I Arrived in Madagascar Almost 10 Years Ago

[Ted]

Here's a short crappy video generated by Google that reminded me that my 10-year anniversary in Madagascar is coming up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiD57ZxhC7k

Short and crappy as it is, it does capture some of the things that grabbed my attention: Lots of pizza restaurants near the airport, people on bikes, and a pencil portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the wall at the guest house where I stayed for the first week or so.

So I have a week to figure out how to mark the occasion.

My life had been turned upside down: My marriage was dying. I was unemployed. I knew a few things weren't going to change. I knew would continue to make music. I was silent here on Songcrafters for awhile, but when I posted again (in November 2014) I was in a band.

[64Guitars]

Needs some pictures of Madagascar's bizarre trees.

[ODH]

I'm really fascinated by Madagascar. It's this earthly paradise with animal species found nowhere else, but I saw on the tele that most of it is now agri, given over to making cash crops. Making either a wonderful place to live or endlessly soul-destroying. What's the reality like?

[dasilvasings]

Needs some pictures of Madagascar's bizarre trees.

Hmmm I see a lot of Gibson's necks

But anyway, congratulations for the 10 years in Madagascar. You must have some amazing stories to tell.

[Zoltan]

I think you live a fascinating life Ted. I kinda wish a was at similar crossroads that you were then. Where would it lead me?

Alone, nude, walking in the desert. Watching funky looking trees and thinking if it was something i ate, or drank. I could make such sweet music with the lizards.

Lizards of the night? Morning shadow? There would be some many band names to choose from.

Great pics I hope you'll continue with the story.

[StephenM]

Ted, I think you show a lot of spirit of adventure and bravery to have made such an incredible and life altering journey.  Most people could never do it.  I know you have had ups and downs, tragedies and victories there in 10 years... so this has honed you into a totally new man. 

I laughed really hard at Zoltans comments.  I love some of the stuff that comes up on the site... sort of related to music and also not.. it allows me to get to know you.  kind of like a reader reading an autobiography by someone... I feel connected even though there are thousands of miles of distance.

I am glad you are posting... the site is better with you around... and everyone that does...

have fun, stay safe... rock on... and please do some songs man

[Jean Pierre]

I hadn't seen this post before

It's really very interesting and those photos of gigantic trees are a dream come true.
Madagascar is undoubtedly a fascinating country

Here's an "aside from the music" that's interesting on SC to be able to get to know the members better, outside of our musical publications.

Ted has a very special life story that deserves to be told.

It seems to me that we too may have things to tell about our musical or non-musical experiences.

For my part, I've had the opportunity, on the sidelines of humanitarian missions, to travel to unlikely countries such as Haiti, Gaza and Tibet...perhaps one day I'll talk about these missions.

Ted, through SC, we have the opportunity to get to know other horizons, and for my part I discovered some of the particularities of Madagascan and Mauritian music
..and I remember with pleasure the song you invited me to sing, which, for those who haven't heard it, deserves a listen.
here's the link

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
https://songcrafters.org/forum/index.php?topic=32965.0

[Zoltan]

Tibet...perhaps one day I'll talk about these missions.

J'ai hâte d'en savoir plus sur votre rencontre avec le Yéti !

[BerryPatch]

You sure are one cool guy for doing this! I imagine it was hard adjusting to life on the island vs living in America but it must feel rewarding living in a warm and beautiful place like that! Best wishes to you

[kenny mac]

That must have been a turning point in your life, I'm wondering why Madagascar?
Was it always on your bucket  list?
It's an intriguing story catalogued by the photos.
Thanks for sharing it with us.