First Days in Mauritius

I've never been to the Caribbean or Puerto Rico...but that's what I imagine Mauritius looks like. The landscape is so lush! Palm trees are very common, and there are sugar cane plants throughout most of the island.  Sugar cane is one of the main components of the Mauritian economy.  There are many open markets throughout the cities, especially in the capital city of Port Louis. Many of the large mansions remind me of New Orleans (even though I've never been there either...) but they look like classic French tropical houses.  Mauritius is a big blend of cultures, especially Indian and African.  A lot of the food here is based on Indian food and so far it has been delicious!

Here is a map of Mauritius:

We are living in Rose-Hill, a little west of center.  Our town is small, but there are many shops, an outdoor market, and ATMs within walking distance.  There are 22 of us total in this apartment, but not everyone has arrived yet. So many different nationalities! Germany, US, Canada, Slovakia, Singapore, China, just to name a few. We went into the capital city of Port Louis on Tuesday.

We checked out some shops, had lunch, and even went to the Natural History Museum. They have many species of animals found on Mauritius (some only found on Mauritius).  Lots of cool fish and reptiles! They have a dodo bird gallery in the Natural History Museum also.  Fun fact...Mauritius was the only home to this flightless gigantic pigeon.

Yesterday we took the bus out to the beach in Flic-en-Flac on the west coast of Mauritius. So beautiful! Nice white sand beaches and the water was sooo clear.  It was a little colder than I anticipated but nothing like the freeeeezing water in NorCal! The Indian Ocean is pristine.   

I cannot say enough good things about AIESEC here! They have been so amazing and so helpful about helping us get everything and taking us to do fun things. Can't wait to do all the other fun things they have planned over the next six weeks.  Thanks guys..you da best!