Of all the far-flung destinations in the world there still remain those mysterious places that many have heard of, but few have explored. And, despite it being the 4th largest island in the world Madagascar is one of those places. From the iconic wildlife, giant baobab trees and diverse environments to the history and culture of its people, Madagascar is one of the most unique and fascinating countries on the planet.

But of all the wonders I was about to experience, from tracking Lemurs through the forest, spying the elusive Chameleon and flying over a crystal-clear lagoon in a sailing canoe, the most memorable part of my Madagascan adventure occurred on a park bench, under a constant rain of purple Jacaranda blossoms and lasted a grand total of 5 seconds…

The cool concrete of the bench was a nice contrast to the heat of the Malagasy summer and the drumming from a nearby band played out in the relaxed atmosphere of a Sunday morning. As I sat researching the Lemur species I was hoping to sight over the next two weeks, I glanced up to see an old lady walking slowly along the path towards me. She was dressed in dirt-stained clothes that had been patched many times and carried a large black garbage bag in her hands.

Upon seeing me sitting cross legged on the bench with the book resting in my lap, quite obviously a tourist in her country, she calls out to me. Now, as it was my first day in Antananarivo and I was still under the influence of jet lag I had not had the chance to learn any basic Malagasy so I shall never know what it was she said. But, assuming it was a greeting I smiled, waved and called ‘good morning’ back, knowing she may not understand me either.

But the words didn’t matter and from the wrinkles etched upon her sun weathered face emerged a smile of pure happiness. A smile so wide I could see the gaps of missing teeth and the crinkles around her eyes. She didn’t stop walking, just slowly continued on her way, but that instant of connection is branded in my memories.

A smile! The simplest form of communication and connection, bridging language barriers, age, culture and time. There would be many more smiles over the coming weeks, but it is hers that I shall never forget!

Sometimes, travel isn’t about how tall the mountain was you climbed, how many photos you took, how far you journeyed or how many souvenirs you successfully fit into your suitcase for the return flight. Sometimes, it is about the little moments, perhaps just a second out of a single day that somehow changes the way you look at the world.

I will never know who she was, where she was going or what life she had known, but at that moment in time, we were just two strangers in a park connected by a smile…

Never get so busy trying to reach your destination, that you forget to experience the simple connections of the journey that leads you there!