Toamasina: The Vibrant Gateway of Madagascar

• HelloSalama
  [sa-la-ma]
• GoodbyeVeloma
  [ve-lo-ma]
• YesEny
  [e-ny]
• NoTsia
  [tsi-a]
• Please/You're welcomeAzafady
  [a-za-fa-dy]
• Thank youMisaotra
  [mi-sa-o-tra]
• Excuse me/SorryAzafady
  [a-za-fa-dy]
• How are you?Manao ahoana ianao?
  [ma-nao a-wa-na ya-nao]
• Fine. And you?Tsara. Ary ianao?
  [tsa-ra. a-ry ya-nao]
• Do you speak English?Miteny teny Anglisy ianao?
  [mi-te-ny te-ny a-ngli-sy ya-nao]
• I don't understandTsy nanao izy aho
  [tsi na-nao i-zy a-ho]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTe hividy ny laharana, azafady
  [te hi-vi-dy ny la-ha-ra-na, a-za-fa-dy]
• I don't eat meatTsy misy mihinam-bary aho
  [tsi mi-sy mi-hi-na-mba-ry a-ho]
• Cheers!Mazotoa!
  [ma-zo-to-a]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTe hampiditra vola, azafady
  [te ham-pi-di-tra vo-la, a-za-fa-dy]

• Help!Fandresena!
  [fan-dre-se-na]
• Go away!Miverina!
  [mi-ve-ri-na]
• Call the Police!Mangataka ny polisy!
  [ma-nga-ta-ka ny po-li-sy]
• Call a doctor!Mangataka dokotera!
  [ma-nga-ta-ka do-ko-te-ra]
• I'm lostMandeha tsy fantatra aho
  [man-de-ha tsi fan-ta-tra a-ho]
• I'm illMikorontana aho
  [mi-ko-ron-ta-na a-ho]

• I'd like to buy...Te hividy...
  [te hi-vi-dy]
• I'm just lookingMitady fotsy aho
  [mi-ta-dy fo-tsy a-ho]
• How much is it?Ohatra ny fampiasana azy?
  [o-ha-tra ny fam-pia-sa-na a-zy]
• That's too expensiveMahery ny vidiny
  [ma-he-ry ny vi-di-ny]
• Can you lower the price?Azafady, afaka manadio ny vidiny ve ianao?
  [a-za-fa-dy, a-fa-ka ma-na-dyo ny vi-di-ny ve ya-nao]

• What time is it?Inona no ora?
  [i-no-na no o-ra]
• It's one o'clockRaha nosamborina
  [ra-ha no-sam-bo-ri-na]
• Half past (10)Sasany sy folo
  [sa-sa-ny sy fo-lo]
• MorningMaraina
  [ma-ra-i-na]
• AfternoonHariva
  [ha-ri-va]
• EveningAlina
  [a-li-na]
• YesterdayOmaly
  [o-ma-ly]
• TodayAnio
  [a-ni-o]
• TomorrowRahalahy
  [ra-ha-la-hy]
• 1Iray
  [i-ray]
• 2Roa
  [ro-a]
• 3Telo
  [te-lo]
• 4Efatra
  [e-fa-tra]
• 5Dimy
  [di-my]
• 6Enina
  [e-ni-na]
• 7Fitohy
  [fi-to-hy]
• 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)?Azafady, afaka manampy ahy (amin'ny saritany)?
  [a-za-fa-dy, a-fa-ka ma-nam-py a-hy (a-mi-n'ny sa-ri-ta-ny)]
• When's the next (bus)?Aiza no ho avy indray (biraom-pianakaviana)?
  [ai-za no ho a-vy in-dray (bi-ra-om-pya-na-ka-vya-na)]
• A ticket (to ....)Fandikan-teny (hatrany ...)
  [fan-di-kan-te-ny (hat-ra-ny)]

Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, was founded in the early 18th century by the Betsimisaraka people. Its strategic location on the east coast of Madagascar made it a natural harbor and a significant trading post for the local communities and foreign traders.

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the waters around Toamasina were frequented by pirates, including the infamous pirate Captain Kidd. The town became a haven for these seafaring outlaws who sought refuge and traded their plunder in the local markets.

In 1895, Toamasina fell under French colonial rule as part of their conquest of Madagascar. The French established it as a major port city, and significant infrastructure development took place, including the construction of roads, railways, and port facilities. This period marked the beginning of Toamasina's transformation into a bustling urban center.

During World War II, Toamasina played a crucial role as a strategic port for the Allies. The port was used to supply Allied forces in the region and to launch operations against Axis powers. The presence of Allied troops brought significant economic activity to the city.

After Madagascar gained independence from France in 1960, Toamasina continued to grow as an economic hub. The city became the main gateway for imports and exports, with its port handling a significant portion of the country's maritime trade. The economic prosperity led to urban development and population growth.

Toamasina is known for its diverse cultural heritage, influenced by the various ethnic groups that have settled in the city over the centuries. The blend of Malagasy, French, Indian, Chinese, and Arab cultures is evident in the city's architecture, cuisine, and festivals. The annual 'Fisemana' festival, celebrated by the Betsimisaraka people, is a vibrant display of local traditions and customs.

Today, Toamasina is a thriving city with a population of over 300,000 residents. It remains Madagascar's primary port and a key economic center. The city's infrastructure continues to develop, with improvements in transportation, education, and healthcare. Toamasina's rich history and cultural diversity make it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking to explore the unique heritage of Madagascar.

Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is accessible via Toamasina Airport (TMM). The airport offers domestic flights primarily from Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. International travelers usually fly into Antananarivo's Ivato International Airport (TNR) and then take a connecting flight or travel by road to Toamasina. The journey by road takes approximately 7-9 hours through the scenic RN2 highway. Public buses and private taxi-brousses (shared taxis) are available for budget travelers.

In Toamasina, transportation options include taxis, tuk-tuks (known locally as 'Bajaj'), and buses. Taxis are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed from the street or arranged via your hotel. Tuk-tuks are a popular and cost-effective way to get around the city. For those looking to explore surrounding areas, rental cars are available, though driving can be challenging due to road conditions and local driving habits.

The official currency in Madagascar is the Malagasy Ariary (MGA). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in Toamasina, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in the city, but it's a good idea to have sufficient cash on hand, particularly if you plan to travel to more remote areas.

Toamasina is generally safe, but like any major city, it has areas with higher crime rates. It is recommended to avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Neighborhoods like Bazary Be and the Port area can be risky after dark. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, so stay vigilant and secure your belongings. Always use registered taxis, and avoid walking alone late at night.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 124 for medical emergencies. The main hospital in Toamasina is Toamasina Regional Hospital, which provides emergency medical services. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do dress modestly. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal due to the tropical climate. Avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be mindful of your belongings. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for help if needed. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. A slight nod of the head is a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'Ravitoto' and 'Romazava'. Don’t refuse food offered by locals; it is a sign of hospitality.

To experience Toamasina like a local, visit the Bazary Be market early in the morning to see a bustling display of local produce and seafood. Engage with the vendors; many are friendly and willing to share stories about their goods and the city. Take a stroll along the Boulevard Joffre, where you can enjoy the colonial architecture and vibrant street life. Don’t miss the opportunity to try fresh lychees if you visit during the harvest season (November to January).