I decided to start my first post talking about a wonderful trip I took to Mauritius back in August 2017. I was lucky enough to be there during Ganesh Chaturthi which is a Hindu festival dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant head god that is known for being the remover of obstacles. All the families gather near the water in precious colourful gowns. They pray and leave Ganesha clay idols on the beach. The outfits are incredibly fascinating and the atmosphere is very joyful. I almost had the impression of being on a rainbow. The ritual happened near our hotel and we were able to walk right amongst all the locals that were celebrating.
We stayed at Mont Choisy Beach Resort which features perfect accommodation rooms for those who like to be independent. Of course you can order room service or walk to the many small local restaurants (the Italian pizza shop across the road is just amazing!). However, you can buy your own groceries and cook simple meals, or just buy fresh fruit or smothies next door if you are after a light refreshing meal.
The free Wi-Fi is also a real treat on those days when you just want to be lazy by the gorgeous infinity pool.
The hotel is simple but we normally seek a very relaxed stay and all we really care about is the location and the cleanness of the hotel.
The staff is helpful and of course the speak and understand English perfectly. They arranged two day trips, one of which we definitely enjoyed.
Going to île aux Cerfs only takes a small boat ride and you get to enjoy the place for the whole day to then return at about 4 pm, depending on what time you want to catch the boat on the way back. This is a true paradise with white sands, ideal for snorkelling where once upon a time they imported deers in order to hunt them (hence the name of the island). The deers once imported from Java are no longer on the island and the relaxing and natural environment is now the main attraction.
The other trip we didn’t enjoy so much, definitely not due to the stunning location, was Ilot Gabriel. It takes way longer to get there and quite often the ocean isn’t very kind with its high waves. Besides this, which is to be expected when crossing the reef, we were basically allowed to be on the island for approximately one hour even though it was a day trip. We didn’t find that this was a good value.
I must admit another overrated was Flic en Flac. It simply cannot compare with Ilot Gabriel and île aux Cerfs!
On the other hand Chamarel is simply to die for. This is where you can find the unique Seven Coloured Earths which is a phenomenon resulting from colour variations due to cooling of molten rock. It is so surprising that even if the seven colours of lava (now sand) get mixed together, they eventually separate again.
In the same place you can also visit the waterfall on the River du Cap where water falls by 95 metres.
Obviously you cannot miss a trip to Port Louis market where you can buy cashmere pashminas for as little as $5, while sipping the sweetest can sugar drink.
It is also quite easy to find small kiosks that grill fresh lobsters and serve them by the beach, however don’t expect them to be cheap. A couple of lobsters and two fresh juices cost an average of $100, unless you have a local friend that can take you around and avoid tourist prices.
I am lucky enough to have been close friends with a local girl for many years, but even for them the cost of life isn’t very affordable. It is thanks to her that I have had the chance to see monkeys in the forest, to learn a little about harvesting sugar cane and to visit the amazing Bassin Temple.
This temple is near the water, which is very common for the Hindu culture. Here you can receive your blessing on the forehead, but be careful as the red pigment is hard to get off!
Another unusual activity I consider a must is catching public transport as opposed to renting your own car. To drive in Mauritius takes a lot of courage and as my friend taught me, you don’t have to be afraid for yourself but for the other drivers as they are quite fearless if you know what I mean! On the other hand catching a bus is so much fun but please expect the driver to open the doors while still in motion and be prepared as they go pretty fast.
Taxis are affordable and easy to find but it is important to agree on the fare before staring your journey.
In conclusion I can tell you dear travellers that this has been a wonderful experience and Mauritius and its cheeky inhabitants have now a special place in my heart. ![21151213_10159165437635612_1472476343838738153_n.jpg]
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