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What I Learned from Exploring Romazava and Beyond: A Culinary Journey Through Madagascar’s Flavors

Have you ever heard the saying, "Simple is best, but flavor is everything"? If not, then you’ve clearly never met Romazava, Madagascar’s iconic national dish. Romazava isn’t just food—it’s an experience, a tradition, and, dare I say, a lifestyle. This unassuming one-pot wonder has been the centerpiece of Malagasy kitchens for centuries, quietly showcasing the heart and soul of Malagasy cooking: fresh ingredients, bold yet balanced flavors, and the kind of comfort only a home-cooked meal can provide. So grab your plate (and maybe a spoon to slurp the broth), because we’re about to dive into the story of Romazava and the rich culinary traditions that make Malagasy cuisine worth savoring. What Exactly is Romazava? At its core, Romazava is a meat and greens stew. It’s deceptively simple: tender cuts of beef, pork, or chicken simmered with a medley of greens and seasoned with ginger, onions, garlic, and salt. But the magic lies in the addition of brèdes —Malagasy leafy greens li...

Why Scanning Diplomatic Bags Is Sparking Debate in Madagascar

21 January

When the Malagasy president recently called for diplomatic bags to be scanned, the announcement hit the public like a thunderclap on a clear day—sudden, jarring, and impossible to ignore. The context? An embarrassing gold trafficking scandal that has left the nation’s reputation a little tarnished—quite literally. But this proposal has sparked heated debates on everything from corruption to international law. Let’s break it down. The Case for Scanning Diplomatic Bags On the surface, the idea of scanning diplomatic bags seems like a bold move to clean up corruption. Supporters argue it’s about time Madagascar takes decisive action to restore trust, both at home and abroad. Here’s what they’re saying: Fighting Abuse Diplomatic bags are meant for sensitive documents, not smuggling gold bars. Misusing them is a clear breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. By scanning these bags, the government can send a clear message: not even the highest offices are above scrutiny. Reas...

What I Learned from Navigating the Schengen Visa Process

21 January

Let me start with a confession: I’ve been one of the lucky ones. When I submitted my Schengen visa application through TLSContact, everything went smoothly. My passport came back within a few days, and I had no complaints. But I can’t say the same for many others—friends, colleagues, even young talents representing Madagascar on international stages. Their experiences range from nerve-wracking delays to outright heartbreak. It’s a rollercoaster, and not the fun kind. Let’s take a closer look at this all-too-familiar journey for Malagasy travelers, peppered with tales of dashed hopes and a system in dire need of reform. The Cost of Dreams: Paperwork and Expenses Galore The first hurdle for any Schengen visa applicant? The sheer cost. It’s no secret that the fees are a heavy blow to the average Malagasy wallet. Then there’s the mountain of paperwork: bank statements, proof of moral conduct, travel itineraries, and more. Even after meticulously gathering everything, there’s no guarantee t...

Why Traffic Jams and Overstuffed Supermarket Trolleys Reveal The Pitfalls Of Misjudged Prosperity

20 January

Picture this: a retired high-ranking official, suited up, charmingly nostalgic, seated before an international TV anchor. The question? “What is the state of Madagascar today?” His answer? Traffic jams and supermarket trolleys. Not potholes or poverty, not the deforestation or the wealth of biodiversity hanging by a thread. No, prosperity, he says, is proven by our busy streets and full caddies. Let that sink in. For a country where 80% of the population depends on subsistence farming, where nearly 75% of people live on less than $1.90 a day, this is either audacious optimism or a dangerous case of rose-tinted glasses. But let’s unpack the “logic” of it—humor me, if you will. The Traffic Jam Economy Sure, Antananarivo’s streets are clogged. A gridlock of Renault 4s, second-hand Toyotas, and an increasing number of those fancy SUVs that barely fit on our charmingly chaotic streets. On the surface, more cars might suggest a growing middle class, more consumer power. But here’s the truth:...

How the Talent Factory Is Empowering Genius Creatives to Shape Modern Madagascar

17 January

When you think of Madagascar, images of baobabs, lemurs, and a pristine coastline might come to mind. But beyond its natural marvels, Madagascar is home to a vibrant creative community that is reshaping the island's cultural identity and propelling it onto the global stage. From art to music, design to dance, Malagasy creatives are redefining what it means to be an artist in a rapidly changing world. Here are some of the genius minds at the heart of this renaissance. Hakanto Contemporary: A Nexus for Malagasy Art In the bustling streets of Antananarivo stands Hakanto Contemporary , Madagascar’s first contemporary art center. Opened in February 2020 under the visionary leadership of Joël Andrianomearisoa , this non-profit organization is a sanctuary for Malagasy art. Hakanto provides artists with a space to experiment, exhibit, and foster dialogue with local and international audiences. Joël, a celebrated artist himself, is no stranger to the global stage. His thought-provoking text...

What I Learned from Exploring Madagascar’s Biodiversity

13 January

When you think of Madagascar, you might picture an animated lemur singing "Move It, Move It." But this vibrant island is so much more than a cartoon backdrop. It’s a living masterpiece, sculpted by evolution into a wonderland of bizarre flora and fauna. With its ancient baobab “dancing trees” and cheeky lemurs, Madagascar feels like nature’s playground—quirky, sassy, and utterly captivating. A Symphony of Isolation Separated from mainland Africa over 88 million years ago, Madagascar became a secluded laboratory of evolution. Here, life took some whimsical detours, resulting in a staggering 90% of the island's species being found nowhere else on Earth. It’s like stepping into a parallel universe, where trees defy gravity, and primates come with an extra dose of personality. The ‘Dancing’ Trees: Madagascar’s Baobabs Imagine walking along a dirt road, flanked by towering baobabs that look like upside-down trees, their roots seemingly reaching for the sky. This is the Avenue ...

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