Crazy Coronavirus causes still more port diversions.
So, when we changed our itinerary last time, it meant we could get to Mauritius early….but there were no port berths available. The captain and all the higher ups looked for other places, and we were going to Seychelles, which would have been a dream come true for this French teacher. However, the evening before we were to disembark, the Pre-Port Logistical Session became the “What port will we go to?” session. Mozambique? Mauritius? Because Seychelles had decided at the last minute that they didn’t have the infrastructure necessary if indeed Coronavirus made it to their islands. We were not going to be allowed in.
So, instead of 1 day in Mauritius, we were at port 1 day, and then had to be at sea for 2 days because there was not a berth available. So 2 days of class time and then we made it back for an additional 5 days. YAY!
On our first day (short stay), we hired a taxi and Bill and I toured the northern part of the island. Bill had used Facebook events and found an African Cultural Festival in Pamplemouse at the African Leadership College. So, we had a lovely drive amidst visits to local churches and amazing scenery of sugar cane and mountains…but when we got there, the festival had been canceled. Plan B: a visit to “L’aventure du sucre” for some sugar and rum tasting, lunch at a local restaurant (interesting fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors), the Botanical Gardens where we saw baobabs, giant water lilies, plantation house, turtles and deer. Continuing on, we stopped for photos at another church on the beach, several beaches, and also had our first Indian Ocean swim!
For our “long stay,” we were joined by 2 other SASers and we explored Trou aux Cerfs (a volcanic crater), Grand Bassin and the giant Hindu statues, had a delicious lunch and then went next door to the Bois Chéri Tea factory/museum, where we got to taste about a dozen of their teas in a beautiful tea garden. Finally, we arrived at Chantauvent, our guest house. Our room is in the garden, sea view, sandy beach 20 feet in front of our door, the roar of the waves crashing on the reef and lapping at the shore soothes and relaxes. After a great breakfast, we spent our first day snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming, walking on the beach. We took a glass bottom boat to a private island (Ile aux 2 Cocos) where we did a “voluntary and informal” beach clean up during our walk (over 15 flip flops found and disposed of in the trash containers!) Our glass bottom boat captain was a 23 year old Mauritian MBA woman who has had her skipper’s license since she was 16 and is currently working for her dad’s business. She schooled us in the changes in the reef and its wildlife in her lifetime.
Yesterday we explored the natural beauty of Mauritius by speedboat. Highlights include: snorkeling in the Blue Bay Marine Park where we saw more plentiful and varied fish during our morning snorkel than yesterday’s afternoon snorkel, Lighthouse Island (Ile aux Fouquets) with the ruins of an 1830’s lighthouse and gorgeous sea views, BBQ tuna steaks, chicken and lobster picnic on the beach, a cruise up river to see a breath-taking waterfall and (MONKEYS!), a swim stop at Ile aux Cerfs before a speedy return.
Plans for today include the visit of a rum factory and a cassava cookie factory. Tomorrow, back in Port Louis, we hope to visit a mosque, a Hindu temple, the Ghat and Old Post Office. Pictures of future visits to come when we have good internet again!
Impressions of Ile Maurice
Craggy volcanic mountains, mysterious in the fog
Knowledgeable cab drivers, openly sharing their love for their country as well as their hopes and dreams for its (and their) future
Powerful waves crashing against the coral reef contrasting with the gentle lap of waves against the shore
Colorful new growth tips on coral (1-2 centimeters of growth per year)
Broccoli, cauliflower, chicken feet, mushroom, potato and deer horn coral
Angel, clown, parrot, butterfly, trumpet fish…and more….
Tea plantations and sugarcane fields
Cyber City and palm tree cell towers contrast with natural beauty and economic challenges of small island life
Mosques, Hindu Temples and catholic churches as visual reminders of the diverse heritage of Mauritian people – Dutch, Portuguese, French, British, Indian, Chinese, East African