The first thing that you notice when arriving at the village of Antintorona on Nosy Komba is that everyone is smiling and greeting you warmly with a welcoming ‘mbola tsara’, ‘bonjour’, ‘ciao’, and ‘hello’.
Children are studying and those too young for school are happily playing under the watchful eye of the entire community.
The adults are actively fortifying the foundations for the future.
There is an air of confidence and a feeling of safety throughout.
The second thing you’ll notice is the abundance of running water. It is everywhere. To boost trust when he spearheaded the village’s transformation twenty-six years ago, Stefano Palazzi focused on tackling the biggest problem first; the fresh-water supply.
The best village in the area had seven fountains. Antintorona had none. Working together with Stefano, the village of Antintorona went from zero to fifteen fountains in two years.
The long-term result of fresh running water and an engaged community
As Stefano says, “one successful project is a fluke, two is a pattern”. Fifteen was legendary. We Work It Works was born.
We were introduced to Stefano by a ‘brother’ of The Captain’s who had befriended him while sailing Madagascar fifteen years prior.
Since our first meeting, we’ve returned to Antintorona almost weekly for friendship, fishing, the best, most affordable laundry service in the area, delicious, freshly-crafted Madagascar Chocolate, and guided hikes of Nosy Komba. But mostly we come for inspiration.
Time and again, Stefano and the people of Antintorona have illustrated ‘that through hard work, solidarity and perseverance, a harmonious and sustainable development is possible’.
Antintorona has been transformed from a state of survival to one of stability and growth by implementing a series of health, societal, economic and infrastructure improvements under the project umbrella.
These include:
- eradicating malaria, chronic bronchitis, and dysentery locally;
- constructing paved passage-ways, retaining walls, sewage and rainwater drainage, guest/partner housing, and green-spaces;
- improved hygiene, healthcare, and housing;
- creating opportunity through education, micro-credit, manufacturing, agriculture/ reforesting, and eco-tourism; and,
- generating/distributing electricity via a hydro-electric turbine.
In addition to the diligent efforts required to maintain and further past successes, current projects include construction of a maternity center, an indoor communal kitchen, and installation of a septic-system for individual household plumbing.
When asked ‘who is the boss of Antintorona’, Stefano replies, ‘the children are the boss of this place’.
The school is the center of the We Work It Works project. Staffed locally by twelve multi-lingual teachers and management, it provides nursery, primary and secondary education for over 400 children including 100 that board from surrounding villages.
Each year, the school sponsors the top five students to attend high school and university with the hope that the educated will extend the approach successful here to other villages in Madagascar.
“It is a small revolution, considering that in Madagascar two million children under the age of fifteen have no access to any school structure”.
“The progressive development of man and structure will sustain the long-term autonomy of Antintorona”.
Why not visit this community during your next stay in Madagascar?
It is a 20-minutes walk by the beach (preferably at low tide) south of the main village of Ampangorina on Nosy Komba. Direct ferry service is also available from Hell-Ville on Nosy Be. Or maybe you will want to sail there like us (13° 26.753 S | 48° 21.544 E).
What will begin as a curious village tour and perhaps a guided day-hike up Nosy Komba will quickly transform into a life-long partnership. Home-stay and extended-stay partnership/internship accommodation are available.
And if you are so inspired, you can help the village of Antintorona achieve their next goals by donating to We Work It Works here and/or the related Nosy Komba Project here.
Alison and Don September 14, 2018
What a heart warming story, what an amazing village/project/people. It’s stories like this that remind us of the good in people, that it’s not all doom and gloom. I think they are very blessed to live there. I hope the whole way of living spreads throughout Madagascar. And thank you for your gorgeous photos! They really bring the story to life.
Alison
Lisa Dorenfest September 15, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments Alison. With its great reputation in the area and village ambassadors trained in implementing its methods for sustainable development, I have great faith that the success of Antintorona will be replicated time and again in Madagascar.
Gallivanta September 14, 2018
What a fine story of a successful community endeavour. It has put a smile in my heart. Yesterday I finished the very last piece of a block of Madagascan chocolate (82% extra dark). It was so good. I didn’t want the chocolate to end!
Lisa Dorenfest September 15, 2018 — Post Author
Delighted that this story made your heart smile Amanda. I would love to see Antintorona export its delicious chocolate so that you could enjoy a bit of it in New Zealand. It is something to be savored.
Joanne Sisco September 14, 2018
What’s to say, Lisa? This is a wonderful story! The Stefano’s of the world are walking their talk – and his talk is BIG and impressive! Yes, it takes hard work and perseverance, but also a vision. This is truly a heartwarming story ?
… and as always, your photos are as beautiful as the people you are capturing.
Lisa Dorenfest September 15, 2018 — Post Author
I am heartened to see Stefano’s methods being adopted and proliferated by the villagers and volunteers that have been trained in them. And I thank you for your kind words on the images. They only scratch the surface of the many gorgeous people I had the pleasure to meet in Antintorona.
lexklein September 14, 2018
The Like button is not big enough! What a beautiful job you did with this; it’s hard to get one’s mind around all that Stefano is doing there, but starting with the smiles says it all. (I see my little soccer opponent in there – sweet little girl!) You’ve outdone yourself on the people portraits! I recognize a few, but wow – there are so many, and so many brilliant ones. You’ll miss your Sunday trips over there, I know, and now that I’ve been there, I can see why you fell in love with this place and its people. A+++++!
Lisa Dorenfest September 15, 2018 — Post Author
I think that I have seen your little soccer opponent on every visit to Antintorona. What a little cherub. I am so happy that you got to experience the wonderful people of Antintorona firsthand but gutted that I did not learn about the wonderful agriculture and reforestation projects until after your visit; the icing on the cake of what passion, vision and a lot of hard work can manifest. An Eden in the making. Thank you so much for your lovely compliments on the post. Succinctly expressing the full Antintorona experience was a bit of a challenge so your supportive feedback means a lot. Can not wait for your next visit, even if you don’t bring Frangos or boat parts.
Tish Farrell September 14, 2018
I’m agreeing with everything everyone else has said. Such projects gladden the heart, and show what can be done – people centred, not international donor agenda-ed. Fabulous photos as ever, Lisa.
Lisa Dorenfest September 15, 2018 — Post Author
People-centered rather than international donor-centered hits the nail on the head Tish!. Spot on. And speaking of ‘spot-on’, I am totally engrossed in your story ‘Losing Kui’. Wow. Just wow.
Tish Farrell September 15, 2018
Oh, you are so lovely to say that. Made my day and some 🙂 🙂 🙂
Sue Slaght September 14, 2018
Lisa I am left with shivers as I finish your article. It sounds like a model for so many places around the world to look to. I don’t know if we shall ever get to Madagascar but if we do I shall definitely come back to this post. What an inspiring story of lives transformed and hope for the future.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you Sue for your heartfelt comment and for your lovely shout out on Twitter. I truly hope that you and Dave find your way to Madagascar. The Captain says it reminds him of his visits to Thailand and Bali in the 1970s – miles of empty beaches and pristine reefs, almost tourist-free, and full of beautiful, unique wildlife and welcoming people.
Sue Slaght September 16, 2018
How lovely to arrive somewhere before you are two or three decades too late. My pleasure to share it on Twitter. Most welcome.
Margo September 14, 2018
What an uplifting, heartwarming story, Lisa. You captured the spirit of the people in your photos and text. How lucky you and Fabio are to have met such wonderful people. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
We are very lucky indeed Margo. I so wish that you and Steve had been here to experience Antintorona with us and hope that we will get to sail with you both again somewhere soon! Thank you as always for your visit here.
J.D. Riso September 14, 2018
What an incredible success story. People like Stefano, who truly walk the walk, rule. If I ever make it down that way, I will stop by for sure. Your photos, as always, are so rich with place. Thank you for sharing this story, Lisa.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you for your visit and lovely compliments Julie. I do hope that you find your way to Antintorona one-day as my words and pictures only scratch the surface of how magnificent the place truly is. We’ve anchored there over ten times now but each visit is unique and awe-inspiring.
LdG luciledegodoy September 14, 2018
Lisa, this post is heart soothing at times where we mostly read about hurricanes, typhoons, refugees, children separated from their parents, etc…
Someone told me last week that we should think that there are more good people doing good things in the word, than bad, and if we would be able to know more about that, we would believe more in humanity.
What Stefano is doing here proves that and I am grateful that you shared it so beautifully, with stunning photos.
To a world with more Stefano’s and Lisa’s! Cheers!
xx
LdG luciledegodoy September 14, 2018
Sorry for typos…
word – world
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Eloquently said as always Lucile. Positive stories buoy us in the treacherous seas of negativity that are increasingly threatening to drag us under. I am heartened every time we return to Antintorona by the possibilities that are manifest there. Thank you so much for all the love. Big hug from Madagascar.
Bespoke Traveler September 14, 2018
Wanting to fly off immediately for Antintorona to see those beautiful faces you’ve photographed so lovingly. Is there any significance to the name of this village?
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Oooh, I do hope that you visit here. And good question. I will have to ask after the significance of the village name on our next visit. According to Google Translate, ‘Antint Orona’ means ‘The Nose’in Malagasy, and it certainly does look like a very small nose on the very large face of Nosy Komba, but I am just speculating.
Lisa Dorenfest September 17, 2018 — Post Author
Apparently, Antintorona means “Land of the ‘Tintoro'” which is a type of tree that grows along the river here.
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter September 14, 2018
Inspiring! How it should work, in an ideal world, rather than flown in aid.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
We Work It Works, how it should work indeed :-). Thank you for visiting Antintorona virtually with me!
RetirementallyChallenged.com September 14, 2018
WordPress really needs a Love button. Your prose and photos are second only to Stefano’s passion for and commitment to Antintorona and its people. I loved all of your gorgeous portraits, but the future mariner stole my heart. Stefano’s answer, “the children are the boss of this place” should be true world-wide… they are the future.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Awwwww, thank you for all the love Janis! So grateful for your lovely comment. The children are most definitely the boss of this entire place/world. May we do all that is possible to make the future bright for them.
Tara September 14, 2018
What a wonderful village!!! How did Stefano get started there? Did he initially find any resistance to the ideas for the village (either from the villagers or the government?)?
Your pictures are beautiful – you certainly capture the spirit of which you wrote. And you tell a tremendous success story in words and in the smiles.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Very good questions indeed. But then that is what I expect from you. How I miss our long discussions bar side in NYC.
Stefano had a lifetime dream to create a model for sustainable development. He originally had wanted to do so in Haiti but government corruption there made it untenable. He traveled to Nosy Komba while visiting Madagascar in 1987 and developed a deep friendship with the Mpanjakavavy (Queen) of the largest village (Ampangorinana), eventually becoming her adopted son. That relationship and the powers that come with it are widely revered here (and his good work is well recognized by many) so the government does not impede the work being done in Antintorona. Stefano began his work with the village in 1992, selecting Antintorona for its population size (only 70 residents at the time. It now has over 500), minimal exposure to tourism, and great need of assistance. The people here did not resist him so to speak. Rather he was greeted with ‘disbelief’ at what could be accomplished with his methods. But he solidified villager support by tackling the toughest projects first and the rest is history.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions and wonderful compliments on the post. Hugs from Nosy Sakatia.
oldironhoss September 14, 2018
Simply awesome- thank you for the enlightenment of my day
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you for traveling with me to Antintorona!
Michele @liferedesign101 September 14, 2018
I love the sense of community that these people have created. This is a great example of what can happen when people come together and work for the good of the community. You can see in their faces that they are friendly, happy and warm people. I also noticed that every single face you photographed is beautiful. Why are they all so beautiful? It could only be that their beauty comes from within. I also love the story of the school. I’ve read about the lack of schooling in Madagascar and this school is setting an example of what could be. I feel heartened after reading this and knowing that though we usually hear all the horror stories there are equally compelling good stories in the world.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
They are stunningly beautiful people, aren’t they? I think it is a mix of good genes and smiles nurtured in a safe environment focused on achieving sustainable self-sufficiency. Am looking forward to seeing the possibilities realized by Antintorona propagated elsewhere here. We are back to Nosy Komba tomorrow for our last dose of inspiration before we start sailing southwestward to South Africa via the Mozambique coast. I can not believe our time here is coming to a close. Flew way too fast. Hope all is well (and dry) in the new home. Hugs.
Retirement Reflections September 14, 2018
I agree with Janis. This needs a LOVE Button. I am off to check out the links that you shared. Very inspiring!
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy there Donna! Thank you so much for the LOVE and a deeper read of this story via the links. We return for one more visit to Antintorona tomorrow and then we start slowly southwest to South Africa via Mozambique. Not ready to leave this beautiful place.
Pete DeMarco September 15, 2018
Beautiful story and images Lisa! Very well done. Always a pleasure to read your updates. Hugs from Nayoung and I.
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Always a delight to see you here Pete. Your wise recommendation to travel more deeply and craft meaningful stories is one of the many things that kept me coming back to Antintorna. Sadly our time in Madagascar is coming to its conclusion. We have one more visit to Antintorona tomorrow and will start heading southwest to South Africa via Mozambique on 23 September. Have you and Nayoung ever considered Namibia? We plan to do some inland travel there in late January. Just a thought.
Manja Mexi Movie September 15, 2018
Coming for inspiration over here too. <3 A lovely invitation that I'd be sure to accept when in the relative neighbourhood. Such excellent images of joy and prosperity in natural habitat. And those smiles!I bet that more of us can smile like this again. But we must unlearn so much first. Thank you! And my favourite part: '“one successful project is a fluke, two is a pattern”. Fifteen was legendary.'
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
I am delighted that you and your Amore found so much inspiration in this post! There is certainly much to be learned from those beautiful smiles! Hoping you get a chance to experience them in person someday. Who knows what the future holds or where your passion and skills will take you.
Mabel Kwong September 15, 2018
Every shot a winner here, Lisa. Wow. Just wow a each photo, and each one with a person is full of smiles, full of life, so much to live for 🙂 That last short is particularly fitting for the ending of this post – everyone coming together to make life work.
Antintorona might not be the a first world city but it sounds like a town that has got it together. Stefano and his team certainly have made this place what it is today, and inspiration this place has indeed – there is much to be thankful for for the simple way of life that is self-sustainable. The Madagascar chocolate sounds delectable and Mr Wobbles is insisting for some of it right now. In fact, he is already contacting his Lemur friends to ship him some. You and Amandla travel safe, Lisa ?⛵?
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Antintorona definitely has it all going on Mabel. Thank you for your lovely compliments on the images. There are TONS more smiles where those came from. It was a real challenge to cull through all of the images of beautiful faces and narrow it down to a reasonable set that would not overwhelm. That last photo was taken on Ascension Day when Lexie was visiting. The band made their way from the main village to Antintorona by in a boat playing instruments and we just had to hop into the dinghy and follow them. There is always something wonderful going on on Antintorona and that day was no exception. You might want to keep on eye on your cheeky monkey. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Wobbles hopped the next plane to Madagascar to join his lemur buddies for some chocolate and bananas ✌️❤️???.
restlessjo September 15, 2018
It must be very tempting to stay on to help with some of these projects, Lisa. Such a beautiful place and where will you find nicer people? It’s wonderful what they are achieving together, and you are a great ambassador. 🙂 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest September 16, 2018 — Post Author
Honestly Jo, if it weren’t for my life’s goal to circumnavigate, I might never leave this wonderful place. I am most certainly now a ‘partner for life’ of We Work It Works’ even if my travels limit me to remote contributions.
restlessjo September 16, 2018
That’s good to hear darlin xx
restlessjo September 16, 2018
i’m so glad to hear that, Lisa. 🙂 🙂 Hugs, darlin!
twobrownfeet September 16, 2018
Your posts fill me with hope, Lisa. There’s a solution for every problem in this world and we can make a change if we are willing to contribute with our time. That’s the message I take back. Thanks for those wonderful images of smiling children. It made my day! It’s a rainy day here and it’s great to see your posts filled with sunshine and home. Hugs!
Lisa Dorenfest September 17, 2018 — Post Author
Delighted to bring a little sunshine and hope your way Cheryl! We are on our way back to Antintorona this morning for a little bit more of it ourselves. Sadly this is our last visit to the village as we will start our slow journey to South Africa next week, but the village of Amtintorona will continue to reside in our hearts #partnersforlife.
twobrownfeet September 20, 2018
How exciting! Wishing you safe travels, Lisa! Can’t wait to hear from you when you reach. xo
Lisa Dorenfest September 20, 2018 — Post Author
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Terri Webster Schrandt September 16, 2018
I have never heard of this place, but saw that it is near Madagascar! What joy to read about the friendly people and also know that they have fresh water. Always great to read about your overseas adventures, Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest September 18, 2018 — Post Author
Nosy Komba is one Madagascar’s many small islands off the ‘Grande Isle’ that make this country so special. We just paid our last visit to Antintorona and will be lifting sadly anchor this morning. Starting our slow passage to South Africa from 23rd September. Thanks for sailing with me virtually Terri and for sharing the joy in Antintorona ?
Aletta - nowathome September 17, 2018
Lisa, it is such a wonderful heartwarming story! I have been a teacher for over 30 years , children are very close to my heart. Thank you once again for sharing your stories.!
Lisa Dorenfest September 18, 2018 — Post Author
Wow Aletta! How did I never pick up on the fact that you are a teacher? We’ve visited villages here that do not have teachers and it’s like night and day when compared to Antintorona. What a difference a good education makes in the life of a child and health of a community. In my opinion, teacher’s should be paid more than bankers as they shape our most valuable assets.
Aletta - nowathome September 18, 2018
That is so fundamental for a child to have education. I loved working with the little ones!
thefolia September 17, 2018
You captured adoration of the community in your heartfelt photos…it’s infectious…so lovely to hear of the care and devotion of people. Enjoy the friendships, fishing, hikes, chocolate and fresh water thanks to big hearts…it sounds dreamy there!
Lisa Dorenfest September 18, 2018 — Post Author
Nothing more beautiful than the sight of happy children playing safely. Sadly we have lifted anchor from Antintoroa for the final time this morning but we will return here often ‘virtually’ to support and be inspired by their ongoing development. Thank you for your lovely comment and shared adoration for this beautiful community.
Patrick Childress September 17, 2018
Fantastic images and comments. Thanks for posting.
Lisa Dorenfest September 18, 2018 — Post Author
Looking forward to seeing you and Rebecca visit here shortly. I adore blog comments and thank you for leaving such a lovely one.
Natalie September 17, 2018
Hi Lisa – Thanks for sharing such an inspiring story and your beautiful photos. Abundance of fresh water, growing crops, and education for the children are all important for the community to survive and thrive. I particularly like the photos of the three young girls sitting together and the Future Mariner. They exude happiness, optimism, and strength.
Lisa Dorenfest September 18, 2018 — Post Author
Nothing inspires me like the smiling face of a happy child thriving in a safe environment. Thank you for joining me in Antintoroa virtually Natalie.
Liesbet @ Roaming About September 18, 2018
Wow, wow, wow, Lisa! This organization and these projects are incredible. What a difference people like Stefano (and you participating and reporting on these improvements) make. You happen across the most fascinating situations and have a wonderful, unique and genuine way of posting about them. Your photos are stunning as always, and yes, I would like to visit this village if I ever go to Madagascar.
The more I read about initiatives like these, articles about fascinating places or even guidebooks, I have no idea how I could possibly do and see everything that I’m passionate about!! And, those smiles are contagious. Your portraits really cheer me up.
Lisa Dorenfest September 19, 2018 — Post Author
I’m with you! Too much passion, too little time. Lately I’ve been wondering how so many people can spend so much time fighting with each other on-line when there is so much awesome waiting for them in the real world. And so many opportunities to do good for others rather than tearing each other down. The world needs more Stefanos!
Thank you for all the love Liesbet! We miss you big time.
Photography Journal Blog September 18, 2018
It’s always nice to read about communities that are working. There always seem to be so many failure stories in the news.
Lisa Dorenfest September 19, 2018 — Post Author
I’m always on the look out for good news stories and feel blessed to have sailed directly into this one. Glad you could join us there virtually
thirdeyemom September 18, 2018
Wow Lisa what an incredibly inspiring story! This is amazing! How did Stefano first discover this part of the world? It sounds like he has lived there for 26 years? Wow, what an incredible story combined with your glorious photos. I love these stories!!
Lisa Dorenfest September 19, 2018 — Post Author
Stefano had a lifetime dream to create a model for sustainable development. He originally had wanted to do so in Haiti but government corruption there made it untenable. He traveled to Nosy Komba while visiting Madagascar in 1987 and developed a deep friendship with the Mpanjakavavy (Queen) of the largest village her (Ampangorinana), eventually becoming her adopted son. Stefano began his work with the village in 1992, selecting Antintorona as a model given its population size (only 70 residents at the time. It now has over 500), minimal exposure to tourism, and great need of assistance. He resides there six months every year to facilitate new development.
You and your wonderful social advocacy work were top of mind for me while visiting Antintoroa; admirable, inspiring, and something to emulate. Thanks for joining me virtually In Antintoroa and for your lovely compliments on the post. Hugs from Madagascar ??
thirdeyemom October 2, 2018
What an incredible story Lisa! Yes, you remind me that I have to do more of my social good work! I’ve been a bit grounded in terms of traveling due to my husband’s back situation but have been doing a lot of volunteer work locally with an international elementary school. It has been very rewarding. Hope you are well!
Lisa Dorenfest October 4, 2018 — Post Author
Well, at least your local community is benefiting from Paul’s back situation but I hope he is back in ship-shape soon. We are good. In a holding pattern right now in Baly Bay waiting for a weather window to cross over to Mozambique.
MythRider September 18, 2018
You are certainly getting to see the world and its people. Lovely success story.
Lisa Dorenfest September 19, 2018 — Post Author
Am blessed to be able to travel this world broadly and deeply. So happy you enjoyed the story. Thank you for taking a bit of time away from creating new interplanetary travel opportunities to join me in Antintoroa. Delighted you enjoyed the post.
MythRider September 19, 2018
“creating new interplanetary travel opportunities” I like this line. A bit creative yourself.
Lisa Dorenfest September 19, 2018 — Post Author
??
Where is Brick House...wandering the globe... September 21, 2018
Great photos! Great experience! Did you guys take malaria medicine while here? Or just cover up from mosquitos?
Lisa Dorenfest September 21, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you for your visit here and kind compliments Rebecca. Looking forward to visiting there again with you virtually. Our lengthy stay in Mada precluded is from taking preventive Malaria medicine. We cover up and have been advised by our doctor to have medicine on hand to take at the first sign of symptoms. We are not aware of any of the boaters who’ve sailed here this season having issues with Malaria. Hopeful that doesn’t change ?
Tina Schell September 21, 2018
A wonderful story Lisa. Here’s hoping they can expand the program beyond their village. Your photos really tell the story beautifully but the second image of the boy in the window is stunning
Lisa Dorenfest September 22, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you for your kind compliments Tina. After seeing what this village has accomplished together, I have great confidence that expansion efforts will be successful ?
Amy September 21, 2018
I so enjoy reading this moving story, Lisa. Good to see people have running water, kitchen, school, and beautiful vegetable garden.
Stefano has made a better place for the local people. Love their smiles.
Lisa Dorenfest September 22, 2018 — Post Author
Am delighted you enjoyed the post Amy. It was sad to bid goodbye to our friends in Antintoroa earlier in the week and tomorrow we will lift anchor from Nosy Be. I feel blessed to have those smiles etched in my mind as we sail onward.
Amy September 22, 2018
Enjoy! Safe sailing, Lisa. ?
Arek September 21, 2018
Real life, real people – beautiful pictures.
Lisa Dorenfest September 22, 2018 — Post Author
Thank you for your visit and lovely compliments. Looking forward to hanging out with you in the virtual anchorage ?
Arek September 22, 2018
No problem at all :). I hope we will find more time to visit your blog :).
Lignum Draco September 22, 2018
A fabulous success story. Great to see people successfully making an important difference.
Lisa Dorenfest September 22, 2018 — Post Author
I’ve been meeting a lot of young people here in Madagascar lately who are committed to making a difference just like Stefano and we’ll on their way. It gives me great hope for the future. PS – I would love to see your lens on Madagascar ?
anotherday2paradise September 22, 2018
Such a heartwarming story of perseverance in very difficult circumstances, Lisa. You snapped some wonderful portraits of these beautiful humans. Stefano looks so caring and devoted to his calling. xx
Lisa Dorenfest September 23, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy there Sylvia! Lovely to hear from you. Delighted that you enjoyed the story. With so much negativity in the world these days, I am growing increasingly committed to showing the good that exists in the world. I am blessed to be seeing a great deal of it as we make our way around this glorious globe. We’ve just lifted anchor in Nosy Be and are slowly making our way toward South Africa. Sad to have missed you there by just a few short months. Happy weekend.
Abraham Pinhas September 23, 2018
Very moved by this account and beautiful photos (as always) 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest September 26, 2018 — Post Author
? Thank you for visiting Antintorona with me Abraham and for your very lovely compliment!
Max a.k.a. Cardinal Guzman September 25, 2018
Very interesting and nice photos as always!
Lisa Dorenfest September 26, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy from Moromba Bay Max. Always a pleasure to see you here. When are you going to come for a sail with us? Perhaps we will just have to head over your way.
MNL September 25, 2018
Wow, the work they did there is amazing. Before to have no fresh water and lots of sea water nearby and now they have lots of fresh water and gardens. Thanks for sharing. I never heard of the village before.
Lisa Dorenfest September 26, 2018 — Post Author
And their work continues. One of their goals is to turn the fields into a Garden of Eden by next year. I think they are well on their way. Thank you for visiting Antintorona with me and for sharing in the amazement.
Prior... September 29, 2018
wonderful colors and culture – and he must be good at fishing to catch that on a mer morning (our nephew went out on a week-long fishing trip and got nada)
and how cool with this:
re: while sailing Madagascar fifteen years prior.
that really shows how interconnected these adventures are – amazing
and cheers to you and the Cap (and Stefano and all)
Lisa Dorenfest October 1, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy from Baly Bay Yvette! A pleasure to see you on the blog. It is a small, interconnected world indeed; both within and outside of the sailing community. And Stefano is a master fisherman. He managed to catch a fish every Sunday that he and the Captain went out together. Cheers from Madagascar. We are enjoying our final days here mid-coast waiting for a weather window to cross to Africa,
Prior... October 1, 2018
thanks for the reply – and how fun to get greetings from Madagascar. Glad you are enjoying the mid-coast and y’all are in my prayers for weather and safety
🙂
peace
Green Global Trek October 4, 2018
Wow, wow, wow!!! It is always both fascinating and inspiring to see LOCAL sustainability projects such as this one in Madagascar, that WORK! There is so much noise around either the plight of challenges (climate change, malnutrition, health etc) and mega solutions that seem attractive on a conceptual level but are often so large and cumbersome that they never take off. Hats off to Stefano, not just for having the vision but for working the 6.5 days a week diligently to execute this vision! Thank you Lisa for contributing yet another vignette of what true development work looks like on the ground!
Love the photos, especially the one of the little girl, the “future mariner”….
Superb!
Ben & Peta
Lisa Dorenfest October 4, 2018 — Post Author
Totally thought of you both when we visited Antintorona and saw what Stefano had accomplished there. Right up your street. I hope you get to visit Antintorona whenever your travels bring you to Madagascar. We are still in Madagascar waiting (ever less) patiently for a weather window to cross to Africa. Fingers crossed we will get to see you when your travels bring you there. Hugs,
Ryan Biddulph October 6, 2018
I love these photos and this post Lisa. Plus I love the hearts of these fine people. Amazing how happiness breeds more happiness; reading this story and feeling the love behind the photos I instantly feel better. Thank you for sharing.
Lisa Dorenfest October 7, 2018 — Post Author
Delighted that you enjoyed the post Ryan. Thank you so much for joining me virtually in the village of Antintorona. I hope your globe trotting brings you to Madagascar’s unspoiled paradise. The beautiful people, endemic wildlife, and endless miles of empty beaches put this place on my top five list. Our amazing four months here sadly comes to a close tomorrow as we set sail for Africa and on to new adventures.
Max a.k.a. Cardinal Guzman October 11, 2018
It’s great to read about your adventures around the globe. Hopefully the weather and wind is treating you good. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest October 29, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy from South Africa Max! Sorry for my delay in responding. We were tucked in at Bazaruto, Mozambique for an extended period waiting for the right window to sail here safely. ‘Twas a fantastic voyage. Thank you as always for shari g the adventure with me virtually. Maybe we’ll get lucky and see you real time someday ?♀️?✨
themofman October 13, 2018
Madagascar has long impressed me for seemingly being one of the few places on this planet that infrequently is a source of news of upheaval.
Lisa Dorenfest October 29, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy from South Africa Allan! Sorry for my delay in responding. We were delayed in Mozambique waiting for a weather window to proceed here safely. I am blessed to have spent four months in Madagascar and if it weren’t for my goal of completing a circumnavigation I would travel there again next season. Guess I’ll just have to go around again. Always a pleasure to see you here ?
equinoxio21 November 14, 2018
How could I miss this post?
I was wondering about you. Glad to see from the above comment that you are now safely in SA.
Welcome to the land. 🙂
Cheers
Lisa Dorenfest November 21, 2018 — Post Author
Ahoy from Durban! Sorry for my late response. We’ve been enjoying a bit of land travel in this great country. Magnificent landscapes,’Big 5′ wildlife, South Africa has got it all going on! Taking a few days breather in between game parks to spend time with family and catch up with friends. Will be by your place for a visit shortly. Hugs!
equinoxio21 November 22, 2018
Hi Lisa. Good to hear from you. I trust the trip was good? Welcome to Africa. 🙂
Had you been on the mainland before?
Hugs back and a happy Thanksgiving.
Brian
Lisa Dorenfest November 23, 2018 — Post Author
First time here and enjoying it far more than expected. The numerous parks are magnificent and VERY affordable and the people are friendly and welcoming. A great place to give thanks ???
equinoxio21 November 23, 2018
To discover Africa is a treat. This place is magical. At least in some corners. Enjoy Africa. And a happy week-end.
equinoxio21 November 22, 2018
I’ve seen a new post of yours in my mail. We’ll look it up presently.
Lisa Dorenfest November 23, 2018 — Post Author
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Image Earth Travel April 1, 2019
Wonderful story and photos!
I’m wondering whether you’ve come across my very good friends on Tehani-Li? The boat was in Madagascar similar time to you last year and I was trying to meet up with them but my Italian visa renewal took 7 months, so missed them.
Lisa Dorenfest April 6, 2019 — Post Author
Lovely to meet you here Nilla. Wish that I’d had the opportunity to do so in person in Madagascar when sailing there this season with Tehani Li. Your quest for Italian citizenship has been quite an adventure but I am glad to know in the end you were able to renew your visa. Perhaps we will have the good fortune of meeting up in another anchorage someday soon.