Pamplemousse Gardens in Mauritius

Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens in St Louis, Mauritius is one of the most popular gardens in the world, but of course moreso locally. It is located about 20 minutes from the scenic Grand Baie, and is very much accessible by public transport, or by car. For a garden lover, this was quite a nice experience to walk through these tall and old trees, huge and gorgeous water lilies, see other people enjoying themselves in this peaceful place. It is a must see when visiting this Indian Ocean island. The garden's history dates back to 1735 when Labourdonnais bought a house within the park. What started out as a simple garden is now known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Pamplemousse. Two hours minimum time is suggested to cover most of the park, and it is suggested to bring one's camera to take lots of photos!

Mauritian dreams

I have been wanting to travel back to Mauritius ever since the minute I got back to Australia. Having been to the gorgeous country last year, I have fond memories of the island which simply draws me back every time I hear about the pretty resorts such as Le Saint Geran, and Le Touessrok. Mauritius is known to be a hideaway for celebrities, millionaires and the like. The unspoilt island’s charm is unreal, and the hospitality of the people just truly amazing. Whoever wants to get pampered, and yet still have enough breathing space to appreciate the scenery and the solitude, must visit this Indian ocean sanctuary. The only thing I could probably wish is that it is not a thirteen hour flight just to visit this paradise. But then again, maybe one knows the whole journey is worth it, just to be able to have a piece of Mauritian life.

There are so much luxury holiday options out there, but only a few destinations which can live up to the exclusive hype. What are the main ingredients for a truly special, memorable holiday? They are Sun, culture, food, great resorts that deliver personal service. Truly Mauritius can offer all this and more. I wish I could hie off to this place right now!

Talk about information we know

I am probably one of those people who would need an auto insurance company to work out what exactly I need to cover my car, when I have my own car. I guess, having had my parents work out car stuff made me quite dependent on them regarding this aspect. Now that I don’t have a car yet in Sydney, I am not that knowledgeable yet about these things. But then again, it’s not that I have no interest in it, but I suppose it just really doesn’t apply to me now, just yet. One day maybe.

In life, I suppose, there are times when we sift through information and pick up those that just relate to us at that particular time. For example, when I haven’t had any plans on going to Mauritius, I had no idea about what Mauritius had to offer in terms of tourism. When I was accepted to go on that trip, though, all information about Mauritius interested me. I could relate to news pertaining to weather, tourist attractions in that city. I suppose I would still come across certain information on Mauritius, but not just yet. I am glad though that I did grab the interest sooner rather than later!

When ages were revealed

During my recent trip to Mauritius I felt I was one of the "older ones". Although being the only asian in the group, I told them I was only 18 years old, and I passed looking like it! Of course I told them later on I was kidding. This was at dinner on our first night. Ages were revealed. I probably was 7th from the oldest, out of a group of 15 people. So, I wasn't the oldest then. But of the younger ones, I felt old. I wasn't really up for too much partying anymore. I would stay after dinner maybe until about midnight, and then call it a night. The rest of the younger ones I heard stayed up til about 4AM on our last day! I don't think I could last that long anymore. By choice anyway. I preferred to enjoy my posh room, uber comfy heavenly dream bed with fluffy pillows and blanket. My hotel room aircon turned on, dim lights in the background, watching tv, munching on a few chips and a bar of chocolate while drinking my ice cold cola. Until I fall asleep.

There were a few mornings that I intentionally woke up early to catch sunrise. We were situated in the east of the island, so sunrise was glorious! Facing the beach, it was unobstructed view of the sun as it rose. Perfect. I would prefer these, over nursing a hangover or being cranky coz of lack of sleep. The younger ones told me the following after their "big night" that they wish they had gone back to their rooms/plopped into bed the time when I said my goodnights to them. Ah! I knew better. It comes with age, really. You choose comfort over doing "fun" things in the wee time of the night (or morning). One can really still do fun things and not miss out on sleep in the company of oozing bottles of alcohol. At that time, I didn't feel the pressure nor the urge to party on. Maybe if this happened a decade ago, I would have not been able to resist the temptation.

True, I wasn't in Mauritius all the time, but then again, I would prefer to be sober and happy and making Mauritian memories. Than drunk with regrets the following day.

Choose between late night partying and alcohol VS. a quiet relaxing short late night in my super nice hotel room? I'd choose the quiet evening. That's really choosing the better option. C'est La Vie.

Photos from my Mauritius Trip

A few photos from my trip. Some are details of the places I've been to, and the hosted events I participated in. Really, it's just a summary of my Mauritian experience. Enjoy! Visit my other blogs for more photos! I've purposely scattered the photos in all my sites. Gorgeous Traveller, A traveller's domain, Lemon iced tea.

..I woke up a few mornings early enough to witness glorious sunrise/s.
..I was luckily billeted in lovely single rooms in great properties (few times I had a junior suite all to myself!)
..I enjoyed taking photos of people and things, downtown at the markets, as we drove through small towns,and at various events we went to.
..It was winter in Mauritius at that time, but we had a fair bit of sunshine! Other times though, it was pure wind! Haha! Saw a rainbow thrice! :)
..Yummy seafood. Throughout the trip we indulged in degustation! Buffet breakfasts daily! At least five course lunch/dinners! Overflowing alcohol! :)

I am back from MRU!

After more than a week of not being near a computer, or logging onto my blogs, emails, or anything internet related.... I am glad to be back home from my Mauritius trip! I will be posting lotsa photos soon, when I am unjetlagged and have done my dirty laundry. Also when I get around to sorting my hundreds of photos!

For now, I am just really really glad to be back after a week in paradise. I suppose paradise is paradise when you only have a bite of it. After a while, you know that reality kicks in, and it's time for the real world.

I was meant to go straight back into work this morning when my plane landed. But, my eyes were bloodshot. Too tired. As I write now, I am not quite sure my body knows where it is. It's meant to be about 6PM in Mauritius. And about 12Midnight Sydney. I want to rest, but I can't seem to. I want to blog some more and catch up on emails, etc. But I will be working tomorrow. I will just have to force myself to bed. After all, I am back to reality. Back to normalcy. Which is really good.

I will blog more about Mauritius (MRU) again in the next few days, weeks. For now, it's Au Revoir. *GoodBye in French*

P.S. A big THANKS to everyone who's visited my site (a.k.a. Home) while I was away! :) I appreciate it!

A traveller's check list

I am going on my Mauritius trip on tuesday, and I've come up with a traveller's check list of things to bring:

• Passport/Document organiser


• Ticket and Itinerary copy


• Business cards


• Wallet


• Camera/Camera charger


• Camera Memory Cards


• Mobile/Mobile charger


• Iphone/Iphone charger


• Sunnies


• Smart casual outfits for hotel inspections


• Dressy clothes for nights out and gala dinner


• Beach clothes (bikini, sarong)


• A couple of jumpers


• Sunscreen


• Cap


• Black ballet flats, thongs, black heels


• An extra bag (or two)


• Book/Magazine


• Bag locks


• Kikay Kit


• Toiletries


• Medicine kit


• Ziplock bag

Being a travel agent

Last night I was researching on hotels for my trip to Mauritius, as well as other travel details such as what to bring, what the weather would be like, etc. I couldn’t be more excited to travel to this place. It’s not one of those places that people usually visit. I’ve read that celebrities have their honeymoon in Mauritius, or just go to the island to hide away from it all. I will be going away for about 7 nights in a few days time and since this is for work, we are staying at cool five star hotels. When I say hotels I mean quite a few. We’d be staying at four different hotels. This doesn’t mean though that we’d see only four, because in my job, when we are sent overseas to inspect hotels we’d have a taste of a few, but are most likely to visit more hotels than where we're staying at. Particularly the ones which we sell a lot, or those that belong to the same market we sell. For example, if we were to be sent in Italy to see Venice, Rome, and Naples, we would most likely check out a fair bit of what Hotel Venice, Hotel Rome, Hotel Naples are like. This is one of the perks of being a travel agent. We get to see places, hotels, or experience tours all because we need this in order to be better at our chosen careers. To travel for free, well sort of. I only chipped in about 100 dollars for the entire trip; meaning includes flights, meals, accommodation, etc. That’s a decent amount if I may say so, considering it would be pure luxury that we’d be experiencing. I think I’d spend a lot more than that on my shopping to buy clothes to wear while I’m there! Well I couldn't wear something too plain while sipping cocktails at the beach with some celebrity!

It's actually Mauritius here I come!

Contrary to my previous post title, I am not going to Italy right now. It will be Mauritius (hopefully) when I get my visa organised! A few days ago I was told by my colleague that I got the slot for the Mauritius famil (short for familiarisation tour- which travel agents go on, to see a place). Although the catch is that it will be for departure on June 10! For 6 nights of luxury on the paradise island of Mauritius (as celebrities would call it a heaven getaway or a romantic escape).
I will be lodging my visa (I am still holding my Philippine passport) tomorrow at the Mauritius High Commission in Canberra. Normally the processing can take up to four weeks so I may just be able to make it. I hope.

For those who may not be familiar, Mauritius is an island destination located in the Indian Ocean, usually considered part of Africa. From Sydney it can take up to about 12 hours flying time to reach the island. Dominant languages are English and French. I've read that they do have one of the most endangered shorelines in the world, and one of the best beaches in the world as well. Their cuisine is a mix of : French, Indian, Creole, Dutch and Arab. What that is like, well I have yet to find out and experience. Another thing I found out is that apparently the island sends out a Caribbean Vibe with the culture, food, people and beach environment. (Have a look at the nice nice photos of the island).

I've seen the itinerary and in the six nights that we'd be spending on the island, we'd be billeted into four different hotels/resorts ( Constance Belle Mare Plage, The Residence, Legends, Tamassa). Before I get too excited about this, I guess I have to get my visa! :) Wish me luck. Meanwhile I will savour doiing my research.