3/19/07
12° 42.48S
066° 27.62E

Surprise, surprise, Mauritius was another incredible port of call. Although our stay was brief (only 3 days/2 nights), we certainly made the most of the experience. Mauritius is a small African island off the coast of Madagascar with brilliant coral reefs, white sand beaches and clear blue water. The island was originally settled by the French, but now has substantial Indian and African influence. However, it is also obvious that the British left their mark as people drive on the left side of the road on the island. Apparently some SAS students struggled with this on their vespas. Haha, I would have killed myself.

The first day, I joined a small group and headed 50km south to Tamarin Bay to go surfing. A cyclone had just passed through the area leaving a great, but not typical, break on the west side of the island. Being an Idaho boy, I spent my fare share of time buried face down in the white wash gasping for air as my ship of a surfboard dragged me by the leash. However, I did manage to snag some gnarly (have to chose the correct terminology here) rides as well. Great surf, warm waters and a sunset made for an absolute picturesque setting. If only my camera could have taken the beating that I did that day. That evening 150 SAS students and I checked into some villas on Flic and Flac beach.

On day two, I met up with some friends and set out for the east coast of Mauritius for a day of sailing. After a 45 minute drive through beautiful sugar cane fields and steep, wooded mountains, we arrived at our catamaran that would be our home for the day. A day of swimming, snorkeling the reef, BBQing on the boat, sightseeing waterfalls, relaxing and visiting the white sand beaches (think Corona commercial) awaited us. We visited a small island called Il de Cerfs, which was on nearly every Mauritian postcard. The island had a beach about the size of a football field submerged 6”-12” under crystal clear water. I could have spent a week on that beach alone. That night I headed back to the villas for an evening of dancing at the beach bar Shots.

The third day (St. Patrick’s Day), I spent the day at the beach before heading to a friend’s birthday BBQ high above Tamarin Bay. As the trip came to a close, we celebrated our final “westernized” port of call until we arrive in Honolulu, Hawaii. From here on out it is going to be uncomfortable culture shocks that will certainly change the way I view the world. I hope I’m ready!

I would consider Mauritius to be the “spring break” stop for SAS. We were very much on a vacation. Yea, there was an interesting culture on the island, but it’s like visiting Cabo, Mexico for the culture. Not many people do it. I am very happy we stopped for a break, but I am also excited to continue our journey into Asia. I have six days of classes ahead of me before we arrive in Chennai, India. I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks,
Mike