Cocktails & Memories: Travel Tuesday: Mauritius Part 3 (final)

I am sure you are tired of Mauritius by now, but don't worry - this is the final post!

When we weren't lying around doing nothing or planning which places would be the safest should a Tsunami hit (yes we actually did discuss this!) we actually went out on an excursion to Port Louis to visit the market and the Botanical Gardens.
The weather inland was not as forgiving as it was near the ocean. Hardly any breeze to speak of and the humidity was a bit stifling.

Visiting the market was like being back in South Africa. You are accosted from all sides by shouting merchants vying for your attention. They do not know the meaning of the word "no".

We moved over to the shopping mall version and found some gorgeous shops at the Waterfront.

Pretty Umbrella lined walkway

View from a balcony taken on the fly

Tee was on the lookout for a silver charm and I wanted to shop. I managed to buy an aqua blue table runner & a magnet. I bought a pink silk runner while in Thailand & I would like to continue this tradition.
I have a metal cupboard at the office and to hide it's ugliness, I cover it in magnets.

I even spotted a One Direction DVD in the music shop! (The hotel were also playing One Direction - my boys are everywhere!)

SPOTTED: One Direction in Mauritius!

The gardens were filled with varieties of majestic palms & assorted plants and even a tree full of bats! They look just like birds while flying - who knew they were active in the daytime?

A Lily Pond - these pads can hold up to 3kgs!

Once the petals fall off - they look like shower heads.

Tree

We returned to the hotel that afternoon and collapsed onto our lounger to enjoy a well-deserved cocktail (or 2)

Besides the shopping, there was not much to write home about. The city is like any other 3rd world city - not very pretty.

Back on the beach is where we belonged; sea, lounger, waiters to bring us food and drinks!

Zoe protecting us from pirates

After 1 too many cocktails we were writing lovely things on our bill amusing the waiter

This is how we ended every night; feet up lounging on the comfy sofas in the lobby area catching up on social media thanks to the free Wi-Fi.

I limited myself to only posting 1 photo a day on Instagram (You gotta admire my restraint!)

The hotel is very clever allowing free Wi-Fi in the lobby as whenever you walk by there are people lounging around looking ever so relaxed and happy - lending to that holiday atmosphere of contentment.

The good life

I highly recommend a trip to Mauritius. The island did not disappoint.
Just remember to take the All Inclusive package and lots of sunblock - otherwise both oversights will end up costing you a fortune!
The East side of the island is also the side that has the breeze - keeping the temperature cooler than the rest of the island.
The beauty of such a tiny island is that anything around Mauritius is within driving distance should you feel the need to go snorkelling etc.

I would recommend taking some extra cash with you and springing for an excursion on a catamaran or a boat and having lunch on another little island. it's pricey, but something I wish I had known about so that I could have budgeted for prior to the trip.

The END