Postcard from Mauritius

So this was one of my stranger trips.  I usually adhere to the "forced march" school of vacationing where I do and see as much as I can to "maximize" my experience.  But this time I spent most of my time lounging at the pool, reading, strolling along the beach, etc.  I did go into Port Louis and do some shopping, and also spent a day at the races, but I really needed some "chill time" after a busy busy time at work.

Luckily, the resort at which I was staying - the Westin Mauritius Turtle Bay - was beautiful, so even though it did still occasionally feel strange to not be DOING more, it was still a nice break.  And Mauritius itself is beautiful.  Then again, now that I've been to about a dozen different islands, in some ways they kind of blur together.  But in a nice way.

One "island thing" I noticed while there is that island birds sound better.  It's almost like it's a prerequisite for island birds to sound better.  The birds in Lesotho, with some exceptions, are mostly crow/raven/"cawing" type birds.  Of course the general quiet on an island resort lends itself to hearing birds more.  But it was nice.  There was also that S-L-O-W pace of life like when I lived in Hawai'i.  The time went slower, which was nice for my break.

On the negative side, transportation costs were insane.  Even though we were maybe 6-7 miles from town, it set me back over $60 to get there and back.  Getting to the resort from the airport was $70.  If I'd known better, I would have rented a car - so tip for those considering going.

I got a really good deal on the resort - still not even sure how I lucked into it.  Apparently, it was TOO good a deal coz they initially tried to tell me I did NOT have half board, just breakfast, but I showed them the confirmation from Hotels.com and it got squared away.  And thank god, coz food was also very expensive--hell everything not already paid for at the resort was expensive.  I spent almost $50 a pop for the two days I ate lunch there--including an unfortunately awful burger my last day.

But the breakfasts were good and the dinner buffet was among the best I've had.  The variety, the quality, it was awesome.  Besides Mauritian food, over the course of 5 nights I had Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, seafood, American, and more.  I added Marlin to my "animals eaten" list and enjoyed it.  And bonus: they had a cold stone ice cream bar that I availed myself of every night.  Yay.

As mentioned, I spent one day at the races.  I'm thinking I've been to a horse race SOME TIME but can't remember when.  Anyway, when I was looking at "Top Things to Do In Mauritius" the Regal Crown Club box at the races was #1, so I figured what the hell.  It was kinda pricey - 6500 Rupees (about $180), but they picked me up from the resort, and took me back, and that's about 2000 Rupees right there.  There was also free-flowing wine, beer, and cocktails, and "little nibbly things" all afternoon.  So I hobnobbed, drank mimosas, and rum & OJ, and rum & coke, and ate nibbly things, and watched 8 races.  Turns out the Champ de Mars Racecourse is not only the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere, but the second oldest in the entire world!  Oooooooh!

Since I had no idea about the horses, the jockeys, etc., I'd decided ahead of time to just bet 200 Rupees each (just over $6) on my two lucky numbers (2 and 5) for each race just for shits and giggles.  As it turns out, the #2 horse won half the races--and only one as the favorite!  If I'd bet all my money on just #2 and skipped the #5s, I would have cleared a couple hundred dollars.  As it was, I still came out about $20 ahead on the day, which was fun enough considering my "system."  Met some fun people.  Most all Brits.

Also at the resort I did do a glass bottom boat trip which was okay, but beyond the races, and a day shopping and sightseeing, it was all pool, beach, pool.  :)  Oh, I also decided Hindu temples are my very favorite of all temples.  Mauritius is heavily Indian due to historical indentured servitude, although most everyone speaks French as well as English.

Final fun fact: I did not realize until reading up before I left, that Mauritius is the only place where the Dodo bird ever lived!  So of course I had to find a Dodo bird Christmas tree ornament and also bought a pint of Mauritian rum mostly for the cool bottle with a dodo bird on it.  :)