Antsirabe, Madagascar: The Town That Stole My Heart (and My Socks)

antsirabe-where do i even start? this place is like that weird cousin who shows up unannounced but somehow makes every family gathering better. i landed here after a bus ride that felt like it was sponsored by every pothole in madagascar, and honestly? i wasn’t expecting much. but then the air hit me-cool, crisp, and smelling faintly of thermal springs and something i couldn’t quite place. maybe it was the pousse-pousse drivers arguing over fares. or maybe it was just the vibe.

i just checked and it’s 21.6°c there right now, feels like 21.9°c. humidity’s at 78%, so yeah, it’s that kind of weather where you’re not sure if you need a jacket or just a good attitude. i’m leaning toward the latter.

now, about those neighbors. if you get bored, ambositra and antsirabe are just a short drive away. ambositra’s known for its wood carvings, which is great if you’re into that sort of thing. personally, i was more into the chaos of antsirabe’s markets, where someone told me that the best samosas in town are sold by a guy near the train station. i didn’t find him, but i did find a woman selling fried bananas that changed my life.

“antsirabe? oh, it’s quiet. too quiet. unless you count the sound of pousse-pousse bells and the occasional cow wandering into traffic.” - overheard at a local café

i spent most of my time wandering around, trying to figure out why this town felt so... alive. maybe it was the thermal baths, which i heard are a must-do but never actually got around to. or maybe it was the fact that every corner had a story. like the time i stumbled into a workshop where they were making miniature rickshaws out of recycled metal. someone told me that the guy who runs it used to be a mechanic but decided to retire and start crafting tiny vehicles instead. i bought one for my nephew, but let’s be real-i wanted it for myself.

if you’re into *thermal springs, handicrafts, or just getting lost in a place that feels like it’s stuck in a time warp, antsirabe is your jam. i’d recommend checking out lac tritriva if you’re into lakes that look like they belong on a postcard. and if you’re feeling adventurous, tripadvisor* has a list of things to do that’s actually useful for once.

i left antsirabe with a suitcase full of souvenirs, a head full of memories, and a weird obsession with pousse-pousse rides. would i go back? absolutely. but next time, i’m bringing warmer socks. because let’s face it-21.6°c might sound nice, but it’s a whole different story when you’re sitting by a lake at sunset.