Nosy Be lies just off the coast of Madagascar. Its name means "big island" in the local Malagasy language.
The Amsterdam anchored off shore in deep water. We were brought ashore in the ship's tenders,which also serve as our lifeboats. Our tour guides and vehicles met us at the pier. We bounced along in a non-air conditioned bus, stopping at a city market (note the display of plus-sized shrimp!)
and driving out into the country.
We were told that people resent having their pictures taken. That is understandable. So, I have no photos of the brightly dressed African ladies with babies on their backs and packages balanced on their heads, but these children didn't seem to mind the camera.
Local crafts include wood carving and elaborate cutwork embroidery. The thought of ironing this lovely tablecloth discouraged me from buying it.
Madagascar is home to Lemur monkeys and colorful chameleons, but here's my best attempt at wildlife photography. This fellow, seen from our bus, is a Zebu.
We made several stops, including one where we admired these
Ylang Ylang flowers. Their essence is distilled for use in very expensive perfumes.
When we finally were ready to return to the ship, several other returning tour groups arrived at the pier at almost the same time. We stood in the broiling sun for about 45 minutes. The blocks-long line inched forward as the tenders came and went. A few people collapsed. Finally our turn came. We staggered onto the tender, promising never again to complain about the sometimes icy air conditioning on The Amsterdam.
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