It was raining heavily on our way to the airport. After two weeks of splendid weather, the heavens opened up. One could think, the gods are crying… happy tears of course.     😉

It has been a funtastic adventure on this exotic, vibrant island. The multi-cultural mix of different heritage is still clearly still visible and reflects in lifestyle and cuisine. The locals are incredibly friendly and chatty, some want some money for it. 

This all changes dramatically, once behind the stirring wheel; first come first serve, no matter what. The horn seems to be the most important tool, and the toot abc part of the driving licence test.

• One toot> I am behind you and just about to overtake. 
•  Two toots> it might be tricky but I am still behind you and will overtake.
• Three toots> omgwtfrut???  I will overtake, because I have a bigger car. 

On several occasions, with or without Veronique, I visited the tourist hot spot locations on the west coast. The amount of resorts, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops on this island is astonishing. This really isn’t my kinda holiday, I would get bored rather quick.

The sunsets are nice to watch with a beer on the beach. Even more if you add a subject to it. The Capital Port Luis is busy, as expected. Again, set up for rich tourists. There still is a class and money order here.

Me not being a typical 5 star tourist holidaying in one of those many, many resorts,  I sampled some of the real Mauritian lifestyle. It appears to be more fun when you have money (and lots of it), life in a  big house, own a flash car and employ a few servants. 

Other institutions,mainly government, also still seem to be working in colonial times. There still is a class and money order here. Constitution and hierarchy can be very frustrating at times. This would explain my troubles with immigration on my arrival.

So, what has changed in the last 100 years? The obvious to me is the environment. The amount of rubbish to be found, not only plastic but literally all sorts of shite, on beaches rivers and anywhere really, is quite scary.  Highly toxic fumes coming from rubbish burn offs and the amount of fumes from old car engines are a real health risk.  Toilet pipes run straight in to rivers where local hunters butcher a shot wild boar and leave the guts lying around to be washed of in the next flood, whilst granny washes her clothing a bit further down.  Deforestation to make way for housing and more sugar cane. 

This is not a change for a bright future and is clearly heading towards an ecological disaster. It is such a shame as I can see the attraction of this magnificent island in the past. I hope that all Mauritian will realise one day.

I had a funtastic time here on Mauritius and want to thank everyone I met for letting me enjoy their culture. Particular thanks go out to Veronique,who invited me into her home, to share thoughts and adventures, laughter and joy.

A few odd shots from my last few days…I left a trail of snails behind to, found and collected on Tamarin Mountain.

Au revoir Isle Maurice, my flight to Madagascar is almost boarding. Ready or not, here I come… my next adventure just about to begin. It’s supposed to be sunny in Antananarivo the next few days, someone’s smiling.

Just smile and wave boys, smile and wave…     😉