TSIMBAZAZA BOTANICAL GARDENS AND ZOO (My first Tana walk-about!)

My observation while currently residing in Tana (Antananarivo) the capital city of my mad magical island: "...one never knows exactly about things in Tana!"
This time though me thinks I'm the "mad magical one!"
Nothing is "straight" - forward. The city is "up hill and down dale" even surrounded by hills.
My new friend, Herisoa, who is the taxi driver, Lala's wife and I set out just after 9am on a Tuesday (Talata in Malagasy) morning.
Our destination: Tsimbazaza Botanical Gardens and Zoo. I had no idea in what direction we would be walking or for how long we would be walking. In fact, I had no clue where we were going! Before we set off, my cell-phone was hidden in the back pocket of my jeans as was my money. Into her bag she popped my house keys. No bag for me. Fortunately my long top covered the pockets. So hopefully no-one could be tempted to "pick a pocket or two!" Silly me......my jeans I chose to wear only had back pockets that were open. No side pockets. They are "slimming" jeans you understand.
"Thank goodness my feet are shod with my comfortable slip-on Skechers'" I  thought to myself as we set off.
I'm usually in a car with Hilton when going anywhere specific unless for a little neighbourhood stroll.
Impossible, no strolling on the streets of Tana in neighbourhood or anywhere else. Cars, taxi-buses (taxi-brousse), motor cycles, scooters, pedestrians, hawkers.

 

 

I felt like a child. I was overwhelmed with relief, Herisoa was the adult. She held my hand while crossing the streets. But aah - true to human nature, I soon felt rebellious. "Leave my hand!" Then, "what will people think, two ladies holding hands." As if anyone really cared. They were all going about their everyday business, whatever it is, and they were all walking and busy except when they saw me coming along. Somehow, me thinks, for a moment on seeing me, their day wasn't quite so ordinary after all!
Majority of Malagasy people are short - well shorter than me at least. Obviously my view above their heads was extended, but I stuck out like a "sore thumb." I prefer to think of it as: "I appeared on their vista like magic!" A "vaza" walking, no!
Our walk or rather our "mini suburban hike" (through two suburbs, crowded side-walks with hawkers jostling for trade, markets overflowing with customers, pedestrians and vehicles vying for space in the streets, scooters  and motor cycles maneuvering and weaving in between them all) kept us alert until eventually, way down the hill we spied the entrance to Tsimbazaza. It was an hour later.

Picture this: Herisoa only speaks Malagasy. Natalie (me) only speaks English. We are teaching each other our language. We conversed about our families, eating too much, gaining weight, how old we were. We laughed at our mistakes, we complimented each other, we both learned new vocabulary and we chuckled at the comments muttered as we walked home......eventually. Camaraderie. To someone, I was a TV personality look-a-like, to another, "Vaza walking!" Unbelievable.

But somehow the homeward bound "suburban hike" seemed quicker, my steps firmer, the direction clearer in my brain even though it was bustling worse than in the morning.

The last steep upward climb of steps nearly overwhelmed both Herisoa and myself. Our saving grace? The thought of the calories we were burning after our most delicious lunch and dessert we both enjoyed at Tsimbazaza before our homeward trek!

Words needing no translation: Ja and pee-pee!

My friend Herisoa. (above, not below!)

WoW! Meet # three! This tortoise is huge. I'm not a zoo fan at all. I prefer animals in the wild, roaming free.....I understand the purpose of zoos, but I don't enjoy taking too many photos of caged animals and birds. I break out in a cold sweat when I see them in cages!

Even crocodiles, believe it or not, I prefer in their natural free roaming habitat.....

The lakes are beautiful and there is a sense of tranquillity......

This Poinsettia and miniature croutons are vibrant with colour.

Our lunch at the Restaurant serving "European" cuisine was a most delightful time. Mr Fridy, the proprietor and chef entertained with the radio on a local station belting out music, even "Forever Young" was featured, much to my amusement.
He recommended Chicken Kebabs served with vegetables or chips. I chose vegetables and Herisoa chips.

Our dessert was caramelized pineapple......

Mr Fridy, the proprietor and chef........

 And so my feet tell the story of our "suburban hike!"