Monday

Gardens and the North

Shaun found the local bakery this morning – just at the end of the road, La Kaz A Pain. The French influence here in Mauritius brings with it amazing pastries, bread and deli.

Having finished coffee and croissants, we jumped into the car and headed north to the Botanical Gardens in the district of Pamplemousses. We even joined a tour with an entertaining guide who showed us the best bits the garden, including the numerous varieties of Palm Tree. My favourites though were the spice trees, leaves smelling of grapefruit, or cinammon, or 4 spice. The water lilies and the giant tortoises weren’t bad either!

We had brought a baguette with us from the bakery and sat on a bench under the trees watching the world go by …

Rather than heading straight home, we went via the coast road around the north coast. Some amazing beaches – we stopped at Grand Baie – before heading across the middle of the island and the hills.

Our final detour was close to home – Flic and Flac about 7km from our villa. A coastal road with people gathering to enjoy the sunset and some bars and restaurants alongside the Mauritian street food carts. I think we will be back!

As the sun was setting, very early here at around 5.30, we headed to our own villa and beach to catch the last rays and watch the sun set. Shaun even went into the sea – warm and shallow.

Back to the supermarket to pick something for supper which we have just finished. Now sitting on the veranda enjoying the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

I think tomorrow we will potter around the beach and villa here and perhaps venture into the village if we are feeling adventurous.