing and calling and cheering and waving their arms in the air!

They followed Ingrid and myself all the way into town, and only then did we go our separate ways. I will never forget the children of Fenerive, who gave me such a warm welcome!

Page Updated Jan 18, 2005
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Reviews (28)

Hotels (1)
Seaside bungalows like this...
Transportation (4)
See All POUSSE-POUSSE ('push-push' in...
Local Customs (10)
See All LEMURS... are everywhere! ...
Favorites (8)
See All Visit the town of ANTSIRABE,...

Tourist Traps (1)
THE PIRATE CEMETERY on Ile...
Off The Beaten Path (3)
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Comments (126)

balhannah Jan 18, 2010 at 3:38 AM Report Abuse

Interesting reading about the "Merina" Quite like Lemurs, looks like you find them everywhere there!
matcrazy1 Jan 13, 2007 at 8:36 AM Report Abuse

Fascinating island! I knew about lemurs and chameleons but I didn't know that baobab tree is native to Madagascar.
janetanne Oct 21, 2006 at 12:14 AM Report Abuse

Your unique insights on the places you have travelled to are a marvel to read. Marvellous Madaagascar!
toonsarah Oct 20, 2006 at 12:16 PM Report Abuse

Some fascinating tales and tips - thank you for sharing them. Sarah
ukirsari Jun 2, 2006 at 4:56 AM Report Abuse

privet cathy, thanks for birthday wishes! not yet arrange something special but hear that all big family in jogjakarta are fine made me so happy :) hugs ~@rie~
thinking Sep 15, 2004 at 10:44 AM Report Abuse

Madaagascar is on my list. It is so far, that it will take a while for me to go. Great pages.
Wafro Jun 11, 2004 at 7:07 AM Report Abuse

I shall put Madagascar on my Africa list. FREEDOM FOR ALL THE LEMURES!!! ;-))
850prc Mar 12, 2004 at 5:20 AM Report Abuse

Salut vazana! : ) Loved your page, C. We'd love to visit Madagascar. Also liked the Air Mad comment...the legend of the pregnant lady at the lake. All in all, a most entertaining page.
PA2AKgirl Jan 15, 2004 at 12:52 AM Report Abuse

definitely on my wishlist as well. Great photos and commentary.
sachara Sep 8, 2003 at 8:30 AM Report Abuse

Great page of this destination at my wishlist. Ringtail lemures are my favourites. Now I can only visit them in the zoo next door.