Sahaza's Blog

Picture this: You’ve just touched down on Madagascar’s soil, where lemurs leap through lush forests, chameleons blend into the scenery, and life is as vibrant as the sunset over the baobab trees. But before you set off on this adventure, let’s equip you with the ultimate expat survival guide for navigating the Grande Île like a pro. 1. Visa: Your Golden Ticket Before you start dreaming about island life, sort out the essentials. If you're planning a long stay, you’ll need a visa immigrant , which can later be upgraded to a long-term visa. Here's the scoop: Requirements: Valid passport, police clearance, passport-sized photo, and work contract (if applicable). Cost: Around €100, payable in cash. Pro tip: Malagasy bureaucracy operates on “moramora” time—slow and steady. Start the process early, and bring extra patience (and snacks!). 2. Finding a Home Sweet Home The cost of living in Madagascar is refreshingly low compared to Europe. Whether you’re a city dweller or a country...

Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island, isn’t just a wonderland of lemurs, baobabs, and chameleons—it’s also a culinary treasure chest where every grain of rice tells a story. Yes, rice! It’s the unsung hero of Malagasy culture, filling bellies, shaping traditions, and anchoring an island nation that’s as flavorful as its dishes. Let’s dive spoon-first into the central role of rice, the cultural flavors it carries, and the challenges that threaten this staple’s reign. The Heartbeat of Malagasy Culture: Rice In Madagascar, rice isn’t just food—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine this: the average Malagasy person consumes rice three times a day . That’s more rice per capita than nearly any other country. It’s not just a side dish; it’s the star, often accompanied by creative, flavorful pairings. Breakfast might start with Vary Sosoa —a comforting rice soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. By lunch, it’s Vary Maina (dried rice), piled high alongside vegetables, meat, or a dollop of zesty to...

Madagascar, a jewel off Africa’s southeastern coast, is a nation where every note tells a story, and every beat carries echoes of its vibrant heritage. Here, music isn’t just art—it’s a living, breathing archive of the island’s rich history and cultural diversity. Thanks to its unique position as a crossroads of migration and trade, Madagascar has evolved a soundscape that blends Southeast Asian, African, Arab, and European influences into a mesmerizing symphony. Let’s dive into this captivating world of Malagasy music, exploring its ancient roots, modern evolution, and enduring role as the island’s cultural heartbeat. The Historical Roots of Malagasy Music To understand Madagascar’s music, we must first trace the journeys of the people who brought it to life. The earliest settlers, Austronesian voyagers, arrived with their culture, cuisine, and instruments in tow. Among these was the valiha , a bamboo tube zither that still reigns as the national instrument. Its shimmering tones refle...