Madagascar

[Golfinho]

Seeing the theatrics in Tulear over the weekend, strikers marching with their banners with gendarmerie blocking the boulevard. Neither side seemed know what to do. It was almost like a scripted show. Eventually the tear gas canisters are flying, kids running all over. Different from Tana where watching from the hotel seeing gendarmes and demonstrators beating each other with clubs and sticks.

[Neddy69]

2022 is a long time ago LOL and LOL some more. President made his talk in 2023. You evidently don't come very often.

Two functioning aircraft at the moment. Don't plan making tight connections even more as per usual.

I'm getting old. I even mix up years. I flew down in March 2023 of course. They have seven serviceable ATRs. What does it mean? If they have no money for spare parts. Or no money at all. I wouldn't worry too much. Everybody who knows air mad knows what I'm talking about anything can happen. It's more like a taxi Brousse. Be happy when it flies und you arrive alive. Booking is subject to change and cancellation.

La Buse.

[SouthEaster]

I was booked on one of those Embraer aircraft for a flight in 2 weeks to Diego. Last week they sent me a change (surprise). Flight is now 5 hours earlier and switched to an ATR72. Hope the tape doesn't fall off.

Jazzy, looking forward to your take on real time in Tana. I arrive next week.

[Golfinho]

The problem of Air Madagascar is. No aircraft. Right now they operate only ATR72 in various stages of decay. When I was flying down I noticed one of the prop blades was patched up. They supposed to lease 2 regional aircraft Embraer. They don't have enough capacity right now. I remember there was a be 737 operating. There's enough rich people who fly. Tourists. Rich Karane and do gooders NGOs. Malagasy people have money too. The Highlands people who live their pockets. And lastly. Government flies for free. Also the diaspora. The biggest problem is graft. We all know that.

La Buse.

Tulear? I spent 3 months down there. Right a week after the last cyclone passed. Tulear? They're always talking of direct flights to South Africa. It's all bullshit. The Malagasy powers (Merina) to be only pay lip service. They don't want development. They don't want competition. They want to protect their permanently bankrupt national carrier.

Which Tulear Airport project? The airport hasn't changed since I landed there back in 2015 and now 2022. LOL.

2022 is a long time ago LOL and LOL some more. President made his talk in 2023. You evidently don't come very often.

Two functioning aircraft at the moment. Don't plan making tight connections even more as per usual.

[Jazzy Daddy]

Heading out Thursday night, so I'll report my observations on the current events unfolding in tana.

[SouthEaster]

Just how do you expect me to make sense of things from thousands of miles away? You are the one apparently in Tulear right now but I am expected to understand the situation from another continent. And yes I will be contacting Tsaradia from abroad to get their take on it too! What is wrong with you? You seem to take a perverse delight in showing how well you know the ins and out of the country while denigrating anyone who doesn't have your financial wherewithal. At least the pirate supplies information and does not attempt to lord it over others less fortunate. Yes he has an acerbic bite. You prefer to get in a subtle jab with every post. Every post.

[Neddy69]

There's things to see in stretches, but hardly amongst the most scenic routes on earth. Weather-related slides can block road at any time: now is October, June was who knows how many cyclones ago.

At any rate, the President was in Tulear last Spring celebrating completion of Tulear Airport project, which if you never been through airports here you mightn't know anything about it firsthand. He announced flights would soon be coming -- and from / to international destinations. Nothing yet, although the once weekly flight to RUN via Fort Dauphin is operating.

The problem of Air Madagascar is. No aircraft. Right now they operate only ATR72 in various stages of decay. When I was flying down I noticed one of the prop blades was patched up. They supposed to lease 2 regional aircraft Embraer. They don't have enough capacity right now. I remember there was a be 737 operating. There's enough rich people who fly. Tourists. Rich Karane and do gooders NGOs. Malagasy people have money too. The Highlands people who live their pockets. And lastly. Government flies for free. Also the diaspora. The biggest problem is graft. We all know that.

La Buse.

Tulear? I spent 3 months down there. Right a week after the last cyclone passed. Tulear? They're always talking of direct flights to South Africa. It's all bullshit. The Malagasy powers (Merina) to be only pay lip service. They don't want development. They don't want competition. They want to protect their permanently bankrupt national carrier.

Which Tulear Airport project? The airport hasn't changed since I landed there back in 2015 and now 2022. LOL.

[Golfinho]

Well I used that deplorable road in June. Deplorable it was. Not the leg from Tulear to Fianar. Only the last 80 km or so when it climbs up to the high plateau before Fianar. 2 days later I took the early morning Cotisse from Fianar to Tana. There were a number of road works going on. Rehabilitation of sections of road blocked by landslides. When they get EU I. E. French funding that is. It was a long and exhausting drive with 1000's of curves ranging from potholes to brand new tarmacked sections. But I love it. RN 7 is of the most scenic routes on earth. Can it be blocked. Of course if there's land slides. Any time.

There's things to see in stretches, but hardly amongst the most scenic routes on earth. Weather-related slides can block road at any time: now is October, June was who knows how many cyclones ago.

At any rate, the President was in Tulear last Spring celebrating completion of Tulear Airport project, which if you never been through airports here you mightn't know anything about it firsthand. He announced flights would soon be coming -- and from / to international destinations. Nothing yet, although the once weekly flight to RUN via Fort Dauphin is operating.

[Golfinho]

What does the condition of the roads have to do with full (cancelled?) flights. You are implying that the government, I guess, is OK with people leaving Tana for Tulear but doesn't want them coming back?

I'm not implying anything. Sorry you can't make sense of it. Ask the people working at Tsaradia and you'll hear the same thing. Enjoy the ride. We all know what the view is like. Sit on the right side going down to best see the emerald miners.

[Neddy69]

Forgot to address this earlier. No flights from Tulear to Tana until (at present) 7 November. Reason is simple: the road has lapsed into such deplorable condition that no one is willing to go overland, except for the Malagasy, of course, and the dregs of the vazaha, that is the pirates.

Well I used that deplorable road in June. Deplorable it was. Not the leg from Tulear to Fianar. Only the last 80 km or so when it climbs up to the high plateau before Fianar. 2 days later I took the early morning Cotisse from Fianar to Tana. There were a number of road works going on. Rehabilitation of sections of road blocked by landslides. When they get EU I. E. French funding that is. It was a long and exhausting drive with 1000's of curves ranging from potholes to brand new tarmacked sections. But I love it. RN 7 is of the most scenic routes on earth. Can it be blocked. Of course if there's land slides. Any time.

LE dreg of the world.

La Buse.

Pirate extraordinary.

I was actually flying down last March. When I wanted to fly back there was not a single seat available. Not even for 220€. So I had to go back with the Malagasy lowlifes. I always met some nice girls. Of course driving is not for everyone. Only a pirate and a legionnaire choose that route.

[SouthEaster]

What does the condition of the roads have to do with full (cancelled?) flights. You are implying that the government, I guess, is OK with people leaving Tana for Tulear but doesn't want them coming back?

[Golfinho]

Here's a weird one for you. Just for the hell of it I checked flights for the next few weeks from Tana to Tulear. Pretty expensive but available every day I could see. On the other hand the entire month of October flights are full in the other direction. Seem highly unlikely. If the government is behind it why would they care if a few backwater bums from tulear wanted to fly into Tana. Especially since hardly anybody there has the money to fly. Strange.

Forgot to address this earlier. No flights from Tulear to Tana until (at present) 7 November. Reason is simple: the road has lapsed into such deplorable condition that no one is willing to go overland, except for the Malagasy, of course, and the dregs of the vazaha, that is the pirates.

[Jazzy Daddy]

I've been seen here in dar / Amba with two different ladies who love to come over and spend nights (separately) with me. One, my favorite, is so dark it's hard to see her face at night but very attractive and the other very attractive with light feathers. Only because they make me laugh, make incredible sex and love to go out dancing I've not been active in the singles search here lately. This morning I cooked banana whiskey flambé crepes with pomme de terre américaine after a morning session with la femme noir, it doesn't hurt if you know how to cook. The only ingredient absent for me is a jazz venue where I can play and listen, but hey so much for perfection hahahaha, I'm forced to settle for other modes of self expression. See'est la vie!

[Neddy69]

You're talking out your at $$. The tunnel in Tana was teargassed. Shops closed. Curfew and strike and everything closed in Toliara. No problem so long as you stocked up on water and liquids. Between now and election aftermath, they'll be good days, they'll be bad days, and some inconvenience. Go and then you can regale this board with tales of your heroics.

Don't worry about me. I've been in election periods twice in Madagascar. Twice in Kenya. Once in Tanzania. And in Gambia when Jammeh was deposed. Yes. I agree stock up on water and food. Don't leave your hotel room unless absolutely necessary. Of course all joints shops etc. Will be closed. Avoid the central area around Rue independence and the presidents palace you'll be ok. No need to fear monger and exaggerate. Elections are what they are. Stay away from demonstrations. Will I be in Madagascar. No. But know people who live there. So I know exactly what's going on.

La Buse.

[Golfinho]

So Golfinho figures I am heading into a war zone and will be killed if I take to the road. Neddy figures all will be fine and there is not much to worry about. I have no idea how things will turn out but I guess I am going to find out. Unless Golfinho is on the ground right now how would he know all the girls from Toliara are leaving. Are you? If that is indeed the case it may make it worthwhile to head there, which after last years dustbowl experience I wasn't going to bother with this time around. And yes I could fly almost immediately but that was not my plan and I am not likely to change it unless I hear dire reports of fighting etc. Before I arrive.

Is there anyone on the ground right now who has a feel for the current vibe and potential risk or lack thereof?

Don't worry yourself precious. Toliara is the same old, dusty flyblown town as devoid as always. Plane down was full of geriatric French tourists, but they'll be staying at French / Italian owned hostelry for sleeping and eating and drinking and won't be affected by the strike. Girls go away to Tana and Nosy where their parents and family won't see them cavorting with geriatric vazaha. Of course, it's an open secret where the remittances are coming from, but it's sight unseen and fady to talk about it. Back home in Toliara and hunting you? Some desperate as always, but no bonanza to get yourself excited about.

When your plan is a cheaply-as-possible sex holiday, you don't need to change nothing. Just keep stocked up on water. And shell out for data plan on your SIM card and you're good to go.