So this is Mauritius. And how wonderful it was. We will miss it.
We will miss driving through the busy colourful streets – it might be our most favourite memory of Mauritius.
People stopping to greet each other, having time on the way to somewhere. A tailor still working at dusk with his shop wide open – the colourful fabrics and cloths filling his workspace to the brim. Much like the villages and towns are filled to the brim with atmosphere. With differences, and cultural diversity. With people LIVING.
The sense of community is astounding – reminding of the Cape Flats where I grew up as a youngster… the surroundings and sounds and vibes.
Everyone – from an old man on his evening stroll, or a grandmother being patiently escorted by her middle-aged son to the local spice dealer, or a suited businessman walking with five french loaves under his arm, or two young boys running down a street to find their mates… Everyone has space here in these confined spaces.
There is something to this. Surprisingly for me with an introverted, typically western, ordered, “civilised”, punctual outlook… there is something to this.
We will miss the calmness.
“..Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and … heaven was copied after Mauritius…“
Mark Twain
