The Paradise Island
“Mauritius was made first, and then heaven;
and heaven was copied after Mauritius” – Mark Twain
We just got back from Mauritius
It was our first trip of 2025. And while we travel a lot it’s been a long time since we went to one place for more than a few days. We’re typically on a road-trip or hopping on and off trains. This was a proper holiday!
And the pace of life on the island suited us well. ‘Island time’.
We’ve visited this beautiful island twice before, the first time supervising International Award students, the second time co-ordinating over 60 teenagers on their Silver and Gold expeditions. They were all great young people to work with. We had fun. But it was work.
It took us over a decade to get back. No teenagers. Just us. And this view.
As always, food was a highlight. We most enjoyed trying local street food (or on the beach food) Hot fresh samosas were filled in front of us and flash fried; cheese, chicken and veg. All delicious.
We sampled a few ‘Gateau piment’ at different stalls. These little bitings reminded us of chilli bites in Durban. A little salty. And spicy.
And Dholl puri delighted us all; a kind of pancake made from flour and filled with a spiced mixture of split peas, cumin seeds, tumeric and coriander. A pumpkin puree was added for sweetness. Then piment for heat. So spicy! And so good!
It was all so local.
We took a slow wander in St. Pierre, a small town in the Moka district, with a market selling clothes and some local crafts.
And visiting @teekomauritius a small design studio in Vacoas-Pheonix area of the island was a great find, with unique locally designed and produced items. A vibrant canvas print will adorn our wall of maps from many places.
We enjoyed it all; the local food, the island time and the spectacular sunsets.
But the highlight of the trip was visiting a fabulous friend, always the best reason to travel. We’re friends from Nairobi days and we last visited her there back in 2020. Our time together is always special.
What will be your first trip in 2025?
© Maggie M / Mother City Time