I’m back in New York City, nursing a cold and trying to get over the worst bout of jet lag I’ve ever had. I’m also inundated with work. Assignments were coming through just before I left Mauritius and a few news ones were offered as soon as I got back. I’m finding it hard to get back into the swing of work and that’s why I’m writing my blog – because I am essentially a very good procrastinator.

My last week in Mauritius was lovely. Again, my cousin Anwar, a very serious police officer and family man, took us out for more sightseeing. Our next visit was Mahebourg, which was the original port of Mauritius, during the Dutch settlement. It’s a lovely tranquil area that is surrounded by a cluster of villages, mostly inhabited by poor folk. Along the coast, you can still see a brightly colored corrugated iron shacks where families live. That’s Mauritius at its poorest. We drove up to Belle Mare, an unbelievably stunning beach. I’d say it’s the best stretch on the island. I’m not alone in my opinion because all the super exclusive hotels, like One and Only Le St. Geran (which is where we stayed for two blissful days) are situated here. The sand is as fine as flour and the sea is clear for miles. The coral reef is supposedly fantastic and JR loved snorkeling around there.

Before we headed for Belle Mare we stopped off at Flacq Market to stock up on vegetables and fruits. It’s a pretty large farmer’s market that only sells local produce but it was enclosed and heaving with shoppers so we quickly exited feeling hot and sticky. On the way to our car we came across a guy selling take away chicken biriyani out of a massive pot from the back of his van. At 50 rupees (about 2 bucks) for a healthy serving – it was the best bargain beach picnic I’d ever experienced.

The rest of the time I spent bonding with ma. I’ve been missing her terribly since I left. We spent our days walking, at the beach, cooking and chatting and in the evenings we sat on the small balcony upstairs at the beach house and sipped on dry vermouth with 7UP and talked some more before I gorged on her meat curries, ladaubes (tomato based stew), rougailles (spicy tomato salsa) and pickles. Ma — I miss you and you scrumptious food!