Around the world in 108 days

March 20 – Port Louis, Mauritius

The Island of Mauritius was our first chance to set foot on land since we left Perth the night of March 13! It is renowned for having been the only known home of the dodo bird. This bird became extinct as it was an easy prey to settlers due to its weight and inability to fly. Save that fact for Trivia!!

Our ship docked at the Port Louis harbor. The island has been ruled by the Dutch, French and British, gaining its independence in 1968. Languages spoken include French, English and a local form of Creole. Mauritius’s varied cultures are evident in its variety of restaurants. A 10 minute ferry ride brought us to the downtown area. At first glance it looks like a very pretty town with a beautiful waterfront hotel, shopping center, and museums. It is, however, just beginning to focus on tourism, so once you were a couple blocks in from the waterfront, it deteriorated quickly. I’m sure things will improve as more cruise ships call on this port and tourist dollars increase.

Our excursion was in the late afternoon and combined a trip to the local market, then on to a Creole cooking demonstration and dinner. Now, think of Amazing Race in India. Late afternoon, meant RUSH HOUR! The drivers were crazy! We saw cars driving up and over the curbs to get around slower traffic, lane lines mean “go for it!” and if you reach an intersection, it becomes a game of "Chicken". A timid driver wouldn't have a chance. It took an hour to get to a market that was less than 15 minutes away. The market was interesting to say the least, but I’m glad I don’t have to shop there every day. It was a little chaotic.

The cooking demonstration was at an old Creole style home from the late 1700’s located up in the foot hills outside of town. It is named Eureka. It was built and owned by several British and French Aristocrats over the years, and is a perfect example of a Creole residence. The land on which it stands was originally spice and sugarcane fields. In the 1856 it was inherited by Mr. Eugene Leclezio and remained in the family until the 1980’s. In 1865 it was placed in the hands of realtors and was finally purchased by Jacques de Maroussem, whose wife was the great-great niece of the last surviving Leclezio. In 1986 it was restored as a Museum. It is most known for its 109 doors and windows! It is very pretty and remarkable to still be standing today. The separate kitchen and servants quarters are also still standing and are in use today.

We were treated to an authentic Mauritian cooking demonstration of vegetable curry made over an open wood fire with chutney and batter fried eggplant and samoas. It was quite a show. You will see in the pictures that it was very “down home”. Afterwards, we sat down on the veranda for a lovely dinner prepared in the original kitchen building. Being in the foothills allowed the temperature and humidity to improve, so it was a beautiful evening.

Enjoy the pictures. Cheers!