After our bonus day around Antsirabe, it was time to continue the journey south. But first, we had a little time to explore the town itself.

Our short city tour started at the old railway station, a reminder of the colonial era, before we headed up the Grande Avenue. Along the way, we stopped at the Monument Fahaleovantena, where we got a brief introduction to some of Madagascar’s history. We then passed an old school building before reaching the Hôtel des Thermes, another fine example of the town’s colonial architecture. From here it was on to the cathedral and the local market.

The program then included a couple of handicraft stops: first, a gemstone shop, where we could admire the local stones and the owner’s dogs. Then came a workshop processing zebu horn into jewellery and other items. The smell of burning horn was quite something – not necessarily an experience I would have gone out of my way to seek. Both stops were easily skippable, as far as I was concerned.

With our little tour over, we were heading south – next stop: Ambositra.