Last Updated on May 7, 2019 by Soumya
My husband sometimes hates his job, it takes him to far too many places across the globe away from family and away from home cooked food. I sometimes love his job, it gives me the perfect opportunities to explore exotic countries with delicious cuisines.
Living in Mauritius
Who could have imagined traveling to Mauritius and staying here for 60 long days! I had always thought of Mauritius as the beach destination, very apt for honeymooning couples from India or swimming enthusiasts from other lands. A week in Mauritius was how it had always figured in my travel list. But not anymore! I have fallen in love with this place! Deeply!!
Making some lifelong acquaintances
Varsha, my domestic help here, was my first Mauritian acquaintance. Yes, she has an Indian ancestry as you must have already guessed from the name. Her ancestors were from Bihar in India and had been brought in as workers in the sugar plantations here. The country looks Indian but speaks French, a fact that takes time getting adjusted to. Varsha has always been a very helpful and resourceful friend and has given me deep insights into the Mauritian culture.
This country has fascinated me not by its beauty alone but also by the amiability and warmth exuded by its people. Mauritius is a very beautiful place with its clear blue skies, turquoise waters, and pristine white beaches but the people here are nicer with their heart-warming smiles, cheerful greetings, and an undying gusto to help everyone.
Learn more about traveling to Maur
Learning about the Mauritian culture
A very interesting fact that I have learned from her is the concept of the burial of the dead among the Mauritian Hindus. It seems the rich and affluent Hindus here always wanted to get buried in their own monstrous backyards, and that is how the habit clung on. The poorer ones preferred cremating their dead. So, Hindus here can either bury or cremate. Burial would be blasphemy for Hindus in India!
Their culture is a beautiful mix of Indian, English, French, Chinese and some African. People drive on the left side of the road and listen to Hindi Bollywood songs on the radio. They speak French and Mauritian Creole, a French-based creole language but the official language of the country is English. They love Indian curries, French baguettes, and Chinese sauces but love to give a Mauritian twist to all of them.
This country is beautifully woven together by a culture that is very deeply influenced by others yet is so inherently Mauritian. I would love to come back here not as a tourist but as a dweller meant to live! Going back is surely getting difficult with every passing day!!!
