Table of Contents
- Main Journey – Exploring the Streets of Morondava
- Events – A Visit to the Harbor and Playground Fun
- Tips for Traveling with a Baby
- Local Travel Tips
- Travel Reflections
Main Journey – Exploring the Streets of Morondava
After our early morning trip to Baobab Avenue, we all crashed as soon as we got back. Once we regained some energy, we headed out again for breakfast and a stroll through the streets of Morondava.
Near our accommodation, we found a small but popular local eatery where many locals were gathering for breakfast. We decided to try a dish called “Mokary,” a Malagasy rice cake. It was made from a thin rice batter, lightly oiled, and grilled in a mold. Surprisingly, it tasted almost exactly like Korean rice wine cake—soft, slightly chewy, with a faint fermented aroma.
It made me wonder how many similarities exist between distant cultures. Perhaps it’s because both Madagascar and Korea have rice-based food cultures that focus on simple flavors rather than heavy spices.
As we sipped our coffee, an elderly man we called Grandpa Didi joined us. He was a warm and friendly local who had taken a liking to Sweetie. He explained that most Malagasy people have a very simple breakfast—plain rice porridge with a side of eggs or small side dishes.
After breakfast, Grandpa Didi invited us to visit the Morondava harbor just across the street.
Events – A Visit to the Harbor and Playground Fun
At the harbor, we saw salt waiting to be loaded onto boats. Some of the bags had torn open, and piles of salt were scattered across the ground.
Further along the dock, a group of Malagasy women were shelling peanuts. Grandpa Didi told us that this peanut processing plant was owned by a Chinese company, which ground the peanuts into powder and shipped it to China.
Looking around, I noticed a Chinese supervisor overseeing the work. It was interesting to see how Madagascar’s cheap labor was attracting foreign industries. No wonder so many locals greeted us with “Ni Hao” on the streets.
Sweetie, as always, got along well with Grandpa Didi. He had a grandson of a similar age, and they bonded quickly. Before we knew it, they were taking selfies together, which looked pretty amusing!
A Much-Needed Playground Visit
After visiting the harbor, we decided to take Sweetie to a beachside playground we had spotted the day before. It had been a while since we last saw a proper playground, especially after spending time in India, where kids mostly played in the streets with cows!
However, this wasn’t a free public playground. It belonged to a beachside restaurant and required an entrance fee of 1,000 Ariary (about 35 cents).
Most of Morondava’s hotels and restaurants were owned by French expats, which explained the stark wealth gap we noticed here. Just earlier, we had seen a Porsche Cayenne drive past, a striking contrast to the poverty surrounding it.
Despite this, the playground itself was simple but well-maintained. Sweetie was thrilled to finally play again!
There were no other kids at this early hour, but thankfully, Sweetie found a pink cow-shaped spring rider, which became an instant friend.
The two-seater swings meant I could join in, and soon, Sweetie was trying out every piece of equipment. However, there was one challenge—the last step of the slide was a bit high, and Sweetie hesitated, unsure whether to climb up.
We encouraged her, as we always did, reminding her to be brave.
Tips for Traveling with a Baby
1. Find Local Playgrounds
Even in developing countries, you can often find private playgrounds attached to restaurants or hotels. They might not be free, but they are great for young kids who need a break.
2. Be Mindful of Food Choices
- Malagasy food can be very simple and mild, making it great for babies.
- Mokary (rice cakes) and rice porridge are good breakfast options for little ones.
3. Keep an Eye on Play Equipment
Not all playgrounds are well-maintained, so check for loose parts or gaps before letting your child play.
4. Be Ready for Local Greetings
In some places, locals might assume you are from a different country (like China, in our case). A simple “Salama” (hello in Malagasy) can be a friendly way to respond.
Local Travel Tips
1. Visit the Harbor for a Glimpse of Local Life
- The Morondava harbor is a great place to see the local fishing and salt industries in action.
- If you’re curious about foreign business influence, you’ll notice Chinese-run factories employing Malagasy workers.
2. Know Where to Find Good Food
- Local markets and small eateries serve traditional Malagasy breakfast at affordable prices.
- If you’re craving a more Western-style meal, head to French-owned restaurants near the beach.
3. Prepare for Hot Weather
- Morning walks are pleasant, but by midday, the sun gets intense.
- Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are essential for exploring Morondava.
Travel Reflections
After playing at the playground, we walked down to Morondava Beach.
Lately, Sweetie had developed a habit of asking, “Can we make something in the sand?” Every time we went to a beach, she wanted to build something together.
“What do you want to make today?” I asked.
The answer was always the same: “A bear.”
So, once again, we found ourselves drawing shapes in the untouched sand, leaving behind little traces of our time here.
A Simple but Beautiful Memory
As we admired our sand art, I noticed tiny handprints in the sand—Sweetie’s little fingers pressing into the grains as she carefully shaped her creation.
Just then, a coconut vendor approached us, offering two coconuts for 2,000 Ariary. That seemed like too much, so Julie haggled it down to one for 500 Ariary. The vendor looked surprised but finally settled at 700 Ariary.
He skillfully cut the top off, inserted a straw, and handed it to Sweetie. She drank it eagerly, while we waited for the real treat—the coconut meat inside.
Once Sweetie finished her juice, the vendor cracked open the shell and even crafted a spoon from the husk for us to scoop out the flesh. It was slightly sour, meaning it wasn’t fully ripe, but it was still delicious.
A Tiring but Rewarding Morning
The early wake-up and all the activity were starting to catch up with us. We decided to head back home along the beach, feeling the soft sand beneath our feet.
Sweetie, finally satisfied after a full morning of playing, followed us back without complaint.
Another simple yet unforgettable day in Madagascar.
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