Nosy Be, translates as Big Island, is a volcanic Island to the NW of the African island state of Madagascar.

Madagascar is a really large island, 660ksq km, approximately the size of Great Britain. Nosy Be is the tourist and port town, but basically undeveloped and poverty stricken. The French invaded in 1848 and were involved with slave trading and indentured labour. There was yet another military coup de tat last year. Nosy Be touts vanilla, ylang ylang (perfumed oil used in Chanel No 9), coffee and lemurs.

Alan took an excursion to an island, Nosy Komba inhabited by lemurs while I went with my friend Garry (no 2 husband) to markets, Sacred Banyan Tree and ylang ylang plantation. We were able to witness the abject poverty of the population.

We had an invite only meal from the Concierge, JD at the Grand Dining Room, in the evening.