10 Simple and Mindful Things to Do in Toamasina, Madagascar
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. Toamasina, Avenue de l'Indépendance |
Awake to Toamasina's beauty and enjoy the city's materiality and charming grace. While visiting Toamasina, indulge in the following ten mindful yet straightforward experiences.
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. Bicycle Rickshaw in Toamasina |
1. Rickshaws: A Ride Through the Heart of Tamatave
Exploring the energetic streets of Toamasina from the seat of a bicycle rickshaw is an unparalleled experience. It is very scenic and has some nice drives along lively streets, offering the impression of where and how the pulse is on gambolling children, hawking merchants, and raising friendly greetings of locals to passersby. The drive is an experience that lets you feel the city's rhythm.
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| Rickshaw. Photo: LJ Padayachy |
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| Photo: L.L. Padayachy. Coconut Water stands in Toamasina. |
2. Sip Fresh Coconut Water
Fresh coconut water has the most unbeatable taste. You find vendors of fresh coconut water in the main market, on the streets, near the regional bus stands, and along all the beaches of Toamasina as you travel. The cool, sweet liquid refreshes and is an acceptable way to slow it down to enjoy simple pleasures.
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. Sugar cane juice was bought at a stall on Joffre Street. |
3. Drink Sugar Cane Juice in the Streets
The lickable freshness of pressed sugar cane juice permeates the streets of Toamasina. The patience of vendors, who approach their work with the precision of surgeons, is truly admirable. But above all else, bite into the uncorrupted naked sweetness of that local favourite, more than anything. It is the taste of Madagascar that you will not forget.
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| Photo: Asina. Abdallah Awad Ice Cream. |
4. Abdallah Awad Ice Cream Indulgence
A visit to Toamasina would only be complete with a stop by Abdallah Awad, purveyors of some of the finest ice cream in town. Abdallah Awad's ice cream is a simplistic indulgence. Feel the cool treat in your hand and take a minute to acknowledge its smoothness against your skin. Just let it waft up with sweetness to set your palate in preparation for the treat ahead. Savour the flavours and textures of each spoonful, and let it be a mindful escape from the world. Incidentally, there is always a queue at Abdallah Awad.
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| Photo: Asina. Soupe Chinoise de Tamatave |
5. For a Bowl of Soup de Tamatave
Soup de Tamatave—it's one of those comfort foods to indulge in during that nippy evening. So, to sample this very local delight, rich in flavour and traditions, one has to look for one of those small eateries that are very intimate at times, where tight-knit culture bursts into life in this city. It's food that warms the body and soul alike.
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. The section of the bazaar is dedicated to vegetables. |
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. Bazar Be, Artisanal section, Toamasina |
6. Strolling the bustling Bazaar
The two main markets in Toamasina are Bazary Be and Bazary Kely. It is a treat to visit Toamasina markets, whether brilliant textile shops or fresh produce in the market; everything becomes so vibrant that one may get lost in the vibe easily. Step up, chat with the vendors, and buy yourself a souvenir. That would give you the best chance to get closest to the local cultures.
7. The View of Sunrise.
The best experience at dawn in Toamasina is watching the sunrise. The beach and Miami Boulevard certainly have the best front facing the sea. When the golden rays of the rising sun pop below the horizon, emerging from their resting place in the Indian Ocean, a breeze at this time can let one feel and appreciate calm and serenity. This magical moment marks the beginning of a day filled with relaxation and appreciation.
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. The picture was taken at dawn on the beach in Toamasina. |
8. Spending a Moment of Solitude at the Port
The port of Toamasina is the town's lifeline and is always busy, but it's a place to be alone early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Sit near the water and watch the boats coming and going—the tender lapping of waves pacifying your spirit.
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| Toamasina Port. Photo: LJ Padayachy |
9. Sample Freshly Baked Treats at a Local Bakery
Biting into a freshly baked warm pastry from the local bakery is appealing. Of course, the smell alone will have one drawn in—taste? Divine. Be it the flaky croissant or sweet Malagasy speciality, such treats are a pleasing indulgence. The adventurous should try the divine local coffee and rice bread (Mofo Gasy).
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| Photo: L.J. Padayachy. 'Miami' BeachFront, Toamasina |
10. Take a Stroll on the Beach
Toamasina beaches stretch vast lengths and are suitable for leisurely walks. Feel the sand under your feet and listen to the continuous sound of waves in the background, allowing thoughts to drift away with the tide. Simple, yet deep in emotion: serenity, bonding with nature.
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| Photo: L.J Padayachy. Miami Boulevard, Toamasina |
Toamasina invites visitors to slow down, embrace the present, and value simple, mindful living. These plain experiences, when lived mindfully, are actually ways to connect with the spirit of Toamasina. The next time you visit this classic city, ensure you set aside a little time to enjoy these small and simple pleasures that make Toamasina unique.
