BLOG and travel to Mauritius

Gail Froget ~ Contemporary Artist from Mauritius 

Hail 
Mauritius!

I like to review my blog stats to see what is up and to my amazement, I was shown that my second highest viewers have come from a little tropical island far off the coast of the continent of west Africa on the Indian Ocean.  I promised yesterday after discovering this that I would investigate and find out more about Mauritius, so here I am.   

Mauritius

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Mauritius (disambiguation).

Coordinates: 20.2°S 57.5°E

Republic of Mauritius République de Maurice  (French) Republik Moris  (Mauritian creole)
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Stella Clavisque Maris Indici" (Latin) "Star and Key of the Indian Ocean"
Anthem: Motherland MENU 0:00
Islands of the Republic of Mauritius on the globe excluding the Chagos Archipelago and Tromelin island
Islands of the Republic of Mauritius labelled in black; Tromelin and Chagos archipelago are claimed by Mauritius.
Capital and largest city		Port Louis 20°10′S 57°31′E
Official languages		None a
Vernacular languages		English French Mauritian Creoleb
Other languages		List c[show]
Demonym		Mauritian
Government		Parliamentary republic
•	President	Ameenah Gurib
•	Vice-President	Barlen Vyapoory
•	Prime Minister	Anerood Jugnauth
Legislature		National Assembly
Independence from the United Kingdom
•	Constitution of Mauritius	12 March 1968
•	Republic	12 March 1992
Area
•	Total	2,040 km2 (179th) 787 sq mi
•	Water (%)	0.07
Population
•	2014 estimate	1,261,208[1] (156th)
•	2011 census	1,236,817[2]
•	Density	618.24/km2 (19th) 1,602.55/sq mi
GDP (PPP)		2016 estimate
•	Total	$23.322 billion[3]
•	Per capita	$18,728[3] (66th)
GDP (nominal)		2016 estimate
•	Total	US$13.551 billion[3]
•	Per capita	US$11,004[4] (68th)
Gini (2012)		35.9[5] medium
HDI (2014)		0.777[6] high · 63rd
Currency		Mauritian rupee(MUR)
Time zone		MUT (UTC+4)
•	Summer (DST)	not observed (UTC)
Date format		dd/mm/yyyy (AD)
Drives on the		left
Calling code		+230
ISO 3166 code		MU
Internet TLD		.mu
a.	The constitution only mentions that in parliament English is official and French can be used.[7][8]
b.	The mother tongue of Mauritians (2011 Census).[9]
c.	These ancestral languages are mostly used in music, religious and cultural activities.[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

Mauritius (ⁱ/məˈrɪʃəs/; French: Maurice), officially the Republic of Mauritius (French: République de Maurice), is anisland nation in the Indian Ocean about 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) off the southeast coast of the African continent. The country includes the island of Mauritius, Rodrigues [560 kilometres (350 mi) east], and the outer islands (Agaléga, St. Brandon and two disputed territories). The islands of Mauritius and Rodrigues (172 km (107 mi) southwest) form part of the Mascarene Islands, along with nearby Réunion, a French overseas department. The area of the country is 2,040 km². The capital and largest city is Port Louis.

The island of Mauritius was visited during the Middle Ages by the Arabs and then by the Portuguese, who named it Dina Arobi and Cirne, respectively. The island was uninhabited until the Dutch Republic established a colony in 1638, with the Dutch naming the island after Prince Maurice van Nassau. The Dutch colony was abandoned in 1710, and, five years later, the island became a French colony and was named Isle de France. Due to its strategic position, Mauritius was known as the "star and key" of the Indian Ocean.^[18]

Mauritius became an important base on the trade routes from Europe to the East before the opening of the Suez Canaland was involved in the long power struggle between the French and the British. The French won the Battle of Grand Port, their only naval victory over the British during these wars, but they could not prevent the British from landing at Cap Malheureux three months later. They formally surrendered on the fifth day of the invasion, 3 December 1810, on terms allowing settlers to keep their land and property, the use of the French language, and the law of France in criminal and civil matters. Under British rule, the island became the Empire's main sugar-producing colony. In the 20th century, movements to improve labour laws and introduce political reforms began to be organized, a process that accelerated after World War II. The country became an independent state on 12 March 1968, following the adoption of a new constitution. In 1992, Mauritius became a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.

The sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is disputed between Mauritius and the United Kingdom (UK). The UK excised the archipelago from Mauritian territory prior to Mauritian independence in 1965. It gradually depopulated the archipelago's indigenous population and leased its biggest island, Diego Garcia, to the United States. Mauritius also claims sovereignty over Tromelin Island from France.

The people of Mauritius are multiethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual. The island's government is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system, and Mauritius is highly ranked for democracy and for economic andpolitical freedom. Along with the other Mascarene Islands, Mauritius is known for its varied flora and fauna, with many species endemic to the island. The island is widely known as the only known home of the dodo, which, along with several other avian species, was made extinct by human activities relatively shortly after the island's settlement.

Mauritius Art by Vimi Chuman "Give Me Your Hand"

One 

Million

Strong

Mauritius resembles my own city in that it closely approximates the same population of around one million.  This incredible insight showed me that one can write and resonate with not just small interest groups but tiny little unknown countries. Such is the beauty of social media.  It opens our eyes to a world far beyond our own doorstep.  

The art of Vaco Baissac from Mauritius

Tropic of

Capricorn

Vaguely I pull from elementary school geography to recall the Tropic of Capricorn.  Mauritius is nestled close to this position on our world map.  What does the Tropic of Capricorn mean to our world?  I had to set out to investigate.

Relevance

and

significance

To do both of us a favor, I wanted to refresh on what the importance or relevance of the Tropic of Capricorn is to our world.  I was rewarded when Google offered me a nugget by about.com.

The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line of latitude going around the Earth at approximately 23.5° south of the equator. It is the southernmost point on Earth where the sun's rays can be directly overhead at local noon. It is also one of the five major circles of latitude dividing the Earth (the others are the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere, the equator, the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle).

The Tropic of Capricorn is significant to understanding the Earth's geography because it marks the southern boundary oftropics. This is the region that extends from the equator south to the Tropic of Capricorn and north to the Tropic of Cancer.

Unlike the Tropic of Cancer, which passes through many areas of land in the northern hemisphere, the Tropic of Capricorn passes mainly through water because there is less land for it to cross in the southern hemisphere.

However, it does cross through or is near places like Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Madagascar and Australia.

Naming of the Tropic of Capricorn

Around 2,000 years ago, the sun crossed into the constellation of Capricorn at thewinter solstice around December 21. This resulted in this line of latitude being named the Tropic of Capricorn. The name capricorn itself comes from the Latin word caper, meaning goat and was the name given to the constellation. This was then later transferred to the Tropic of Capricorn. It should be noted however, that because it was named over 2,000 years ago, the specific location of the Tropic of Capricorn today is no longer in the constellation Capricorn. Instead it is located in the constellation Sagittarius.

Significance of the Tropic of Capricorn

In addition to being used to aid in dividing the Earth into different parts and marking the southern boundary of the tropics, the Tropic of Capricorn, like the Tropic of Cancer is also significant to the Earth's amount of solarinsolation and the creation of seasons.

Solar insolation is the amount of Earth's direct exposure to the sun's rays from incoming solar radiation. It varies over the Earth's surface based on the amount of direct sunlight hitting the surface and it is most when it is directly over head at the subsolar point which migrates annually between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer based on the Earth's axial tilt. When the subsolar point is at the Tropic of Capricorn, it is during the December or winter solstice and is when the southern hemisphere receives the most solar insolation. Thus, it is also when the southern hemisphere's summer begins. Furthermore, this is also when the areas at latitudes higher than the Antarctic Circle receive 24 hours of daylight because there is more solar radiation to be deflected south due to the Earth's axial tilt.

History

Mauritius is of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially «discovered» in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas.

 The island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris.

 On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English
and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

http://www.mauritius.net ::.... SOURCE

Google search ::.... IMAGES

Volcano

of 

Mauritius

Trou aux Cerfs (also known as Murr's Volcano) is a dormant volcano with a well-defined cone and crater. It is 605 m (1,985 ft) high and located in Curepipe, Mauritius. The crater has been alternately described as 300 and 350 meters in diameter, and is 80 meters deep.

Trou aux Cerfs - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trou_aux_Cerfs

Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano with a well-defined cone and crater. It is 605 m high and located in Curepipe, Mauritius. The crater has been alternately described as 300 and 350 meters in diameter, and is 80 meters deep. Wikipedia

Elevation: 605 m

IMAGE & INFORMATION source:  
http://www.mauritius-tourist-guide.mu/listings/tourist-attractions/grand-bay-bizaar/

See 

sea 

Grand Bay
Grand Bay was the first area of the island to fully experience the tourist boom. A shopping and leisure paradise, Grand Bay also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out (restaurants, bars and discos). Recently renovated, La Cuvette beach is well worth a visit.

Pereybère
The wonderful Pereybere public beach is popular because of its shopping facilities, restaurants and pubs.

Panoramio - Photos by Ile Maurice D'Antan (Vintage Mauritius)

www.panoramio.com500 × 334Search by image

GRNW River Bank Old Ruins - Vintage Mauritius

Balaclava Ruins
A few metres away from Baie aux Tortues, which 17th century sailors named after the many tortoises in the area, can be found the ruins of the old Balaclava estate. Visitors will be able to see the sea walls, whose initial foundations were laid down by Mahé de Labourdonnais.

The Triolet Shivala
The longest village on the island, Triolet offers an opportunity to visit the biggest Hindu temple, the Maheswarnath, first built in 1819 in honour of the Gods Shiva, Krishna, Vishnu, Muruga, Brahma and Ganesha.

The Labourdonnais Orchards
Discover a large variety of tropical fruit trees, colourful and perfumed exotic flowers. Trips on mountain bikes or hiking are possible. 

What

to

do?

Deep Sea Fishing

Mauritius is a paradise for deep sea fishing. Species include the blue or black marlin, all types of sharks, yellow tuna, the Bonitos, the ‘emperor’, the ‘pélerin’, the ‘bécune’ or the barracuda. 

Huge fish like the Blue Marlin roam our seas and hunt around the island from November to April, and very often until May. 

The ocean is 70 metres deep one kilometre away from the coast. Mauritius holds several world fishing records (IGFA), including that of the mako shark of 1115 pounds, the blue shark of 400 pounds, a bonito of 41.5 pounds, a white tuna of 224 pounds and a ‘bécune’ of 125 pounds. African records (GFUA) mention a yellow tuna of 212 pounds and a white tuna of 224 pounds. 

Other specimens recently caught include blue marlins of 1430 and 1355 pounds. Fishing boats can be hired from almost all hotels. The most prestigious deep sea fishing competition is the Marlin World Cup which is hosted in December by La Pirogue Hotel.

Spas

Those seeking well-being during their holidays should be sure to visit the spas, new oases of peace where time stands still. Mauritius offers several world-class items.

If the seemingly endless miles of beaches, the natural hospitality of the Mauritian people and the huge range of different types of food are not
enough , why not set off on a very special journey !

Pay a visit to some of the spas, where you can put yourself into the capable hands of experts and allow yourself to be carried away by your senses. These spas are now regarded as a must, on the tourist itinerary. 

The island's most famous spas include One&Only Le Saint Géran, the Royal Palm, Hilton, Prince Maurice, Beau Rivage, Oberoi, The Residence, Sofitel Imperial and Dinarobin hotels where holidays also mean fitness and enlightened senses.

Where 

to 

stay?

Awarded the "Certificate of Excellence" by Trip Advisor, I honed in on this paradise. The Sands Suites Resorts & Spa looks right up my comfort level.

 http://www.sands.mu/ SOURCE

To my husband's chagrin, I have been spoiled by winning sales trips so many times at 5* plus resorts that I can't bring myself to settle for anything less.  (Well, what he really says is "my idea of camping is staying at The Hilton.) That is most likely why we haven't been on a vacation together for three years (exception to 3 trips to Mexico with my sister, most recently last April 2015).

Places
to
visit

According to Travel Triangle, the following are the top 20 spots to check out while visiting Mauritius:

 Trou aux Biches Resort, Mauritius - Booking.co

Must see beaches

1. Trou Aux Biches

For those who love snorkeling and swimming, Trou Aux Biches should be the first place to visit in Mauritius. With gentle sands shelving calm, shallow and clear water, this is an ideal place for a beach picnic with family and friends. If you love street food, hog at the numerous stalls and cafes along the coast. A variety of cuisines can be tried here.

Famous for: Trou Aux Biches is best known for swimming and snorkeling.

2. Belle Mare Plage

For early risers, Belle Mare Plage beach in Mauritius is a good choice to enjoy the sunrise. Take a dip while the sun comes up; you would be glad to add Belle Mare Plage beach to your list of must-visit tourist attractions in Mauritius. Experienced swimmers can enjoy swimming in the currents, which are a bit stronger than other beaches in Mauritius.

Famous for: Belle Mare Plage should be the undoubted choice for windsurfing and swimming.

3. Ile Aux Cerfs

Travelers from across the world come to Ile Aux Cerfs beach in Mauritius to spend time with folks and friends. Mostly jam packed during the weekend, it can be fun if sand and sun make a good combo for you. A cool and relaxing one among places to see in Mauritius, it has some wonderful lagoons too.

Famous for: Water Sports lovers must come to Ile Aux Cerfs. It’s a good place for snorkeling as well.

4. Pereybere

The Pereybere beach is quite popular among travelers. Keep it in your list of ‘places to see in Mauritius’, if you love deep sea diving and snorkeling. Even though the water is deep in comparison to other beaches on the island, it is pleasingly calm.

Famous for: Corals and marine life at Pereybere is a treat for sea-life lovers.

5. La Cambuse

Actually, you can’t be confused about which ones to pick among popular tourist attractions in Mauritius, if adventurous sports pump your adrenaline. Keep La Cambuse beach as a must visit. Termed as one of the undiscovered spots in Mauritius, it is located in the east of the airport. The white sand and crystal clear water will surely invite you for a dip, but beware, as it can be deceiving.

Famous for: La Cambuse is best suited for adventure swimming sports.

6. Le Morne

Le Morne beach is best for those who love water sports. Backed by Le Morne Mountain, it is a perfect place for swimming. However, one must stay aware of the different water sports activities going around.

Famous for: Windsurfing and kiteboarding

Sightseeing for Nature Lovers

7. Black River Gorges National Park

If wild adventure is your style, visit Black River Gorges National Park. Spread in an area of approximately 68 km, it is best for the photographers looking for flower and fauna. If you are a researcher, then the park field stations can come in handy to know more about the national park. While trekking, one can find numerous wild pigs, rusa deer, privets, and Chinese guava. Some of the endangered species of birds and animals can even be seen in this national park.

Famous for: Hiking and camping

8. Casela World of Adventures

Excited about safaris? Experience the wildlife safari organized at Cascavelle, which is a must see out of many places to visit in Mauritius, especially for the daredevils. Yes, the open jeep rides and elephant rides here are not for the faint-hearted. Be prepared for a face to face with tigers and leopards roaming freely in the safari trails.

Famous for: Wildlife Safari

9. Parc Francois Leguat

Parc Francois Leguat is one of the sought after wildlife parks in Rodrigues Island, Mauritius. It is even called the turtle park, as there are hundreds and thousands of turtles of different ages. This place should be preferred if you are looking forward to some quality family time.

Famous for: Turtle population; BTW, do you like turtles?

10. Trou Aux Cerfs

Trou Aux Cerfs, or the Murr’s Volcano, is a 605 m high dormant volcano that is located in Curepipe, Mauritius. Its well-defined crater is about 350 meters in diameter and is 80 meters deep. Experts believe that this dormant volcano could become active anytime within the next thousand years.

Famous for: Jogging and jeep tours around the Crater Lake

Image SOURCE:  http://afrotourism.com/attraction/tamarind-waterfalls/

11. Tamarind Waterfalls

Tamarind Waterfalls are one of the best things to see in Mauritius. The waterfalls comprise of a series of seven cataracts located on the Tamarin River, and hence are often called the Seven Cascades.

Famous for: A variety of activities like hiking, canyoneering, cliff jumping, bird-watching, and swimming

12. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, or the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, is a popular tourist attraction in Mauritius, near Port Louis. This oldest botanical garden of the southern hemisphere was constructed by Pierre Poivre in 1770.

Famous for: Large pond of giant water lilies

Tourist Places for History Buffs

13. Eureka House

Built in 1830, Eureka House (Maison Eureka) is a major tourist attraction in Mauritius, located at Moka, Central Mauritius. This erstwhile colonial residence of English and French aristocrats has been converted into a museum dedicated to the colonial period of Mauritius. With its 109 doors and windows, it is famous as the largest house on the island. The museum has areas dedicated to music, art, maps, and Chinese & Indian housewares. Many small waterfalls, lush greenery, endemic plants, Lake Moka, and lavish gardens surround the museum.

14. Photo Museum

Unlike shopping hubs, Photo Museum is for people with more serious hobbies in life. If you, too think that travel is incomplete without good photography, update your list of tourist places in Mauritius. Photography museum houses some of the biggest, finest and oldest cameras. Established in the year 1960, it has the best collection of iconic photographs taken during the early 1800s.

15. Sugar Museum

No shortage of places to visit in Mauritius avoid your visit from being boring, the Sugar museum amuses you. It dates back to the time when sugar was given equal importance as gold. It is a treat for historians as it displays the 250 years old heritage of the sugar adventure that the whole country saw. Once you are free from the 1.5 hour tour, rum and sugar tasting sessions will be waiting for you to end the journey on a high note (hick-hick).

16. Blue Penny Museum

Yet another treat for the history lovers. If you want an alluring view of art and history of Mauritius and want to go into the depths of the country, this place is a must stop. Start with an overview of the three colonial period – Dutch, French and British, and move on to the history of the postal service of the Mauritius. From its very first stamp to the rarest and world renowned stamps, the museum houses many interesting things.

Places for Shopping

The best places to visit in Mauritius for shopping offer a mix of indigenous creations and global brand products. Handicrafts are easily available at the beaches while duty-free shops are located at slightly upmarket places. Art fanatics can head to the dedicated Craft market; a good place to pick souvenirs for your friends. Besides, other tourist attractions in Mauritius include:

17. Grand Baie Bazaar

     Quite a popular one from the list of tourist places in Mauritius, Grand Baie is for street        shopping. Impulse buyers head here.

18. Port Louis Market

     From home decor to personal use, this one is for cute souvenir shopping in Mauritius. It      is particularly famous for herbs and bamboo products.

19. Moka

     This is the place for lifestyle shopping from your favorite brands such as Armani Jeans,        Body & Soul, Celio, Colors & Senses, Esprit, and Hugo Boss, among others.

20. Flic En Flac

     Visitors come here for a blend of street shop kind of stalls, local souvenirs, sea                    products, trendy apparels, accessories, and more.

Sign
me
UP!

It didn't take me long to decide that this is definitely a place for my wanderlust.  For a lady from Calgary, Canada, it is not even on our radar.  It makes me wonder if it has been much on anyone's? 

Many bloggers evolve into travel bloggers.  I like to write and blog about anything that comes across my path on social media and this one definitely did with a bang.  So, maybe I can plan a tour for myself with promotion traded for my adventure.  I think a week would do it, at least.

I'd like to volunteer to go and visit, take videos while checking out the best sites and give my take on them.  

Foodie
Finds

I would owe it to the foodies to explore the traditional menus and find some favorites to savour, take photos and
go on about.   Seafood is up my ally and sounds like it is a culinary favorite - oh, goodie!!

Flight

It looks like it is/isn't easy to get from where I live in Canada to Mauritius.  So I will select who I'd like to fly with so that I can evaluate it against my experience flying with Air Canada, West Jet, United, Continental and Delta Airlines.  And a couple of defunct airlines like Ward Air and Jetsgo.  Besides, their ads look really wonderful.  If I leave on a Saturday, this is what it would look like .... 

British Airways First Class 

British Airways

Flies from Calgary to London, UK, and then from London to Mauritius via 

Air Mauritius

After only a 5 hour stopover and 12 hours from London, it would be approximately a total of over 20 hours to get there.

Emirates Airlines:  "The most luxurious seat in the sky"

Emirates Airlines

Apparently, I can fly from Calgary to Seattle to Dubai to Mauritius which will take me in, oh, say a few days (yikes).

Hotel Lux, Mauritius

$3500

That's a lot of coin to cover just airfare.  That is just ONE way!  gulp :: .... The challenge for me would to justify that the expense and time investment would be worth it.  I'm up for that challenge.  Times that by 3 if I'm going to have an entourage that includes a videographer and an assistant of sorts who helps me organize and document my assessment of customer service, ease of travel, seamless bookings and total cost.  

Something tells me that although the rewards seem very appealing, the commitment to time and weariness of travel, it would have to be pretty spectacular to be worth it ... wouldn't it?

Note to self:  see if I can round up a few visitors to my blog to host and show me around a bit.  Kind of a travel commentary that would be updated and captured every step I take.

FOR SALE:  in Flic en Flac

Selling
the
idea

Now can I sell the idea?  Hmmmm, not one afraid of a challenge, I will just have to see if I can.  Any bets?  Any hints?

What
is
the
value
proposition?

Why would anyone want to sign on for this is a great question.  What would the return on the investment?  I have to determine this before I approach anyone.

What's
in it
for
me?

Is often what is asked from any one person or any one organization or company.  Would the obstacles of finance be overcome by the buy in by potential prospects or targets?

Is it
realistic
or
possible

To plan and execute may mean that expectations cannot be realized.  It is one thing to dream and quite another to plan and execute.  

You 
won't
know
without
trying

Think big, work hard and many things are possible.  Well, we'll just have to see about that won't we?

Watch
me
try

If it weren't for the discovery of Mauritius as the 2nd largest recent visitors to my blog, I would never have heard of this marvelous island of discovery to unfold.  What a way to try new things.

Mauritius is known to be the home of the Pink Pigeon

Awesome resource

 ...:: http://www.mauritius-guide.net/art/ ::...