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Following on from my idea that from now on, I will only be focusing on amazingly achievable things to do before I die....
What could possibly go wrong for us, the intrepid duo? This time, we were going to do our research properly, and thought that a couple of glasses of wine would seriously improve our creative sides and we were quite sure that we couldn’t have another spate of disasters. Nobody could that unlucky.
With lots of giggling and with great gusto, we set about a series of 'what-ifs' and contingency plans. We were definitely going prepared for every eventuality. We fancied ourselves as the last of the great explorers and could already visualise our ‘walk on the wild side’.
Tailor made walks, with experienced guides, along the banks of the Riviere du Rampart, sun dappled paths amongst the long grass, cool breezes, cuddly lions…the perfect adventure without much danger….really?
We arrived to the most amazing weather and were sure that this was going to be the trip of a life time. Our accommodation was perfect, the staff friendly and a tropical paradise second to none.
We wanted to have our lion adventure as soon as we arrived. Bags unpacked and we were off.
Clutching our sticks, to ward off errant pussycats – we set out. Our guide helpfully reminds us to stay close together, never stand out as a lone target, and never, ever run…unless he was. We were now starting to feel a little uneasy and wondering what we had got ourselves into. We were reminded that these lions and lionesses were wild and unpredictable. Ummmm okay…Still, all was going well and the lions were being distracted by chunks of meat which they attacked with carnivorous abandon.
Everybody in our group, bar Gwen and I, had approached and stroked the lions. With much encouragement we tentatively stepped up to face our fears. I stroked the coarse hair of a male lion and felt an immediate connection with him. His enormous paws paddled the air as he rolled over and allowed me to interact with him. I stood up and moved in tandem with the group to watch the other lions cavorting around, chasing their shadows and engaging in general tom foolery.
But where was Gwen? She had become thoroughly distracted with an enormous lioness and was on her own some distance away from us, happily snapping away with her camera. ‘Gwen’ our guide softly called, ‘Gwen!’ ‘Back away sloooowly’ he said. Gwen’s face was a picture of confusion and horror as she realised her predicament. Slowly she moved away from the massive lioness and promptly stood on its tail! With a grunt and a colossal swat of her tail, the lioness flicked Gwen away. Hearts in our mouths we moved off again…all together this time.
Gwen quickly recovered and after an amazing massage from the Ayurvedic masseurs at our hotel, she was ready for the next adventure in our plan – horse riding in the wild south of the island. Our guide glanced at his watch and said ‘meet me in front of the hotel at 4 o’clock, the time on my phsyco watch is now 2.45’ We were later to find out he meant his ‘Seiko’ watch, a sign of things to come?!
We were expecting a memorable experience, on a deserted beach, whilst enjoying the soothing sound of gentle waves lapping the shore and an unforgettable sunset to be cherished forever.
This is exactly what we got, bar an eventful ride for the long suffering Gwen. Whilst cantering impressively along the sandy white shores, Gwen’s trusty steed decided it was time to go home. Unfortunately, it failed to notify Gwen of its intent and whilst her horse headed for home, Gwen continued on the prearranged route. We were following the path through the trees and Gwen was picking sticks out of her hair and sitting in the middle of a bush!
She quickly recovered and after another amazing massage from the Ayurvedic masseurs at our hotel, she was ready for the next adventure in our plan…..
A hard day’s shopping in Northern Mauritius. The Islands capital Port Louis is a busy commercial port that is full of stunning colonial architecture. It is a true melting pot of different cultures and religions. Absolutely anything can be bought at the vibrant bazaars. From Chinese herbal medicines and aphrodisiacs to saris, T shirts and scarves, exotic fruits and vegetable to traditional handicraft products, the bazaar is a treat to behold.
Whilst there, it is well worth exploring the town of Grand Baie. Its fashion and craft shops appeal to landlubbers and the clubs, restaurants, bars and casinos have the draw for those of us who enjoy a more cosmopolitan break. If you are staying in Grand Baie take a morning to tour the Model Ship factory, Historic Marine. The model ships are all hand made at the plant which you can see being built by their skilled employees. You can also purchase a ship from their show room.
No trip to Mauritius is complete without visiting Curepipe Volcano. This is a dormant volcano crater over 500m high. It is a favourite sightseeing place for locals and tourists alike.
Whatever your fundamental desire, Mauritius seems to have it all, with its pristine sand, untouched coves, the sparkling Indian Ocean and luxury hotels, Mauritius is a tropical paradise worthy of any holiday.
