Not many people know exactly where the Mauritius Islands are located – and to be honest, we didn’t either until we spent time with our friend Malini MacDonald to hear about her wonderful family heritage growing up there. The Mauritius are a small group of islands off the coast of Africa, next to Madagascar and in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The mix of ethnicities and religions in these small islands are amazing. Here is a special place in the world where people of vastly different cultural backgrounds – from India, Asia and Europe, live in peace and harmony. This is certainly a place that many other world countries in ethnic conflict could learn from!
We arrived here after a long flight from Kuala Lumpur, and transferred to our accommodation on the north west coast near an area called Grande Baie. It’s winter here now, which means cooler daytime temperatures and sometimes gusty winds – but it felt just like a Nova Scotian summer day to us. The ocean temperature was even 22 degrees!
We spent our first few days here getting used to the 4 hour time change, exploring the north coast and wandering through the small streets and shops. The colours of the Mauritius are incredible with vibrant textiles, boldly coloured buildings and some of the clearest turquoise waters we’ve ever seen.
Renting a car was the best way to explore the island since it’s small enough to explore an entire coast in a single day. We loved the east coast the best – which had incredible powder white sand beaches and small coastal towns. Our visit to one of the most well know areas called ‘Ille Aux Cerfs’ was a great day trip filled with snorkelling, floating in the tidal currents and speed-boating between islands.
The scenery and beaches are fantastic here, but we think the best part of the Mauritius are the people who live here. They are truly proud of their unique island culture and are beautiful inside and out. We were fortunate to meet some of Malini’s family friends and shared some wonderful meals and conversation. The food here is just as unique as the people with a fusion of all the cultural influences. We loved all the spicy curries and Rotis that were sold on the side of the street.
We enjoyed meeting local families who spent their weekend afternoons at the beach. It was great to see everyone carry their baskets full of fresh food while the kids brought their soccer balls. Of course Kai had a great time joining in with a few pickup games. Sometimes groups of families would join together in dance and song with the grandparents, parents and children all taking part.
Our time here in the Mauritius seemed to go by far to fast – but we were able to see a lot of the island in the past week and got a real sense of this beautiful piece of paradise. Thank you so much to Malini and her parents for all the help planning and to George, Madeleine and Bim for their wonderful hospitality.
We leave now for South Africa and are very excited for this much anticipated leg of our journey!
Here’s some more photos from our amazing week in the Mauritius.
All 4 now!
Very nice islands and the people are very incidentals.
Yes – beautiful Islands and beautiful people. A wonderful place.
Beautiful photos, Norrie! And belated anniversary wishes…..! I’m sure you had a nice time!
Thanks Barb. It was fun to celebrate our anniversary in such a unique and special place. One we will never forget.
I must say, seeing home through your eyes (here and before) has been quite the experience for me… and a truly wonderful one! 🙂 Things I probably wouldn’t have stopped to make note of (I know as I kid I sure didn’t 🙂 ), you showcased in such a beautiful way… truly. So thank you for that.
I am incredibly happy that you guys got to experience the island and see the beauty there… all facets of it. You couldn’t have captured the place and the people in Mauritius any better. And as always Norrie… your photos are out of this world!
Thinking of you all. Hugs to you, Kari, Kai and Vea xxx
We had such an incredible experience here Malini – and we have you to thank so much for helping guide us with all the suggestions and information about your home. We feel so much closer to you now that we’ve visited these Islands.
Stunning photos and beautiful description of a place that has now inched it way to the top of our bucket list. You were very lucky to be able to visit Mauritius and thank you for sharing this lovely leg of your exciting journey! Love you all!!! XOXO
Thanks Beth. I know that you would absolutely love it there. Hope you cross that bucket list off!
DJG says the Mauritius are one place he would like to visit, but probably never will. So glad to see them through your eyes. Beautiful pictures. Sending you this, still from a very different island!
Beth and DJG
Both the Mauritius and Newfoundland are very special islands. They are different – but the one thing that certainly I can say they have in common is the sense of pride that people have for their place in the world.
HI you guys! So nice to see Mauritius through your awesome photos and description but what I think I enjoyed more was seeing Malini’s excitement in sharing it with you! All the best! Jacqueline
We were so happy to meet some of Malini’s family friends when we were in the Mauritius. We can’t wait to get home and order some of Malini’s Taste of Mauritius cuisine to remind of of the amazing time we had there.
Lovely pictures! We can’t wait to see you in Horten, its gonna be boller and chocolate cake with seigmenn on it! 🙂 big hugs from Ingerid, Benedikte and aunt Ragnhild xoxo <3<3
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and enjoying some of the comforts of our ‘home away from home’!!
Amazing beauty, What a experience, We live exciting lives through your eye’s.
Hugs, Love xoxo
There is a lot of beauty in the world Carole and it’s an amazing opportunity to photograph it. We love your comments! Thanks