Mauritius...

Thursday, March 2. Docked at Port Louis, Mauritius. 29 C

Fellette and I were up and on the phone to make a business call together on personal matters at 3:30 am. We had to make contact  during business hours in Vancouver [at 3:30 pm.] Job done and back to bed!

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We Four were out and in a cab at the end of the gangway around 9:30. We were in line in the already sweltering heat waiting for the ship’s shuttle to town when we decided to forget the shopping aspect of the day and head right for the Beach Hotel and see if we could wangle a day pass and life on the beach front for a day. Jim suggested a quick tour of the town/city for a small added sum. Off we went!

We were in one of our favourite places within 10 minutes: a morning market with ordinary folks getting their fruits, vegetables and other necessities for the day. Next quick tour of the city, still a decent size at 300,000 if I recall. Next up to where it all started: up to the Fort on top of the highest area behind the city to protect it from invasion by sea. It has likely been improved and remodelled over the centuries and is now just a fading tourist attraction, fortunately.

Presto, Magico & Shazam!  Next thing we knew it was 11:45 and we were in the Swanky Sofitel Imperial Hotel that has one of the better beaches on this island of beaches with Day Passes and keys to a communal large day room with lock boxes, changing room, couches etc. Toilet nearby. Wow, I could not get the grin off my face for the longest time.

The day pass included a lunch, which we by then needed. We ordered and soon found out that we had over-ordered, but that is another story for another time. Next we got into the bathing suit mode and found an appropriate place to sit and soak it all in. Jim and Gail strolled off into the distance along the gently lapping surf, returning sooner than I expected. The heat was intense without shade and cover, which seems to promote an unexpected breeze, it is intolerable

All too soon it was time to face reality and head back to the ship. The hotel phoned our driver who was lallygagging at a nearby public beach, awaiting our call. Within 40 minutes we were all in our cabins on the ship, happy as clams. Jim phoned our table Mates and told them we would not be down for dinner!

A Wonderful Day…

Sunrise this morning. Shortly after this I spoke to our three kids, my sister Moe and Brother Graham. Good way to start the day!

Some drummers and dancers to greet us is always nice, no matter how bored they must be.

We Four, eating and drinking again. [Well, the men are drinking anyway!]

Jim snapped me out for a walkabout in the tepid water.

In the market earlier. Mostly men venders.

This guy rearranged the tubes of spices for me, he is happy, not angry as his expression would make you think otherwise.

Jim took this of Fellette and I in our usual Big Gun pose!

Hindu Temple: Always so clean and well kept. The attendant gave us fruit which made part of our supper.

Hindu Temple painting. All religions seem to reside closely and comfortably here. According to our driver who was a Muslim of Indian origin.

Flower arrangement in the Sofitel today. It was the equivalent of the Grand Wailea in Maui. It reeked class.