Our ship followed the East African coast north until Mozambique. Then we headed north east, sailing for the French Comoros Islands and then to Nosy Be, Madagascar on April 15 (Day 91).
While I had heard of Madagascar, I was surprised to learn that it is the fourth largest island in the world and the second largest island nation. It is quite a distance off of the coast of Africa and is one of the poorest countries in the world.
We never got to the “mainland” of Madagascar, but the island of Nosy Be is part of the country. It was an interesting place with lots of poverty and very little infrastructure.
We drove the backroads around the island.
Saw some cattle herding.
Stopped to see a chameleon hidden in the plants. (I believe this is the species Furcifer.)
Saw some scenery and a beach.
Saw a traditional hut.
We entered a hotel for some refreshments and were greeted by these women who were chanting for us as we came in.
They had sticks in their hands and were clicking them together in complicated patterns, along with the swaying and dancing. This reminded me of a stick song we sang as part of our girl scout experience, which maybe was related to this tradition. I know Judy Panaccione would remember it, perhaps my sisters as well. But, I don’t remember what we called it when we were in girl scouts.
Great to see and feel the connections you/we have around the world…
https://discover.hubpages.com/games-hobbies/how-to-play-the-girl-scout-maori-stick-game
And here it is!
We have at least 20 sets of these sticks in our basement, made from bamboo, broom sticks, or whatever.
Thanks so much for this research and the reminder that you have the sticks. The description of the movements with the sticks really resonated. And, so interesting to learn more about the way the cultures started and how this has moved around. I don’t think I knew it was Maori originally. Somehow the words don’t resonate with me, but the rhythm also might help. Great to read this and to know you remember this. Also great to see the wider girl scout connection.
https://www.mamalisa.com/blog/can-anyone-help-with-a-native-american-stick-song-2/
here is the link
I remember the two-stick song very well and tried to explain it to the internet, who could not quite figure out what I was talking to.
Closest is here, but I think my mom told me the version we learned was Polynesian.