The Island Girl

Nosy Be, the tropical paradise off the northwest coast of Madagascar, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and unique experiences. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this island has it all. Here’s a perfect 5-day itinerary to make the most of your time in Nosy Be. Getting There The journey to Nosy Be can be as exciting as the destination itself. You have two main options: flying or taking a road trip. If time is of the essence, flying is your best bet, offering a quick and hassle-free route straight to paradise. However, if you're up for an adventure, the road trip takes about 24 hours. It includes a scenic drive across Madagascar and a thrilling speedboat ride to cross the sea. Day 1: Exploring the Main Island - Nosy Be Start your adventure on the main island by immersing yourself in its unique attractions. Morning: Libertalia Begin your day at Libertalia, a historic site with remnants of a legendary pirate utopia. Stroll throug...

Work and missions can be tiring, but during your stay in Antananarivo (or “Tana” as the locals fondly call it), make sure you also have fun and relax! After a day of work, it’s time to dive into the vibrant afterwork scene in downtown Tana. Whether you're here on a mission or just soaking up the local culture, this city has plenty to offer once the sun sets. Me and my husband at No comment bar  Enjoy a Taste of Local Cuisine Start your evening by indulging in some authentic Malagasy cuisine. Restaurant Sakamanga is a favorite among both locals and expats. Located in the heart of Tana, this spot offers delicious traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere. For those craving something a bit different, La Varangue serves up a fusion of Malagasy and French flavors. Unwind with a Drink After a long working day, head to Irish Pub, a lounge bar that’s perfect for unwinding with a drink. This spot has a great selection of local and international beers and cocktails. Also, consider stopping by ...

 In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, finding balance is key. While the daily grind of deadlines, meetings, and innovation can be intense, taking time to travel can offer invaluable benefits. Travel isn't just a break from routine; it's an investment in creativity, global networking, and personal rejuvenation. For entrepreneurs, hitting the road can unlock new perspectives, inspire innovative ideas, and provide much-needed respite from the constant hustle. Here’s why traveling is one of the smartest investment an entrepreneur can do: Broadening Horizons and Expanding Perspectives Traveling exposes entrepreneurs to new cultures, ideas, and ways of thinking. This exposure is crucial for fostering creativity and innovation. When you step out of your comfort zone and experience life from different cultural perspectives, you gain a wealth of knowledge that can inspire new business ideas and strategies. Whether it’s the vibrant markets of Marrakech or the tech-savvy street...

Business trips often mean packed schedules, endless meetings, and a blur of airports and hotels. However, with some savvy planning, you can transform these work trips into mini-vacations, enjoying the best of both worlds. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to incorporate tourism into your business travels, making each trip an adventure worth remembering. 1. Thorough Pre-Trip Planning Land of Legends, Antalya, Turkey 🇹🇷 during a business trip as an interpreter - 2024 Start by researching your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the city’s major attractions, cultural sites, and must-visit spots. Websites like TripAdvisor, local tourism sites, and travel blogs like mine can offer valuable insights and tips. Create a wish list of places you'd like to visit, and map them out relative to your hotel and meeting locations. This planning will help you maximize your limited free time.  2. Strategic Booking When booking your trip, choose flights and accommodations strateg...

Embarking on a journey with friends can transform a mundane trip into an unforgettable adventure filled with shared laughter, unique experiences, and strengthened bonds. However, the dynamic of traveling with friends comes with both pros and cons that can significantly influence the overall experience. Let's delve into the intricacies of hitting the road with your companions. Nosy Iranja with my dear friend Ravaka  Pros of Traveling with Friends: 1. Shared Memories and Bonding: One of the most significant advantages of traveling with friends is the opportunity to create shared memories. From navigating unfamiliar streets to trying new cuisines, these shared experiences can strengthen your bonds and provide a treasure trove of stories to reminisce about in the years to come. 2. Cost Sharing: Travel expenses can add up quickly, but when you're traveling with friends, you can often split the costs of accommodation, transportation, and meals. This not only makes the trip more affor...

Andilana Beach,  Nosy Be, Madagascar  While scrolling through my travel pictures, people often think I'm rolling in cash. But here's the kicker: I don't pay for most of my trips. In fact, I'm often getting paid to travel. You must be thinking, "What a dream!" And just to clear the air, no sugar daddies are involved. Keep reading, and I'll share some tips on making your travel dreams come true without breaking the banks. Dream of it and Work for it Don't just vaguely wish to travel for free someday. Truly dream of it with all your heart. Make concrete plans and set clear milestones. Since I was six, I knew I wanted a job that would allow me to travel and use English as my working language. This goal guided all my choices from that point on. Dreaming is just the start, though. Once you have a dream, it’s time to turn it into actionable goals. This means researching opportunities, networking with people in the travel industry, and continuously upgrading y...

 Hello fellow travelers ☺️ Do you keep a travel diary ? I do. And this is an excerpt of my trip with my husband to Nosy be in December 2023. Nosy Tanikely 💙 Day 1: The Journey Begins It’s our first day on this enchanting island of Nosy Be. My husband and I have just endured a grueling 24-hour road trip to get here, but the anticipation keeps us going. The main island welcomes us with open arms, and we decide to take it easy today—just chilling, recovering from the long journey. Day 2: Paradise Awaits The alarm jolts us awake at 6:30 a.m., but it’s a welcome sound. Today, we’re bound for Nosy Tanikely—a slice of heaven on earth. We hop into a tuk-tuk and head to a nearby pastry shop for breakfast. The rendezvous with our speedboat is set for 8:30 a.m., and we can’t wait. Madirokely Beach Buzzing with Excitement At 8:30 a.m., Madirokely Beach is alive with energy. Tourists from all corners of the globe—mostly Europeans—gather, their eyes shining with anticipation. Our guide, Manuell...

Hello everyone ☺️ I am thrilled and honored to share with you something that truly matters to me: Business Outing . This concept, which I created back in 2020, aims to promote local tourism in Madagascar with a unique twist. Unlike regular trips, our outings have a specific added value – a learning component. Our motto is "travel and network," and it has guided us through four successful trips, each better than the last. I'm incredibly proud of the evolution and growth we've achieved. This year's edition was particularly special. We called it the Family Business Camp and tailored activities to suit every family member. The focus was on learning, bonding, and having fun together, creating lasting memories and valuable experiences. Day 1: Music, Soap Making, and Digital Opportunities We kicked off the first day with a session of music therapy led by Kevin Mirija, a psychologist and professional musician. This was a unique and relaxing start, setting a positive tone...

Hi world, this is me... I am just back from a journey to an unknown land...maybe music land... Embarking a journey led by the enchanting melodies of Rabesolophone, featuring the virtuoso guitarist Joel Rabesolo, is akin to entering a realm where music transcends language and speaks directly to the soul. The ensemble, comprising the prodigious talents of Tsanta on keyboards and trumpet, Hasina with his saxophone, Toufa Loux’s rhythmic percussions, Harty’s resonant bass, and Miora’s dynamic drumming, creates a symphony that resonates with the heart’s deepest emotions. From the vantage point of a front-row seat, the experience is nothing short of transformative. The musicians, each a maestro in their own right, weave a tapestry of sound that is both intricate and expansive. The passion they pour into every note is palpable, stirring the audience into a collective state of awe. It’s a show where the vibrations are not just heard but felt, coursing through the veins and igniting a fire with...

 Madagascar, a land of unparalleled biodiversity, is also home to a vibrant tapestry of people whose stories are as rich and diverse as the island’s flora and fauna. Among these individuals is Dr. Joel Raveloharimisy a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of education and determination. Dr. Raveloharimisy, a native Malagasy, serves as the Director of the Masters in International Development program at Andrews University. His journey is one of resilience and unwavering commitment to empowering the youth of Madagascar. Through his extensive experience in conducting conferences, radio broadcasts, and mentoring sessions, Dr. Raveloharimisy has become a pivotal figure in guiding young Malagasy students to pursue higher education and realize their dreams, both at home and on international shores. His influence extends beyond the physical realm into the digital world, where he manages a Facebook group nearing 50,000 members. In this online community, Dr. Raveloharimisy gener...