Nature in Madagascar (Island Hopping)

The animals of Madagascar mesmerize humans beings because many of them simply cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. Here's a list of some of the living species that make Madagascar home: Aye-Aye, Bamboo-Lemur, Comet Moths, Dwarf Lemur, Red-Ruffed Lemur, Flat Tailed Geckos, Flying Fox, Fossa, Tomato Frog, Panther Chameleons, and Pochards just to name a few. 

                                       Aye-Aye (Courtesy of animal danger.com)

                                        Flying Fox (Courtesy of art.com)

                                      Tomato Frog (Courtesy of Tumblr)

The animals of Madagascar aren't the only spectacular thing to witness. Eventually during your journey the scents of vanilla will enchant you. Madagascar is one of the top producers of vanilla and vanilla is the second most expensive spice in the world. 

                                                Vanilla Orchid (Madagascar)

The vanilla flower is an orchid that produces fruit that is the result of pollination of the flower. Vanilla grows as a vine climbing upon some sort of support such as an existing tree or pole. Devoted workers must inspect the plants and try to pollinate as many flowers as possible. It is a labor intensive job and the process of producing vanilla has been passed down generation to generation in Madagascar.

A few weeks after pollination a long green bean will start to grow (the vanilla bean). The bean must continue to grow on the vine for several months. Once it is picked it must dry in the sun for another several months. Eventually much moisture is released and this is what gives vanilla it's distinct flavor and wonderful scent. 

Vanilla has many multiple uses. It can be used to make essential oil, perfume, and soap. It can be infused into tea or used for baking. Vanilla is enjoyed across the globe thanks to the hard working people of Madagascar.

NATURE is at it's best on the island of MADAGASCAR.

Madagascar; A land of Vastness (Island Hopping)

(Someday when I can afford to travel to Madagascar I would like to spend a month doing charity work. I've been blessed to meet a few people from this country who have shared valuable information. I thank them and I'm honored that I can write a little bit about this unique country on my blog).

Madagascar is an island country off the coast of Southeast Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world and is inhabited by over 22 million people. The majority of the population only makes two dollars per day. Although Madagascar has a lot of poverty it has treasures that no other country in the world can claim.

The two modes of transportation to Madagascar are by airplane or ship. It is an adventure to travel to Madagascar by sea on a ship because it's a long and rough trip with the sea being very choppy at times. There are plenty of airlines that fly into Madagascar; Air Austral, Air France, Air Madagscar, Corsair, and Interair. Once you get to Madagascar you will surrounded by things that no other countries can boast about.

Many of the animals and plants on Madagascar are unique. In fact 90% of them are only on Madagascar. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Madagascar you will be the small percentage of the world's population to witness such extraordinary species.

INTERESTING FACTS:

It was Italian explorer Marco Polo who gave the island its name. He was the first European explorer to reach the island. The name was first spelled Madeigasar.

Madagascar is the world's 47th largest country.

Madagascar has deserts and rain forests.

Madagascar's highest mountain peak is Maromoktro at 9,436 feet.

Madagascar is the largest producer of vanilla. Vanilla plants grow on a vine.

The two languages spoken in Madagascar are French and Malagasy.

The valiha is the national musical instrument of Madagascar. It is made from a species of local bamboo and played by plucking the strings which are often made of metal.

                                               The children of Madagascar


Photos: Courtesy of Wikipedia


Next Post: A look at the animals and plants of Madagascar; a little history about vanilla.

Jolly in Jamaica (Island Hopping)

"One Love/ People Get Ready"

                  by: Bob Marley

Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right. Let's get together and feel all right.

The Jamaican's have a lot to be thankful for. They live on a gorgeous island with 635 miles of coastline, they eat delicious healthy food, and drink refreshing beverages, they have sea grape trees, and swaying palm trees, they have Jamaican rum and island dances. They're the creators of reggae music and they know how to jam. They have the legendary Bob Marley whose music is loved the world over. They have lots of sun and blue skies and so much more.

The average September temperature in Jamaica is 88 degrees (fahrenheit) 31 degrees (celsius). With clear blue skies and lots of sunshine it's easy to feel "Jolly in Jamaica." So if you're looking to island hop to a Caribbean island for a vacation why not choose Jamaica?

Jamaican's refer to their home island as the "Rock." Jamaica is a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch and head of state. The Governor General of Jamaica is Patrick Allen and the Prime Minister is Portia Simpson-Miller.

J A M A I C A:

Hike the Blue Mountain Peaks

Swim with the Dolphins at Dolphin Cove Marine Park

Book an adventure tour with Chukka Caribbean Adventures

Relax on a beach

Explore the capital city of Kingston

J A M A I C A   B E A C H E S:

Boston Bay Beach (Port Antonio)

Doctor's Cave Beach (Montego Bay)

Seven Mile Beach (Negril)

Treasure Island (South Coast)

Turtle Beach (Ochos Rios)

J A M A I C A N    C U I S I N E:

Try the curry goat, fried dumplings, fried plantain, ackee and salt fish, Jamaican patties, oxtail, rice & peas, and steamed cabbage.

                                                 Jamaican Food is Jolly Good

Whether you come to Jamaica for the beaches, the drinks the food, the music, the nature, or the weather…. chances are you'll be "JOLLY IN JAMAICA."


JAMAICAN MAI TAI (RECIPE)

1 cup Appleton V/X Rum
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Almond Cream
1 oz Sweet & Sour Mix
1 cup Pineapple Juice
1 oz Tia Maria Jamaican Dark Rum

Pour the Appleton V/X Rum, Triple Sec, and Almond Cream into Collins glass. Fill the glass with equal parts of sweet & sour mix and pineapple juice. Add the Tia Maria Jamaican Dark Rum.  Mix together and put a straw in the glass.