September 9th

Yesterday we chilled out. We did laundry; went to the store-  just activities of daily living. Best thing to mention was supper. We had pan seared lamb steaks with rice that was seasoned with a garlic sauce and red onions. We paired it with a South African Pinot Noir.

Today we went out early! Up and around, headed out by 0800- before breakfast, even. We caught a bus to Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. It is different sitting up so high- it all seemed new, but also familiar, because we drove this road in the car. The bus was more like an old school bus- that gave me some nostalgia. I almost wanted to sit in the back to see if I would catch air with some of the bumps in the roads here. They can be rough, and the configuration/condition did remind Jeff (when he was driving) of Jamaica. The potholes are reminiscent of Jamaica's that's for sure! There were only a couple of horn-blaring issues. Sometimes it is best not to know why. Anyway, we arrived at Port Louis, taking only one hour, and we were in one piece- LOL!!

There was small market just opening adjacent to the bus terminus. We found some breakfast-  Dhal Puri. We had one a little spicy and one regular. It was a good start. Next we found a chicken sandwich. They were cooking, shaving, and preparing the chicken with a slaw mix and then put all that goodness into a split baguette topped with mayo,  ketchup, and/or a chili sauce. We were able to pick which if any toppings we wanted. We opted for both mayo, and a little chili sauce. It was just the right amount and finally satiated our appetites.

From here we went to the big Central market. It was three floors. First floor was all manner of veggie/fruit stalls; a food court; and fresh meat shops. Some veggie/fruit stuff we did not know the names of. Then we went up to second floor (sadly, the third floor doesn't seem open anymore.) This floor is relegated now to souvenir items… stuff, we don't need.  I was trying to find our way down, while vendors were trying to get me to buy, buy, buy. Then I found a reprieve! It was a “bridge” overlook onto the floor below. I was taking photos and a shopkeeper came over and was pointing out the various veggies and fruit! It was unexpected and very nice. The most surprising was a gourd/zucchini looking one- he said, “a cucumber.” REALLY, it was way bigger than I've seen, but I remembered the grocery store only had English cucumbers. I found myself wondering how they tasted. Next, he pointed out pumpkin- it was a dark, green rind or skin, not orange! Then he tried to get us into his souvenir shop… we said, “Thank you!”  But no thanks, politely I hope. Anyway, back down we found our way out, but not before we saw and bought a prepared, ready to eat pineapple. It was decoratively cut and so good. We were given a package of seasoned salt, which we tried with it, but just preferred it how God designed it! 

From here we went to our third and final stop, (and most somber), Aapravasi Ghat. It is the site where indentured laborers, almost half a million, came to, landed on Mauritius. It was the British Government's  'Great Experiment'  to replace slave workers in the sugar cane fields. Most were from India- 97.5%! The rest, well, 2.5%, were from East Africa, Mozambique, China, and Southeast Asia. This site is where these masses landed on Mauritius' shore and were processed (Ellis Island, if you will, but more sinister.) It took an average of two days. Then they were sent to the sugar cane plantations- it was a small step above slavery, but still sounded like very poor conditions.  Anyway, the place is a National Heritage (1987) and World Heritage Site (2006). So this explains some of Mauritius' history; the made-up of its peoples; and the extensive influence of Indian cuisine .

So we left here sobered and ready to head back to our place. First, though we walked back through the small market where we had breakfast. It was all opened now, not as big as the Central Market; but, looked very different, indeed! Then we took the bus back to Trou aux Birches and walked to our place. We had a veggie sandwich- guess we were inspired from all we saw. Then we took a much needed siesta!

Sunset was a big cloud bank so it didn't really happen. We left the beach and got a take out pizza- much better than our first one here! It was from Bella Pizza- Pizza Mauricienne. It had a bit of everything: tomato sauce with mozzarella, red & yellow peppers, mushrooms Paris (canned and pickled??), jalapenos, black olives, and chicken…. very thin crust and just right amount of sauce. The only thing that would have improved it… a bit more cheese (so says the American).

We enjoyed another glorious day in Mauritius, and solved couple more of its mysteries in the process.