Fianarantsoa: The Heart of Madagascar's Highlands

• HelloSalama
  [Sa-la-ma]
• GoodbyeVeloma
  [Ve-lo-ma]
• YesEny
  [E-ny]
• NoTsy
  [Tsy]
• Please/You're welcomeAzafady
  [A-za-fa-dy]
• Thank youMisaotra
  [Mi-sa-ot-ra]
• Excuse me/SorryAzafady
  [A-za-fa-dy]
• How are you?Manao ahoana ianao?
  [Ma-nao a-wa-na ya-nao]
• Fine. And you?Tsara. Aiza ianao?
  [Tsa-ra Ai-za ya-nao]
• Do you speak English?Miteny Anglisy ve ianao?
  [Mi-te-ny Ang-li-sy ve ya-nao]
• I don't understandTsy mahay
  [Tsy ma-ha-ay]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe-hahita ny menio, azafady
  [Te-ha-hi-ta ny me-ni-o, a-za-fa-dy]
• I don't eat meatTsy mihinam-bary aho
  [Tsy mi-hi-nam-ba-ry a-ho]
• Cheers!Mazotoa!
  [Ma-zo-to-a]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTe-hahita ny fandoavam-bola, azafady
  [Te-ha-hi-ta ny fan-do-ava-m-bo-la, a-za-fa-dy]

• Help!Fanampiana!
  [Fa-nam-pia-na]
• Go away!Mandehana!
  [Man-de-ha-na]
• Call the Police!Mangataka ny polisy!
  [Man-ga-ta-ka ny po-li-sy]
• Call a doctor!Mangataka dokotera!
  [Man-ga-ta-ka do-ko-te-ra]
• I'm lostTsy mahita lalana aho
  [Tsy ma-hi-ta la-la-na a-ho]
• I'm illTsy mety aho
  [Tsy me-ty a-ho]

• I'd like to buy...Te-hahita hanako...
  [Te-ha-hi-ta ha-na-ko...]
• I'm just lookingMitady ihany
  [Mi-ta-dy i-ha-ny]
• How much is it?Ohomby be i? (for price) 
  [O-hom-by be i?]
• That's too expensiveMahatsiaro be
  [Ma-hat-sya-ro be]
• Can you lower the price?Afaka mandefa ny vidiny ve ianao?
  [A-fa-ka man-de-fa ny vi-di-ny ve ya-nao]

• What time is it?Inona no lasa?
  [I-no-na no la-sa]
• It's one o'clockEnina iray
  [E-ni-na i-rai]
• Half past (10)Efita maro
  [E-fi-ta ma-ro]
• MorningMaraina
  [Ma-rai-na]
• AfternoonAndro
  [An-dro]
• EveningHariva
  [Ha-ri-va]
• YesterdayOmaly
  [O-ma-ly]
• TodayAnio
  [A-ni-o]
• TomorrowRy zoma
  [Ry zo-ma]
• 1Iray
  [I-rai]
• 2Roa
  [Ro-a]
• 3Telo
  [Te-lo]
• 4Efatra
  [E-fa-tra]
• 5Dimy
  [Di-my]
• 6Enina
  [E-ni-na]
• 7Fito
  [Fi-to]
• 8Valo
  [Va-lo]
• 9Sivy
  [Si-vy]
• 10Folo
  [Fo-lo]

• Where's a/the...?Aiza ny...
  [Ai-za ny...]
• What's the address?Inona ny adiresy?
  [I-no-na ny a-di-re-sy]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Afaka manampy ahy (amin'ny sarita)?
  [A-fa-ka ma-nam-py a-hy a-mi-ni sa-ri-ta]
• When's the next (bus)?Aiza ny farany (taxi-brousse)?
  [Ai-za ny fa-ra-ni (ta-xi-brousse)]
• A ticket (to ....)Fandaniana (ho ...)
  [Fa-nda-nia-na (ho ...)]

Fianarantsoa, meaning 'the place where one learns good things,' was founded in 1830 by Queen Ranavalona I. It was strategically established as the administrative capital of the Betsileo province, one of the three major highland regions in Madagascar. The city was designed with a plan to emulate the capital, Antananarivo, in both architecture and structure.

During the French colonization of Madagascar from 1895 to 1960, Fianarantsoa played a significant role as a center of administration and agriculture. The French influence is still evident today in the city's architecture and layout, with numerous colonial buildings dotting the landscape. The city became a hub for the production of tea, wine, and other agricultural products.

In 1947, Fianarantsoa was one of the key sites of the Malagasy Uprising against French colonial rule. The city's residents participated in the revolt, which was marked by significant violence and loss of life. The aftermath of the uprising saw increased repression by the French authorities but also laid the groundwork for the eventual independence of Madagascar in 1960.

Following Madagascar's independence in 1960, Fianarantsoa continued to grow as an important educational and cultural center. The city houses the University of Fianarantsoa, which attracts students from all over the country. Today, Fianarantsoa is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, including traditional Betsileo music and dance, as well as its picturesque old town, which has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status.

The Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) railway, completed in 1936, is a vital link between the highlands and the coastal city of Manakara. This railway not only facilitates trade but also provides one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and cultures of Madagascar. The railway remains an essential part of the local economy and a popular attraction for tourists.

Fianarantsoa is located in the central highlands of Madagascar. The nearest international airport is Ivato International Airport in Antananarivo, approximately 400 kilometers away. From Antananarivo, you can take a domestic flight to Fianarantsoa, which is the quickest method. Alternatively, you can travel by taxi-brousse (shared minibus) or hire a private car. The road journey typically takes around 8 to 10 hours, offering scenic views of the Malagasy highlands.

Fianarantsoa is a walkable city, but for longer distances, local taxis and rickshaws (pousse-pousse) are readily available. Taxi-brousses are the primary mode of public transport for traveling to nearby towns and villages. Car rentals are also an option if you prefer to explore the region at your own pace. However, be aware that road conditions can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.

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 when visiting smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Fianarantsoa, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before traveling to more remote locations. Ensure you have small denominations for easier transactions.

Fianarantsoa is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stations. The neighborhoods around the train station and some parts of the lower city are known for higher crime rates targeting tourists, so exercise extra caution in these areas.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance or 124 for medical emergencies. Fianarantsoa has a regional hospital and several clinics that can handle most medical issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering a place of worship. Public Transport: Do be patient, as public transport can be crowded and schedules unpredictable. Don't haggle aggressively with taxi-brousse drivers. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Salama' (hello). A handshake is common, and a slight bow can show extra respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Fianarantsoa like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Malagasy crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the old town (Haute-Ville) for its colonial architecture and narrow streets. For a unique experience, take the Fianarantsoa-Côte Est (FCE) train to Manakara, offering scenic views of the landscape and an authentic travel experience.