Sunday 2nd April 2023

Wednesday 3^rd April 1996, Sheryl standing in a puddle of soup after dropping the pot being prepared for the Pesach Seder that evening, the phone rang and a message that people like us don’t ever receive . Sheryl’s anniversary present, subscription to Femina Magazine, has drawn first prize: Week’s holiday to Le Coco Beach, Mauritius.

Wonderful opportunity to visit the idyllic Island paradise of the popular imagination: pristine beaches, crystal clear waters surrounded by coral reefs – water too shallow for sharks, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, also cycling, touring Island, chilling at our beautiful hotel resort.

That Mauritius no doubt still exists, but now, with just one day to explore, we chose: “Treasures of the South”, driving straight through Curepipe, where Ray bought that beautiful jersey all those years ago. Sadly, no stopping for another one!

Volcanic in origin, 1.3 million people, Mauritius is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language, faith. Land of the dodo – extinct through human activity. Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French then British – independent since 1968. Sustained Mauritian policies of diversifying and liberalising the economy, strategies for nation building, compulsory education to age 16, developing strong inclusive institutions – including banking and financial system, have transformed it from the dismal days of slavery and indentured labour, to become amongst Africa’s most economically competitive nations.

After viewing a dormant volcano’s lush green cone, we drove to Mangal Mahadev, sculpture of Hindu god Shiva, Mauritius’ tallest statue. He stands with Trishula (trident) at entrance of Ganga Talao, sacred lake 550 metres above sea level, most important Hindu pilgrimage site on the island. In private ceremonies, atmosphere saturated with spirituality, devotees pray to various deities, make offerings of incense, fruit and fire, purifying and transferring Shiva’s energy to themselves through the divine water.

After Mauritian buffet lunch at Le Chamarel, a beautiful high up spot overlooking the ocean, we travelled to Black River Gorges National Park’s viewpoints of waterfalls, then to view the 7 coloured earths, before returning to our ship.  

Each destination – just a small window into the place.   Infinitely better than no window at all!!