I stood with my arms stretched out, suppressing a laugh as Léstonia tied a colorful lamba tightly around my waist. I was a guest at her wedding, yet here ... read more
Not many people speak Malagasy, the language of Madagascar. Even if you only know a few phrases locals will be very impressed and call you "mahay" (smart). When you see ... read more
Not many people speak Malagasy, the language of Madagascar. Even if you only know a few phrases locals will be very impressed and call you "mahay" (smart). When you see someone say "Salama!" and ask them "Ino vaovao?" (ee-no vo-vo) or "What's new?" They will respond "Tsy misy" (tsee me-see) or "Nothing." Then you will ask the same question in a different way with "Ino miresaka?" (ee-no me-ray-sa-ka), and they will again say "Tsy misy." There you go! That's really all you need to look like a genius while visiting Madagascar. Be prepared for them to laugh hysterically. It's not because you said anything wrong, it's just so unbelievable that a "vazaha" (foreigner) is speaking their language. That's a good thing.
Madagascar
Madagascar
