Ampefiloha: The Cultural Heartbeat of Antananarivo

• HelloSalama
  [sah-lah-mah]
• GoodbyeVeloma
  [veh-loh-mah]
• YesEny
  [eh-ny]
• NoTsisy
  [tsee-si]
• Please/You're welcomeAzafady
  [ah-zah-fah-dy]
• Thank youMisaotra
  [mee-sah-oo-trah]
• Excuse me/SorryAzafady
  [ah-zah-fah-dy]
• 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 ve ianao?
  [mee-teh-ny ah-nglee-see veh yah-now]
• I don't understandTsy nifankahalala
  [tsee nee-fahn-kah-hah-lah-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe-ho avy ny menio, azafady
  [teh-hoo ah-vy nee may-nyoo, ah-zah-fah-dy]
• I don't eat meatTsy mifoka hena aho
  [tsee mee-foo-kah hay-nah ah-hoo]
• Cheers!Misaotra!
  [mee-sah-oo-trah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTe-ho fandoavam-bola, azafady
  [teh-hoo fahn-doo-ah-vahm-boo-lah, ah-zah-fah-dy]

• Help!Fandrosoana!
  [fahn-droh-soo-ah-nah]
• Go away!Mivoatra!
  [mee-vwah-trah]
• Call the Police!Mangataka ny mpitandro ny filaminana!
  [mahng-gah-tah-kah nee mpee-tahnd-roh nee fee-lah-mee-nah-nah]
• Call a doctor!Mangataka dokotera!
  [mahng-gah-tah-kah doh-koh-teh-rah]
• I'm lostTsy voatanisa aho
  [tsee vwah-tah-nee-sah ah-hoo]
• I'm illTsy mandeha aho
  [tsee mahn-day-hah ah-hoo]

• I'd like to buy...Te-ho hanina...
  [teh-hoo hah-nee-nah]
• I'm just lookingMamaky ihany aho
  [mah-mah-ky ee-hah-ny ah-hoo]
• How much is it?Ahoana io?
  [ah-wah-nah ee-oh]
• That's too expensiveMahafinaritra be io
  [mah-hah-fee-nah-ree-trah beh ee-oh]
• Can you lower the price?Azonao ve ny fandoavam-bola?
  [ah-zoo-now veh nee fahn-doo-ah-vahm-boo-lah]

• What time is it?Ahoana no herinandro?
  [ah-wah-nah noh hay-ree-nahn-droh]
• It's one o'clockEo ambin'ny iray
  [eh-oh ahm-been-ny ee-ry]
• Half past (10)Efatra sy amby folo
  [eh-fah-trah see ahm-bee foh-loh]
• MorningMaraina
  [mah-rah-een-ah]
• AfternoonAlina
  [ah-lee-nah]
• EveningHariva
  [hah-ree-vah]
• YesterdayOmaly
  [oh-mah-ly]
• TodayAnio
  [ah-nyoh]
• TomorrowRehefa androany
  [reh-heh-fah ahn-droh-ah-ny]
• 1Iray
  [ee-ry]
• 2Roa
  [roo]
• 3Telo
  [tay-loo]
• 4Efatra
  [eh-fah-trah]
• 5Dimy
  [dee-mee]
• 6Enina
  [eh-nee-nah]
• 7Fito
  [fee-too]
• 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-noo-nah nee ah-dee-reh-see]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Azonao ve hitady ahy (amin'ny sarita)?
  [ah-zoo-now veh hee-tah-dy ah-hy ah-meen-ny sah-ree-tah]
• When's the next (bus)?Rehefa hivarotra indray (bus)?
  [reh-heh-fah hee-vah-roh-trah eend-ry (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ny fitaovana (ho...)
  [nee fee-tah-oo-vah-nah (hoo)]

Ampefiloha, like much of Antananarivo, has roots that trace back to the 16th century when it was part of the Imerina Kingdom. The area was initially settled by the Merina people, who established agricultural practices and built their society around the rich resources of the region.

During the early 19th century, Ampefiloha became increasingly significant as the Merina Kingdom expanded under King Andrianampoinimerina. The area served as a strategic point in the consolidation of power, aiding the unification of Madagascar and the centralization of authority in Antananarivo.

With the arrival of French colonial forces in the late 19th century, Ampefiloha underwent significant changes. The French expanded infrastructure in the area, introducing new roads and public buildings, which altered the landscape and the socio-economic dynamics of the neighbourhood.

In the post-colonial period, Ampefiloha emerged as a vibrant cultural hub within Antananarivo. It became known for its lively markets, traditional music, and dance performances, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Madagascar, where local customs and practices thrived amid modernization.

In recent decades, Ampefiloha has experienced rapid urbanization, with new residential developments and commercial establishments sprouting up. This growth has led to a blend of traditional Malagasy culture with contemporary urban life, making Ampefiloha a unique microcosm of Antananarivo's evolution.

Ampefiloha is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Antananarivo. You can take a taxi-brousse (shared taxi) from the central taxi-brousse station to reach Ampefiloha. Alternatively, local taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available throughout the city and can take you directly to Ampefiloha. If you are coming from the Ivato International Airport, a taxi ride will take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Ampefiloha is best explored on foot due to its compact nature. However, for longer distances, you can use local buses or taxi-brousses that run frequently along main roads. Bicycles are also an option, but be cautious of traffic. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed from the street or booked via local services.

While Ampefiloha is generally safe for tourists, it is advisable to remain vigilant, especially at night. Areas near the central market can see higher crime rates, so it's best to avoid them after dark. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using your phone in public. It is recommended to travel in groups and avoid displaying valuables.

In case of an emergency, dial the local emergency number 117 for police assistance or 118 for medical emergencies. It is advisable to have a list of local hospitals and embassies on hand. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout Ampefiloha. Travel insurance that covers emergencies is highly recommended.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious or conservative areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and practices; cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly; don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and handshake; don't assume familiarity. Eating & Drinking: Do savor local dishes; don't waste food or refuse hospitality as it might be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Ampefiloha like a local, visit the bustling markets, such as the Analakely Market, where you can find fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with vendors and learn about their goods. Try the street food, especially local delicacies like 'mofo gasy' (Malagasy pancakes). Participating in local festivals can provide insight into Malagasy culture.