Antananarivo: The Heartbeat of Madagascar

• HelloSalama
  [sah-lah-mah]
• GoodbyeVeloma
  [veh-loh-mah]
• YesEny
  [eh-ny]
• NoTsy
  [tsy]
• Please/You're welcomeAzafady
  [ah-zah-fah-dee]
• Thank youMisaotra
  [mee-sah-oo-trah]
• Excuse me/SorryMiala tsiny
  [mee-ah-lah tsee-ny]
• How are you?Manao ahoana ianao?
  [mah-now ah-wah-nah yah-now]
• Fine. And you?Tsara. Ary ianao?
  [tsah-rah ah-ree yah-now]
• Do you speak English?Miteny Anglisy ianao?
  [mee-teh-ny ahng-lee-see yah-now]
• I don't understandTsy fantatro
  [tsy fahn-tah-tro]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe hahita ny menio, azafady
  [teh hah-hee-tah nee men-yoo ah-zah-fah-dee]
• I don't eat meatTsy misy hena aho
  [tsy mee-see hay-nah ah-hoo]
• Cheers!Sambatra!
  [sahm-bah-trah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTe hahita ny vola, azafady
  [teh hah-hee-tah nee voo-lah ah-zah-fah-dee]

• Help!Fanampiana!
  [fah-nahm-pee-ah-nah]
• Go away!Mandehana!
  [mahn-day-hah-nah]
• Call the Police!Manorata ny polisy!
  [mah-noh-rah-tah nee poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Manorata dokotera!
  [mah-noh-rah-tah doh-koh-teh-rah]
• I'm lostTsy mahita
  [tsy mah-hee-tah]
• I'm illMangina
  [mahng-ee-nah]

• I'd like to buy...Te hahita mivarotra...
  [teh hah-hee-tah mee-vah-roh-trah]
• I'm just lookingMiandry aho
  [my-ahnd-ree ah-hoo]
• How much is it?Ohatra no vola?
  [oh-ha-trah no voo-lah]
• That's too expensiveMahafinaritra loatra izany
  [mah-hah-fee-nah-ree-trah loh-ah-trah ee-zah-nih]
• Can you lower the price?Azafady ampandroso ny vidiny?
  [ah-zah-fah-dee ahm-pahn-droh-soh nee vee-dee-nee]

• What time is it?Inona no ora?
  [ee-noh-nah noh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockEo iray ora
  [eh-oh ee-rah-ee oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Efatra sy folo
  [eh-fah-trah see foh-loh]
• MorningMaraina
  [mah-rah-ee-nah]
• AfternoonAloatra
  [ah-loo-ah-trah]
• EveningAlina
  [ah-lee-nah]
• YesterdayOmaly
  [oh-mah-lee]
• TodayAnio
  [ahn-yoo]
• TomorrowRaharaha
  [rah-hah-rah-hah]
• 1Iray
  [ee-rah-ee]
• 2Roa
  [roo-ah]
• 3Telo
  [teh-loo]
• 4Efatra
  [eh-fah-trah]
• 5Dimy
  [dee-mee]
• 6Enina
  [eh-nee-nah]
• 7Fiteny
  [fee-teh-nee]
• 8Valo
  [vah-loo]
• 9Sivy
  [see-vy]
• 10Folo
  [foh-loh]

• Where's a/the...?Aiza ny...
  [ah-ee-zah nee]
• What's the address?Inona ny adiresy?
  [ee-noh-nah nee ah-dee-reh-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Azafady averina aho (amin'ny sarita)?
  [ah-zah-fah-dee ah-veh-ree-nah ah-hoo ah-meen-nee sah-ree-tah]
• When's the next (bus)?Raha henoy ny farany (fiara)?
  [rah-hah hay-noy nee fah-rah-nee fee-ah-rah]
• A ticket (to ....)Ny fandaniana (hahafaty ...)?
  [nee fahn-dah-nee-ah hah-hah-fah-tee]

Antananarivo, often referred to as 'Tana,' was founded in around 1610 by King Andrianjaka of the Merina people. The city was established on the highest of the twelve sacred hills of Imerina, offering a strategic vantage point. It was named 'Antananarivo,' meaning 'City of the Thousand,' in honor of the thousand soldiers who protected it.

In the early 19th century, Antananarivo became the capital of the Merina Kingdom under King Radama I. His reign marked the beginning of significant political and military expansion, as well as efforts to modernize the kingdom by adopting Western education and technology.

The French colonized Madagascar in 1896, making Antananarivo the administrative center of the island. The city underwent considerable changes during this period, including the construction of European-style buildings and infrastructure. The French influence is still evident in the city's architecture and urban layout.

Madagascar gained independence from France on June 26, 1960. Antananarivo continued to be the political, economic, and cultural hub of the country. The post-colonial period saw efforts to reclaim Malagasy identity, with a focus on promoting local culture and traditions.

Antananarivo is home to several significant cultural landmarks, such as the Rova of Antananarivo, also known as the Queen's Palace. This historic complex served as the royal residence of the Merina monarchs and is a symbol of Madagascar's rich heritage. Another notable site is the Andafiavaratra Palace, which houses a museum showcasing royal artifacts.

Today, Antananarivo is a bustling metropolis characterized by a blend of traditional Malagasy culture and modern influences. The city is a vibrant center for arts, commerce, and education, attracting visitors with its lively markets, historic sites, and scenic vistas.

Antananarivo, the capital city of Madagascar, is primarily accessed via Ivato International Airport (TNR), located about 16 kilometers northwest of the city center. There are direct flights from major cities in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Domestic flights from other regions of Madagascar also operate frequently. Once at the airport, travelers can take taxis or pre-arranged hotel shuttles to reach the city.

Getting around Antananarivo can be an adventure. Taxis are a common and relatively affordable way to travel. Taxi-be (shared minibuses) are the main form of public transportation and cover various routes across the city, though they can be crowded and less comfortable. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions. For short distances, walking is often the best option, especially in central areas.

The official currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Antananarivo, but it's a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash for your needs, as ATMs can sometimes run out of money or be out of service.

Antananarivo is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Be cautious in crowded places like markets and bus stations, as pickpocketing can occur. Areas such as Analakely and Isotry have higher crime rates. Always use reputable transportation services and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 124 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in Antananarivo include HJRA Hospital and Polyclinique Ilafy. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or rural areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be patient and polite when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salama' (hello) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept offers of hospitality. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Antananarivo like a local, visit the Analakely market for fresh produce and local goods. Take a stroll around Lac Anosy for a serene escape from the bustling city. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their culture. Don't miss the Rova of Antananarivo, a historic royal palace offering panoramic views of the city. For an authentic dining experience, try traditional Malagasy cuisine at local eateries.