Roaming Around the World

Roaming Around the World is in Mauritius.

2 days ago

“You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.”
That’s what Mark Twain reportedly said about our latest stop. Welcome to the country of Mauritius! 🇲🇺
(⛴️ Days 24 & 25, Europe➡️South Africa)

This is yet another independent island nation off the coast of Africa. This volcanic island is located here in the Indian Ocean, about 600 miles to the east of Madagascar.

With nice beaches and a warm climate, Mauritius is another popular honeymoon destination. Yet it proves to be more economical than some of its neighbors. The Telegraph even lists Mauritius as the top option for budget luxury among the Indian Ocean islands.

Travelers must be taking note, as nearly 1.4 million people visited this island country last year. Yet there’s far greater appeal than pretty beaches, as we just discovered while taking a taxi around a portion of the island.

A rainforest covers the interior with some unique flora, much of which can only be found on this island. Canyons, waterfalls and even “colored earth” are other interesting natural diversions scattered about. This lush land is also the last known home to the dodo bird, which was once indigenous here and has become a symbol of the island.

There’s also deep culture and history throughout Mauritius. The country holds two separate UNESCO World Heritage Sites, of historical significance to both slavery and 'free' labor once slavery was abolished. It’s this history that has led to Mauritius being such a diverse country. People of Indian descent, African/Creole, French, Chinese, and more now all live together here. This diversity shines through in the country's traditions, religions, and food.

Maybe Mr. Twain was onto something when describing this tropical paradise flung way out here in the Indian Ocean. We certainly stumbled across some heavenly scenes while roaming around Mauritius! ... See MoreSee Less