Going to Mauritius

[Moonbiter]

Yes, dear fellow SYM'ers, as of Sunday morn, His Biterness will relocate to the other side of the world for three weeks, to fish, read, write, draw, paint, explore and generally just leave everything behind. All by my lonesome, I might add. I got the trip as a birthday present from my wife, and for the first time in 3 years I'll be heading out on my own.
I've visited some rather exotic locales in my time, but this one is rather special, methinks. So have anyone of you been there before, and want to share some thoughts?

[C Elegans]

An excellent gift Moonbiter, travelling by your own is always a good experience.

I haven't been to Mauritius, but I know it's a typical "tropical paradise", with some heavily touristed areas and some less explored areas. Our research nurse was there last year, and from what I heard it seems to be a nice place for eco-tourism as well as beach life.

Have a refreshing and re-creative holiday!

[Moonbiter]

Thanks, sweetie.
My main reason for going is that it's "supposedly" a pretty good place both for the people living there and the tourists. I've been to numerous "tropical paradise" places, and I've usually left with a sour taste in my mouth, because you're walled in and not in touch with the usually dirt-poor locals. Mauritius promises to be somewhat different, as their economy is pretty decent even without tourism calculated in, and that means a lot to me.

[fable]

Sounds fascinating. I've heard pretty good things about it, too. Hope you'll keep a log, maybe take some pictures, and give us sample of both when you get back. Have fun.

[C Elegans]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moonbiter Thanks, sweetie. My main reason for going is that it's "supposedly" a pretty good place both for the people living there and the tourists. I've been to numerous "tropical paradise" places, and I've usually left with a sour taste in my mouth, because you're walled in and not in touch with the usually dirt-poor locals. Mauritius promises to be somewhat different, as their economy is pretty decent even without tourism calculated in, and that means a lot to me.

From what I've heard, you have made a wise choice then. Mauritius is touristed, you can find spa's, luxourous hotels, organised tours etc, but I don't think it is exploited to destruction like some places travel agencies call "tropical paradises".

You have to tell us what it was like when you come home! Safe journey and bring a camera so you can post some pretty pictues when you come back home

[dragon wench]

I only just saw this. I hope you have an amazing trip Moonbiter, it sounds great!
As the rains encroach here, I'm a tad envious... and it is always nice to visit a tropical area where you don't entirely feel as though you are being sold a packaged set of palm trees, surf and sand that could be anywhere on the globe...

I will be curious as to the living standards of the Mauritian population...
I have visited Belize and Cuba, by Latin American standards... countries with somewhat better living standards, health care etc.. and I was left shocked. Not that I have ever been unaware of the extreme poverty in 'developing' nations... but seeing it directly in front of your eyes gives a profoundly immediate perspective.. Especially when you have the 'privilage' of returning to clean, running water and plentiful food...

[Tamerlane]

For a small independant and developing African nation, Mauritius is leagues ahead of many larger nations. I know this because I have relatives living there and I've visited it on a number of occasions. Its a beautiful country, the people there are really wonderful and its got wonderful coastline all around. Enjoy yourself and try to visit Ile aux Aigrettes, Charamel sands and the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens.

I've done the whole 'visit the relations' thing and I'm dying to go back and try my hand at playing tourist and just relaxing on the beaches or hiking up the mountain sides.

[Moonbiter]

Oh, have I some tales to weave...

I'm just checking in from the slowest modem on the planet at present, to wish you Americans good luck, and I'll be back in the too-real world in another 14 days.

Cheers

Happybiter!

[C Elegans]

I'm looking forward to hear your tales when you come back, Moonbiter

I'd like to visit Mauritius some day too, but right now I'm so fed up with flying and travelling so I consider spending my next holiday at home in my bed