WANDERLUST
Gilles explains his father was a seaman. When they were sailing it had been his task, as a little boy, to find bays or coves to anchor the boat. “It’s one of the reasons why I always change my focus while travelling and never take the same route – I improvise! A few years later no one will remember all the aerials I did. But one will always remember the unexpected accidents that happened along the trip. Those are the stories that my kids like to listen to,” Gilles enthuses. I ask Thomas what keeps him travelling to the most remote corners of the planet. “For me it’s something special to windsurf at a place where no one windsurfed before. Being on the water alone or with one or two good friends is pure joy. Even if the conditions don´t resemble Ho’okipa everyday. In these situations I just live for the moment. Also while travelling I will always encounter other travellers on the search that inspire me to take on new adventures!” The trip comes to an end and we prepare for the return to civilization. While the Jeep slowly progresses north, impressions of Madagascar run through my head. Without the distractions of Facebook and TV I remember the rich evening conversations about French and German differences – from the quality of bread to politics. We discussed the pros and cons of foil sailing, studied waveriding techniques or simply got lost in the stars that shine brighter than I have seen anywhere. I remember deeply red sunsets, strange animals, trees and bushes that better fit a dinosaur era. I imagine how the 3.6 metre high, now extinct, Elephant Bird had existed only 300 years ago across these lands. I remember the sailing and fishing skills of the Antandroy, the people from the South, who navigate the ocean incredibly fast and precisely. I remember the kids that carry my gear back to the camp after a session, singing and dancing.
We arrive in Fort Dauphin and check in for our flights to Paris. I notice I am full of inspiration for future trips and simply happy that I came on this trip and experienced those strange but beautiful weeks in a different world and have quickly forgotten about the bumpy road that brought me there. Special thanks to our partners for this great trip – Jean from Info Tourisme, Nico from Babaomby lodge, Gigi from Lavanono lodge and Benedicte from Beranthy lodge.