Mauritius Magic

As we stood overlooking the city of Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius we realised the tiny island in the Indian Ocean is both majestic and awesome in its beauty and its history.  The  volcanic mountains which shield the city and tower skywards create an unexpected image without symmetry.  It is as a child had painted it at whim.  It adds to the flair and character of the present and its colourful past.  We had started the day visiting the world renowned Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. One of the world's oldest gardens with many rare plant species.  I learnt today the Jacaranda tree which I thought was Australian actually comes from Argentina!  We saw the world's largest palm trees, beautiful water lilies and giant tortoises.  My friend is a horticulturist and was thrilled at the chance of our visit.  Our next stop was the Natural History Museum which houses skeletal remains of the Do-do bird, now extinct,  Onto the Blue Penny Museum, home of the rare and famous Red and Blue Penny stamps.  We learnt here about the adventures of the Dutch explorers.  We had time to explore the markets and buy a few souvenirs before heading out for lunch at the village of Moka, in the hills outside Port Louis at the Escale Creole restaurant.  We were promised true Mauritian lunch and it was delivered.  It was an open style setting in a garden with picnic style table and benches.  We were offered fresh pineapple juice made from pineapple skins, very tasty!  We were served three courses, the first with sausage, rice, lentils, curry sauce, cabbage and eggplant pickle.  Beautiful, spicy but not hot.  Second course was rice and chicken in curry sauce,  Amazingly good.  Dessert was a combination of coconut wafer, banana tart and papaya, washed down with a local rum shot. Very good for my sore throat!  The staff were very welcoming and warm.
Off for a few souvenirs at Super U
before returning to the resort.  We had a marvellous day and spent time with fellow travellers, sharing stories together. Tonight it is cocktails before dining at the buffet.  Last night we dined at the elusive Italian restaurant and we were serenaded with music. I could stay forever but we all know a holiday is exactly that; a holiday!