Madagascar (Côte Est) "Tsikofura," Sacrifice d'un boeuf à l'occasion d'un Décèse

Original caption reads, "East Coast of Madagascar "Tsikofura" - Sacrifice of an Ox on the occasion of the Deceased."

Additional printed text on recto reads: "Edition G. M. L."

Original hand-written text on recto, "22/ 9/ 09. My dear... I did receive your long and friendly letter which as usual was most welcome. In my voluntary exile in the middle of the Malagasy Bush far from the city noise and any civilization (which is not necessarily to be regretted) I feel a bit lonely at times - Life there is without constraints, undoubtedly. This great liberty, so much sought after, is not to be sniffed at but one tries of everything even of comforts because I have never been happier. I find that life is monotonous and empty which well proves that one is never truly happy me wishes always something. At this time I wish I had my bicycle to be able to make long rides but here is the catch : the bicycle might still be easy to procure but as to roads there are none. I speak about the area where i live because certain important centres of Madagascar, Tananarive, Tamatave, Majunga, etc. are better off and already have some stretches of road. I am mailing this postcard to your office. You probably have resumed going there a long time ago. I wish you well for your long walks, so interesting . I hope that you had the good thought of keeping a diary of your travels, noting regularly your impressions of the day. With the writing skills I know you to have, and the travels that you make that would not fail to be interesting. Good health, my dear..., many good things from me to your family. Accept my friendship at the same time as a cordial handshake.