Mauritius

 Overcast skies and light rain greet us as we tie up at the Port Louis Cruise Terminal. We are all anxious to set foot on land after our long stretch at sea. 

Our walk from the ship follows the waterfront into town. The first attractions are the shops and hotels along the yacht harbor. Continuing, we walk through the historic district and the Aapravasi Ghat. Slavery was outlawed by the colonial British here in 1835, and replaced by a system of indentured contract labor.  Newcomers were processed at the Aapravasi Ghat and then distributed to landowners around the island to work on the sugar cane plantations. Most of the laborers were recruited in India. 

We head then towards the town center and its bustling central market. All manner of fruits and vegetables are being hawked. 

The meat market next door invites a look. But not too close. We move quickly on. 

A sudden rain-burst causes us to seek shelter near a Hindu temple, part of which is under construction. 

In Chinatown, we sit down for a lovely spicy chopped chicken lunch. Refreshed, we head back towards the harbor and seek out a taxi to bring us to the botanic garden in Pamplemousse, about 10 km from the port. 

Again, we pause during a quick rain shower. But a very enjoyable couple of hours are spent wandering the gardens. The giant lillypads are a surprise. 

Before returning to Port Louis, our driver brings us to an old sugar mill, now a museum, and an adjacent, thoroughly modern shopping mall, with food court. We are evidently in a much more affluent part of the island than inner city Port Louis. 

We return to town and do a bit of shopping and drink a coffee before going back to the ship. 

Mauritius has filled our day with activity. We have seen only a bit of this small, peaceful country of 1.4 million inhabitants. We sensed a bit of the indian, english, french, and chinese character and background in Port Louis.

Mark Twain compared Mauritius favorably with Paradise. A one day visit precludes us from passing such a judgement. Perhaps next time.