Lemur March 30 1997 News Paper Article
by Phyllis Kaltenbach
Title
Lemur March 30 1997 News Paper Article
Artist
Phyllis Kaltenbach
Medium
Photograph - Photo And Moku Hanga
Description
Press Release Image.
It Happened on ... The Island of the Lemurs, by Phyllis Kaltenbach. We awoke on the morning of November 22 anchored off the port of Nosy Be in Madagascar. Our cruise ship, the Pacific Princess, was surrounded by small craft with natives wanting to sell us small hand carved boats, fresh fruit, fish and shells, all artistically arranged in their boats.
The photo opportunities were abundant. The blue water and colorful picturesque boats tempted to photographers from all directions. Those who were not photographers simply enjoyed the beauty of it all. Following breakfast, only two of our life boats were used to take many of us to a very beautiful Island, so this ship hired several native boats to carry the majority of us to the "Island of the Lemurs". My husband Bruce and I sat on the flying bridge of our craft with our young pilot. It was exhilarating as we passed one lovely island after another, as well as many interesting and creative small sailing craft.
The island of the Lemurs was so pretty and tranquil with a lovely big white beach against the clear blue water. Our boats were anchored a distance from the beach and we were transferred to the beach by a big flat barg that had benches around the outer edge. Ramps were lowered into the water as we scrambled to remove our shoes and socks so we could wade onto the beautiful beach. We walked down the paths among the natives, their homes and the school. The children and their mothers stood quietly near their lovely handmade tablecloths and painted T-shirts and other wares. Some of the buildings had woven roofs made of palm frons and others were of tin. Some of the walls of the homes were made of wood and some made of hanging woven mats.
The natives were friendly anxious to speak and loved to have their photos taken. The entire island was beautiful and tranquil. As we approached an area that was seemingly corralled off, and yet left open, we were handed a bunch of bananas. Not knowing why, we, unfortunately handed all but two back. Just as Bruce entered this area, a gorgeous black Lemar jumped to his shoulder, quite unexpectedly, from behind. The Lemur very gently reached out toward the banana. As Bruce peeled the banana the Lemur, again, gently reached out broke off a piece and ate it. It sat for some time on Bruce, accepting banana bites from wherever they came. When the lemur became bored, it' swiftly jumped to the shoulder of the next unsuspecting victim. This time, a rather petite young woman who let out a little scream of surprise.
There were many pretty lemurs, monkey like creatures with soft silky fur, long flowing tales that are not prehensile, and bulging eyes. Others were brown with black faces and feet with fluffy white beards, not unlike Siamese cat markings. Some had reddish coats, some brown and some black. Some of those pretty tails were a long rich red fur. Most of these sweet lemurs were gentle, some rough, and some shy.
All were wild animals andl absolutely delightful. I believe their nature was basically gentle because the nature of the natives was gentle. As I fed a little beauty that was sitting on the rail fence she very gently put her little hand out for whatever I might give her.
Another lemur came bounding over and grabed for what was left of a banana but it's intent was not to be rough, yet it was, maybe, just a little too exuberant.
When the lemurs had their fill, some of them just relaxed on the fence watching us. Now who was observing whom? Others swung into the trees to play with, or feed their babies. Mothers swung into the trees with babies clinging to their undersides. The baby blended in so well that you really had to look to find it. I looked up into a tree to see a pretty little face watching all of us with curiosity and contentment. We had truly had a rare and beautiful experience.
Following our time with these lovely creatures we were led along paths thru this serene Island past other lovely white beaches, pretty native homes and back to the big beach where we climbed steps to a large platform where a large table held a variety of Island hors d'oeuvres and drinks. We had time to enjoy our snacks, take many photographs,buy native wares and just plain enjoy the serenity. As the time approached mid day the temperature begin rise and I began to wish I had worn my bathing suit under my clothing. As more people began to slip into the water for a swim I finally decided that since I was wearing my wash and wear, cotton and polyester pants and top, there was no reason I couldn't enjoy a refreshing swim, just the way I was, in my clothes sneakers and all. I waded into the water and enjoyed a refreshing swim. By the time the barge came to retrieve us and deposit us on our boats I was all dry and sitting under a big shade tree.
Since our ship had repositioned itself we did not have a long way to go once we were back on our young pilots boat. As we pulled away from this lovely Island Paradise, a sense of peace, contentment and joy prevailed. Everything on the island seemed peaceful and gentle - the wonderful Lemurs, the gentle natives, the 2 little boys I photographed, playing in the surf, the little girl who put out her hand when I took her photo and the women, mostly in their native dress who were enjoying our visit.
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May 25th, 2015
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Comments (15)
Miroslava Jurcik
Love lemurs and you so lucky to see them in their natural environment !!! It really must have been a wonderful trip !! l/f
Phyllis Kaltenbach replied:
yes it was - a trip of a lifetime! Thank you for your comments and support, Miroslava! smiles!
Alexey Bazhan
Interesting effect! It's very beautifully! I like it very much! With friendly greetings from Alex.
Chrisann Ellis
Phyllis, Your Work has been Featured On The Home Page of Weekly Fun For All Mediums..Happy Days..Congrats!!!
Phyllis Kaltenbach replied:
Wow, Thank you Chrisann, for the lovely Feature of my Lemur Photo and Press Release of "The Island of the Lemurs in 1997" on "The home page of "Weekly Fun for all Mediums"". Most appreciated!