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American Spirit II - Day 287; History of Mauritius, 'Story' Party on Celebrate & Dinner on Nexus; Sunday, October 19, 2014



The history of Mauritius goes back to 1505 when the island was discovered by the Portuguese. (1505 is 13 years after Columbus 'discovered' America; to put that date in historical perspective). It was controlled by the Dutch (Holland) in the 1600's and named after a Dutchman, Maurice van Nassau (the one who conquers the place). 'Maurice' became 'Mauritius.' France controlled the island in the 1700's, calling it Isle de France, then the British wrestled it from the French in 1810. The island gained its independence from the UK in 1968; and became a Republic based on the British model in 1992.

The island itself is part of the archipelago of Mascarenhas, which includes Reunion and Rodriguez islands. Cars are driven on the left like in the UK; and though the official language is English, the spoken language is Creole, a type of 'bad' French. Port Louis, where we are berthed, used to be called Port Napoleon until the British took control in 1810. Like many islands we've visited, these main ports are on the lee side of the island; away from the trade wind side. In this case Port Louis is located on the northwest side of the island. There are 1.2 million inhabitants, with 300,000 living in its capital, Port Louis. The island appears quite developed, more so than most of the stops on our circumnavigation. And there are direct flights from Paris; including the large Airbus 380 (double decker plane).

Security around the Caudan Basin where we're tied up is fantastic, with Tourism Police everywhere.

Mauritius is a volcanic island; has 700 species of plants; few animals; some birds and reptiles but no amphibians or mammals, except for the gigantic fruit bat. Unfortunately, the Dodo Bird was believed to have become extinct here in the 1700's (?), due to sailors shooting them to eat; shooting them for sport; and because other animals, like pigs and rats, were introduced to the island and these animals ate the Dodo Bird's eggs, which are singular and laid on the ground. Easy pickings. Most souvenir stores sell little porcelain or wood carvings of the Dodo Bird. Some of you in reader's land may be receiving one of these, so don't be surprised. Right Kayden?

Up at 6:30 AM. Jeremy got up at about 7:30 AM followed by Joel at 7:50 AM.

Breakfast at 8:30 AM consisted of scrambled eggs; potato; chilled fruit cocktail; and French bread.

The Rally net is held at 9:00 AM. During this net Paul or Joel from Rally control go over the day's activities and special events. For example, on Monday propane tanks must be deposited at the Rally office for filling by 8:15 AM; and a tour of Mauritius is taking place Monday starting at 8:30 AM.

At 9:30 AM I visited with Russ on Nexus; then back to the boat to type some logs and emails. I usually get behind on log typing and sending when 'land bound,' and usually receive an email or two about the delay from someone.

I hauled Joel up the mast to see if the Norseman fittings that Vlado from Civetta II gave us fit. Both the items used to secure the wire to the base and the top of the jib halyard appear to fit, so we can use them if we don't want to wait for a new forestay from Beneteau.

At 12:08 PM 6 Indians (?) stopped by the boat and wanted to come aboard to have their pictures taken sitting next to me, Joel or steering the boat by themselves at one of the two helms. It was quite interesting watching them pose themselves in the cockpit. The photo shoot even included my putting an arm around these guys for the picture taking to show that we were lifelong buddies. How cool is that?! Or is it, how weird? Let's just say 'interesting' and leave it at that. We've never had that sort of interest in any other marina around the world.

At 1:30 PM we departed for the mall adjacent to the Caudan Basin. All the stores were closed but some of the restaurants were open. We walked to McDonald's a mile or so away; and had a great lunch there. I ordered an Apple Pie for dessert, the first McDonald's Apple Pie I've had in...forever! It was as good as the one's you get in Tampa.

After that we walked to the Keg & Marlin, a pub/restaurant chain based out of South Africa; and ordered coffee, a coke, some ice cream; but we picked this place because it had free Wifi. That is how you often pick where you're going to eat lunch or dinner. It depends if they have free Wifi.

At 5:30 PM we walked to Celebrate parked next door to us, a 'long' walk; for a Marguerite party. The invited participants were all those on boats that had submitted stories during the Cocos Keeling to Mauritius crossing; stories that used all of the boat names. Since we had submitted a story, we were included in that group. It was a great party, as Charlie and Cathy are legendary in hosting social events like this around the world.

After the party at around 8:00 PM (?), we departed for Nexus, where we were invited for dinner. An Italian dinner to be exact, cooked by Jeanine. She had been slaving all day in the kitchen on Nexus, cooking up her mother's recipes. I say 'kitchen' because even though we have a 'galley' on American Spirit II, Nexus is big enough to have a kitchen.

Back on our boat around 10:00 PM. We borrowed Jeanine's 'hot spot' phone for the night so we could do internet. I sent out two logs.

In bed by 12:20 AM. Joel and Jeremy had preceded me.


Brian Fox


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