126 Top Travel Specialists Jul 22, 2009
Madagascar Monique Rodriguez, Cortez Travel itions, Solana Beach, California Thanks to more than 100 trips to this Indian Ocean island, Rodriguez an honorary consul of Madagascar who visits three or four times annually knows the best places for spotting its one-of-a-kind wildlife (including the rare aye-aye lemur), experiencing Malagasy culture (via lunch in the homes of native Malagasy who are her friends), and luxuriating on pristine beaches. Her local connections enable Rodriguez to open... (Concierge.com)
Holidays to the Tropical Island of ... Jul 21, 2009
Lying east of Madagascar, its close proximity to Europe and South Africa and its reasonable prices compared with other island getaways has made it a very popular holiday destination. The largest number of tourists each year come from the neighboring island of Reunion, followed by France, South Africa, Germany the United Kingdom and Australia. (Suite101.com)
Firefly, lighting up Knysna Jul 10, 2009
Claire noticed our intrigue and explained that the painting had been acquired by the owners because they loved Madagascar but mostly Madagascan vanilla one of the spices they use liberally. The starters menu is traditionally South African with an Asian twist. (iAfrica.com)
Anothertravelguide.com Launches Improved English Version for Passionate Independent Travellers Jul 6, 2009
From whale watching in Greenland to surfing in Madagascar, from wine-tasting in M;doc to sightseeing in the mysterious city of Samarkand, from viewing the aurora borealis in Troms; to heliboarding in Kamchatka, from experiencing the soul of Vietnamese culture in to wandering through the fairy-tale landscapes of New Zealand, these are but a few of the itineraries that they recommend. For readers from the West, serves as an indispensable guide to the East, with practical and helpful information... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
The Four Comoros Islands of the In... Jul 5, 2009
Beautiful but poor, the volcanic Comores archipelago lies between Mozambique and Madagascar. It is hardly known outside East Africa and Francophone Indian Ocean areas. (Suite101.com)
Comoros crash spotlights 3rd-world travel risks Jul 4, 2009
GEOGRAPHYThe Comoros archipelago lies in the Indian Ocean between the southeast African coast and the island of Madagascar. The largest island of Grand Comore was formed by a still active volcano. (MSNBC -- Travel)
'Miracle' Girl Returns Home After Jet Crash Jul 3, 2009
The French air accident investigation agency BEA sent a team of investigators and Airbus experts to Comoros, an archipelago of three main islands 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) south of Yemen, between Africa's southeastern coast and the island of Madagascar. France's transport minister, Dominique Bussereau, was quoted as saying Thursday in the Le Figaro daily that "worrying anomalies" in the crashed Airbus A310 jet included broken seats for crew and passengers, out-of-date operation manuals,... (Fox News)
War zones top AU agenda Jul 2, 2009
In Madagascar, new talks were planned for later this month to resolve the crisis after the elected president Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in March by opposition leader Andry Rajoelina, who took power with the army's blessing. The summit also must decide how to react to the international war crimes warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir over atrocities in Darfur. (iAfrica.com)
* France, US helping in Comoros search Jul 2, 2009
The formerly French-ruled Comoros archipelago comprises three islands off mainland east Africa, just northwest of Madagascar. The crashed plane was the second Airbus to plunge into the sea within a month. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Teen survivor of Yemeni jet crash 'doing well' Jul 1, 2009
The Comoros, a former French colony of 700,000 people, is an archipelago of three main islands situated 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometers) south of Yemen, between Africa's southeastern coast and the island of Madagascar. Gen. Bruno de Bourdoncle de Saint-Salvy, the senior commander for French forces in the southern Indian Ocean, said the Airbus 310 crashed in deep waters about nine miles (14. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
14-year old girl survives Yemen plane crash, in hospital Jul 1, 2009
"Depending on her condition, she could be evacuated to France or Madagascar," Ibrahim said. The girl lives with her family, including an uncle, in Marseille's 14th district, he said. (India Times, India)
For some Comorians, the Yemenia Airways crash is no surprise Jul 1, 2009
There, passengers switched to the older A310 for a flight to Djibouti and then a hop to the island nation of Comoros, an archipelago off Madagascar and a former French colony. Trashy' planes for non-European flights. (Christian Science Monitor)
Girl survives crash of Yemeni plane Jul 1, 2009
The Comoros is an archipelago of three main islands situated 1,800 miles south of Yemen, between Africa's southeastern coast and the island of Madagascar. It is a former French colony of 700,000 people. (AZCentral -- News)
Plane had 'numerous faults' Jul 1, 2009
"Rescue boats from the Comoros and Madagascar are taking part in the search operation," a Yemeni official told AFP, adding that the crash occurred about three kilometres from the coast. Yemeni Transport Minister Khaled al-Wazir is due to give a press conference about the disaster later in the day, officials said. (iAfrica.com)
Teen girl the sole survivor Jul 1, 2009
Yemen's Transport Minister Khaled al-Wazir told AFP the plane was technically sound and had "been overhauled in May 2009 and regularly flew to Europe. French civil aviation officials said there were 66 French nationals on board, though many of passengers were likely to hold dual nationality. Three small babies were also among the passengers, officials said. France sent two navy ships and a plane from its nearby Indian Ocean territories to help the rescue effort and Madagascar said it was sending... (iAfrica.com)
Homecoming turns to horror Jul 1, 2009
"I am so lucky. My wife was to take this flight but changed at the last minute due to a promotion by Air Madagascar," he said. Other distraught families thronged the airport, weeping and hugging each other. (iAfrica.com)
Kadhafi pushes for USA Jul 1, 2009
AU mediation efforts in Madagascar were suspended last month. The island's ousted president Marc Ravalomanana is in Sirte to press the leaders for tougher action to return him to power after the opposition leader toppled him with the army's blessing in March. (iAfrica.com)
The Origins of Healthy Herbs and Sp... Jun 30, 2009
In fact the cinnamon grew in Ceylon and was across the Indian Ocean on rafts to Madagascar and from there it was taken to the Red Sea. Sugar and Spice. (Suite101.com)
Yemen jet crashes with 150 on board Jun 30, 2009
ASECNA -- the Agency for Aviation Security and Navigation in Africa and Madagascar -- covers Francophone Africa ... The Comoros covers three small volcanic islands, Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli, in the Mozambique channel, 300 km (190 miles) northwest of Madagascar and a similar distance east of the African mainland. (India Times, India)
Yemen plane crashes off Comoros with 153 on board Jun 30, 2009
The Comoros is an archipelago of three main islands situated about 1,800 miles (2,900 kilometer) south of Yemen, between Africa's southeastern coast and Madagascar. In France, Christophe Prazuck, French military spokesman, says that patrol boat, the Rieuse and fregate Nivose, a reconnaissance ship, were being sent to crash site as well as Transall, a military transport plane. (India Times)
Bad weather to blame? Jun 30, 2009
"Rescue boats from the Comoros and Madagascar are taking part in the search operation," a Yemeni official told AFP, adding that the crash occurred about three kilometres from the coast. An airport source in Paris, where the flight originated, said the aircraft had apparently "crashed into the sea several kilometres from the coast" as it was coming in to land in Moroni, capital of the Comoros. (iAfrica.com)
The Vagabond Travelers Dream Jun 26, 2009
Well thats about where Singapore is, about 3,000 miles East across the Indian Ocean from Madagascar far past the Mauritius Islands, and about three miles South across the Malay Straits from Malaysia. It is located on the Equator and so it is warm-maybe ranging 80-95 degrees F, but we did not find it uncomfortable. (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Dominique Cota, 10, is ready to enjoy a sweet cup of cherry Italian Ices from Ed Myles in Green Valley Village. Photo by Ellen Sussman | Green Valley News & Sun Jun 24, 2009
Aug. 1: Madagascar Escape to Africa, PG. Aug. 15: High School Musical 3: Senior Year, G. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Arise Africa in video Jun 22, 2009
Designers who showcased their collections on 16 June Youth Day included Eric Raisina from Madagascar, Taibo Bacar from Mozambique and Thulare Monareng from South Africa. These designers shared the secrets of the collections with us as we explored Arise Africa Fashion Week. (iAfrica.com)
'Madagascar must talk' Jun 21, 2009
Madagascar must talk. Article By: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:52 South African President Jacob Zuma on Saturday called for a political solution to the current impasse in Madagascar ... "The foundation to an equitable solution in Madagascar should draw from the constitutional and democractic principles that are enshrined in the SADC Treaty and in the African Union Constitutive Act, and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.". (iAfrica.com)
Worthwhile trip to Madagascar Jun 20, 2009
DESPITE the political turmoil in Madagascar, Ho Hup Construction Co Bhd deputy executive chairman Datuk Vincent Lye travelled thousands of kilometres to the African island nation last month to meet its president to resolve a dispute over a construction project gone awry ... Madagascar has a lot of natural resources and we feel that there are a lot of opportunities there ... It was a hopeful turning point in Ho Hups bid to salvage its business venture in Madagascar. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Madagascar sentences ex-leader Jun 4, 2009
Madagascar sentences ex-president ... A Madagascar court has sentenced former leader Marc Ravalomanana in absentia to four years in jail for alleged abuse of office, a minister says ... The BBC's Christina Corbett in Antananarivo says the court's verdict makes the prospect of any return to Madagascar for the deposed leader very unlikely. (BBC News -- Africa)
> Is SA less peaceful? Jun 4, 2009
Madagascar has fallen the most 30 rankings amid political instability and violent demonstrations. Bosnia Herzegovina has risen the most up 23 rankings from 73rd position last year. (iAfrica.com)
Summer Fun events 2009 Jun 4, 2009
Zoovies: Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Racine Zoo Kiwanis Amphitheater, 2131 N. Main St., Racine. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Soothing Hana Nai'a May 30, 2009
"A product that has special resonance with Big Island residents suffering from vog-related symptoms is SacredBreath, made of ravensara oil from Madagascar, an antiviral, antibacterial immunity stimulant. Big Island residents Donna Loren and her husband Jared Cargman swear by it, particularly for travel. "It is excellent for breathing problems such as asthma and congestion," Loren said. Cargman uses it to soothe his vog-related cough.Wrapped up Broyles is a purist who has researched each aspect... (Honolulu Advertiser)
> SA on a one party state May 26, 2009
Support for democracy as a political system ranged from 85 percent in Botswana, to 39 percent in Madagascar. "This cross-national distribution of opinion accords with each population's political experience," said academics Bob Mattes and Michael Bratton. (iAfrica.com)
Sexiest in SA? May 25, 2009
We are delighted however that Lyndall is our worthy winner," Engler says. Jarvis admits that she may be a bit biased when referring to Lee-Ann Liebenberg and Tracey McGregor as her favourite winners of the title in previous years, due to the fact that they are close friends of hers. Describing herself as "thoughtful, fun-loving, honest, friendly and someone who would do anything for the people I care about", the natural beauty says that highlights of her career thus far included appearing in the... (iAfrica.com)
Atlantis on track despite damage May 14, 2009
The shuttle is scheduled to grapple the telescope with its robotic arm at 1654 GMT, 547km above the northeastern coast of Madagascar. During a marathon 10-hour survey of the shuttles fragile heat shielding, the seven-member Atlantis crew found a string of gouges stretching 53 centimeters across four heatshield tiles. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Africa: No A (H1N1) Cases - Reality Or Poor Lab Facilities? May 9, 2009
Countries include Algeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, C te d'Ivoire, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda ... The WHO National Influenza Laboratory in Madagascar has not yet received testing materials from the US-funded Centers for Disease Control (CDC) because of cold-chain shipping problems, said a manager there ... WHO supports laboratories in Senegal, Madagascar, Nigeria, Central African Republic, South Africa and Algeria through staff training and... (allAfrica.com)
Paris worth a visit for budget-minded families May 8, 2009
Visit Merci (111 Boulevard Beaumarchais) where profits after production costs are deducted will go to a children's charity in Madagascar. The owners are the chic founders of the French children's clothing company, Bonpoint. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Studies say 'hobbit' previously unknown species May 8, 2009
Eleanor Weston and Adrian Lister of the Natural History Museum in London compared fossils of several species of ancient hippos found on the island of Madagascar with the mainland ancestors from which they had evolved. They were surprised to find that insular dwarfing - driven by the need to adapt to an island environment - shrank their brains far more than had previously been thought possible. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
For commencement, a U.S. vice president draws international crowds May 7, 2009
Friends and family members will travel from as far as Madagascar for this year's commencement ceremony ... As far as family travelers go, Burak said she's spoken to family members from all over the world, estimating that the farthest visitors will be coming from Madagascar and China - both daylong trips. (Daily Orange, NY)
Wealthy foreigners taking over huge tracts of African land May 6, 2009
Resentment of 'global land grab' contributed to the change of government in Madagascar ... ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR When the new Land Reform Minister rummaged through his office in Madagascar's capital, he was shocked to discover the documents for a $2-billion deal to lease huge tracts of farmland to an Indian entrepreneur ... Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, is a prime target of those hungry for land. (Globe and Mail)
Southern Africa: 'Zambia Will Continue To Support Zimbabwe' Apr 30, 2009
com: Southern Africa: Zambia Stands By Zimbabwe (Page 1 of 1). Published by the government of Zimbabwe. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: Statement by Johnnie Carson at Confirmation Hearing Before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Apr 30, 2009
In the past twelve months, African militaries have intervened illegally and unconstitutionally in four different countries Madagascar, Guinea Bissau, Guinea (Conakry) and Mauritania. And deeply flawed elections in a number of countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, have caused deep concern at home and abroad. (allAfrica.com)
Soldiers storm Madagascar court Apr 28, 2009
Soldiers have stormed Madagascar's constitutional court and arrested its head of security, who has been accused of destabilising the country ... The BBC's Jonny Hogg in Madagascar says the raid on the court may be an attempt to intimidate the judiciary ... MADAGASCAR POWER STRUGGLE. (BBC News -- Africa)
The gangs of Madagascar Apr 20, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR Gangs of armed criminals, exploiting a political crisis, are assaulting the fabled forests of Madagascar, one of the world's most sensitive biological zones ... Madagascar, the world's fourth-biggest island, is a haven to thousands of animal and plant species that are found nowhere else on the planet ... About 90 per cent of its plants and 70 per cent of its animals, including dozens of species of lemurs and chameleons, exist only in Madagascar. (Globe and Mail)
A grave discovery Apr 18, 2009
In part one of A grave guide to SA, Sharon Marshall illustrated just how fascinating touring tombstones could be. If Queenstowns on your route, theres an elderly gentleman in the town who knows every 'inhabitant' of the vandalised graveyard, because he made it his business, as a United Party member, to ensure the opposition Nats werent using dead people as bogus postal voters in the 1960s elections. (iAfrica.com)
African Leaders and Their Love for Luxury Apr 11, 2009
In December 2008, the Malagasy Government acquired a Boeing 737-700 Business Jet for $60 million for the President of Madagascar, to the dismay of the country and IMF. The acquisition created inquiries by the IMF and World Bank as to origin of the financing and remains unanswered to date. The Namibian government uses a Dassault Falcon 900 (registered V5-NAM) for VIP transport. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Five Hotspots for Seeing — and Saving — the Animals Apr 4, 2009
And a steady stream of tourists can help convince people in biological hotspots like Madagascar or the Brazilian Pantanal that the local wildlife is worth more alive than extinct. For visitors, the prize is a firsthand study of the extinction crisis: you can't really understand what the world is at risk of losing, until you've come eye-to-eye with an indri lemur or a ploughshare tortoise. (Time.com)
Southern Africa: Regional Leaders Call For End to Zim Sanctions, Condemn New Malagasy Leader Apr 2, 2009
The Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government met in Lozitha Royal Palace, Swaziland on 30 March 2009 to consider the political, economic and security situation in the Region, with special focus on the political situation in Madagascar and the economic recovery of Zimbabwe ... On the political situation in Madagascar, the Extraordinary Summit condemned in the strongest terms, the unconstitutional actions that have led to the illegal ousting of the democratically elected... (allAfrica.com)
* Madagascar suspended from southern African group Apr 1, 2009
Madagascar suspended from southern African group ... Madagascars neighbors have suspended the impoverished nation from their regional club and declared they would take further steps if the Indian Ocean island nations toppled president is not restored to power ... In Madagascar earlier this month, Andry Rajoelina, accusing former Madagascan president Marc Ravalomanana of corruption and mismanagement, led a series of sometimes violent street protests that culminated with the military declaring... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
'High School Musical 3' wins at Kids Choice Awards Mar 29, 2009
Winners included "iCarly" for TV show, "American Idol" for reality show, Jonas Brothers for music group and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" for animated movie. Jack Black arrived in motorcycle sidecar to pick up his award for favorite voice from an animated film for "Kung Fu Panda.". (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Madagascar: island even more isolated after coup Mar 26, 2009
AFRICA'S YOUNGEST LEADER: Andry Rajoelina, a former disc jockey, was installed as Madagascar's president Saturday ... Antananarivo, Madagascar - Protests and tumult continue to disrupt this island nation following the forced resignation last week of President Marc Ravalomanana ... "Madagascar is facing a recurrent crisis, which can be avoided. We want to call upon political leaders form different parties to discuss on the matters," she says. (Christian Science Monitor -- World)
Protests in Madagascar Mar 25, 2009
Madagascans in opposition of the Andry Rajoelina's army-backed removal of then President Marc Ravalomanana voice their discontent at a demonstration in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo ... In Madagascar, government spokesperson Augustin Andriamananoro dismissed Ravalomanana's visit as a bid to grab the limelight. (iAfrica.com)
Clinton Embraces New Media Mar 23, 2009
This past week, diplomats used Twitter to "tweet" down false rumors they feared might lead to a siege on the U.S. Embassy in Madagascar. On her first two foreign trips, to Asia and then the Middle East and Europe, local bloggers were "embedded" with the traveling press corps, broadening the audience for Clinton's official meetings and public appearances, which often produce more personal than policy questions. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Rajoelina wants respect Mar 23, 2009
Andry Rajoelina, transitional president of Madagascar, has insisted in a newspaper interview that he has popular support and refuses to bow to pressure to hold snap elections ... "One man alone cannot build a house. But... the international community must know that they must respect the popular will. It's the Malagasy people who decide what happens in Madagascar," Rajoelina told the Financial Times. (iAfrica.com)
Still not welcome Mar 22, 2009
Madagascar unrest harms burgeoning tourist industry. . (BBC News)
Call for school travel shake-up Mar 22, 2009
Page last updated at 07:10 GMT, Sunday, 22 March 2009. American-style yellow school buses have been introduced in the UK. (BBC News -- UK)
Jet's tail hits Australia runway Mar 22, 2009
Madagascar soldiers seize palace ... Madagascar unrest harms burgeoning tourist industry. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Thousands watch as Rajoelina sworn into office Mar 22, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar Madagascar's new president has been sworn in as leader of the island country in a ceremony shunned by the international community after the ousting of the elected president. Thousands of supporters turned up at a sports stadium in the capital for the swearing in of Andry Rajoelina although African countries have refused to accept him as president. (Globe and Mail)
Staying away Mar 22, 2009
Turbulent Madagascar scares off tourists ... Hollywood became an unlikely champion of tourism in Madagascar when an animated film took the country's name as its title and deposited a group of animals from a zoo in New York on the shores of the 'Red Island ... But when political violence broke out in Madagascar's capital of Antananarivo in late January, in which more than 100 people died, the image of exotic adventure portrayed in the film was largely forgotten. (BBC News -- Africa)
* World condemns coup in Madagascar Mar 21, 2009
World condemns coup in Madagascar ... Madagascars acting president Andry Rajoelina suspended parliament on Thursday as the international community slammed his army-backed rise as undemocratic ... The Southern African Development Community (SADC), whose 15 members include Madagascar, refused to recognize Rajoelina despite his confirmation as president by a constitutional court a day earlier. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
African Union suspends Madagascar Mar 21, 2009
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia The African Union on Friday suspended Madagascar as the international community stepped up the pressure on the increasingly isolated island nation where the army forced the country's president from power. France, the former colonial power and Madagascar's biggest donor, condemned the replacement of the nation's president by an army-backed politician as a coup and the United States cut all non-humanitarian aid ... After months of street protests, Marc Ravalomanana resigned... (Globe and Mail)
Army-backed leader cements grip in Madagascar Mar 19, 2009
ANTANANARIVO Madagascar's new President, Andry Rajoelina, celebrated and consolidated power on Wednesday after being appointed by the Indian Ocean island's military in a move drawing international disapproval ... In a boost to Mr. Rajoelina's legitimacy, Madagascar's Constitutional Court issued a statement endorsing the takeover ... Nervous of more turmoil, the U.S. embassy ordered non-essential staff and their families to leave Madagascar. (Globe and Mail)
Madagascar President Forced Out Mar 19, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, March 17, 2009 ... Supporters of opposition leader Andry Rajoelina gather for a rally in Antananarivo, Madagascar, Tuesday March 17, 2009 ... Madagascar's president handed over power Tuesday, but not to the rival who plunged this Indian Ocean island nation into weeks of turmoil with his bid for power. (CBS News -- World)
'Call me president' Mar 18, 2009
A man lies dead in the streets after shots from Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana's offices in Antananarivo on 7 February 2009 ... Call me president,' declared Madagascar's Andry Rajoelina, after he was handed power by the army, completing the fiery 34-year-old's ouster of Marc Ravalomanana after a deadly months-long crisis. (iAfrica.com)
Google in court over Vuitton row Mar 18, 2009
Military backs Madagascar rival. Gambians 'taken by witch doctors. (BBC News -- Business)
Dozens of soldiers seize palace in Madagascar Mar 17, 2009
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar Soldiers broke into an unoccupied presidential palace Monday and took it over in a symbolic show of force after Madagascar's opposition leader called on the army to arrest the president ... Mr. Ravalomanana is accused of misspending public funds and undermining democracy in Madagascar an Indian Ocean island known both for its natural beauty and its history of political infighting and instability ... Diplomats have warned that aid to Madagascar is in jeopardy. (Globe and Mail -- International)
End for Madagascan pres? Mar 17, 2009
A man lies dead in the streets after shots from Madagascar President Marc Ravalomanana's offices in Antananarivo on 7 February 2009. AFP. (iAfrica.com)
