Well, I had to return to normality eventually. I have just come back with the new Mrs Pearce from Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean lying off the east coast of Africa and south of the Equator. An extremely interesting island with a mixed history and a heady brew of different cultures, part Anglosphere, part French, part Indian and part African.(Here is a good collection of literature linked to it). About 11 hours direct flying time from London, the island is pretty much geared these days as a “romantic destination in the tropics”. I liked the place and its people a lot as we travelled around the various nature parks, looking at the coral reefs, the fish, birdlife and assorted animals. If I have one grumble it is that, much to my amazement, the whole island is besotted with English football. Egads, I go all this way and they are still raving about the World Cup.
It is funny what sticks in the mind, often completely unexpected. I discovered that the island produces some of the finest and most fantastically detailed model boats I have ever seen. You can, for a fraction of what it would cost in Britain, buy a scale model wooden Victory, or Constitution, or Sovereign of the Seas, or an America’s Cup racer, WW2 battleship, cruiser or Blue Riband liner. There is a substantial industry of locals churning out these boats. The Napoleonic era – when Mauritius was seized by the British from the French – seems to provide the inspiration for most of the models. Unable to resist – I am an amateur sailor anyway – my wife and I bought a model of the 1840s U.S. schooner Albatros, now sitting proudly on the mantelpiece. Hardwoods are the base for much of the boats that are made and as a result, will last for years. The detailing on the rigging, sails, tiny cannon and masts are incredible. (Okay, I am an overgrown boy at heart).
And of course while on the island I read Patrick O’Brien’s The Mauritius Command. For a moment, sitting on the beach sipping a beer, I thought I saw Lucky Jack Aubrey walking along, staring out to sea to spot French raiders…
Anyway, it has been good to give blogging a miss for a while and re-charge the writing batteries. Thanks to everyone for their good wishes and messages. I really appreciate it.
Welcome back mate. I hope the honeymoon was good.
Ah, I love Mauritius. I’ve been there twice now, and I can’t wait to go again. On my last trip, I also finally took the plunge and got my scuba diving licence, an experience I thoroughly recommend as the reefs around Mauritius are beautiful and the sea life is incredibly varied.
A catamaran trip to Ilot Gabriel is also recommended, especially during rough seas and rain. Be sure to sit up front on the netting though, as the rough ride tends to invoke much seasickness in the aft passenger area.
It’s a lovely country, and a great place for a honeymoon. Congrats on your wedding, btw.
Now that’s more like. Some relevant travel info presented in a non-confrontational, non-adversarial format. How about an information exchange to help those wanting to emigrate (from UK) to compile a short list of countries and regions? Would help cut down on the fieldwork.
Ah, Mauritius.
Never been there, but I have had two Mauritian girlfriends; one white, the other black, and both of them the most beautiful and sexy ladies I have ever known.
Sigh.
All in the past now tho.
The Napoleonic era – when Mauritius was seized by the British from the French – seems to provide the inspiration for most of the models. Unable to resist – I am an amateur sailor anyway – my wife and I bought a model of the 1840s U.S. schooner Albatros, now sitting proudly on the mantelpiece.
Glad you enjoyed yourselves (that sounds almost churlish, sorry, it’s not meant to be). My girlfriend’s father is a bit of a sailor and likes his model boats but I have to say the R/C electric shark I bought In Manchester last week is the full monty. I took it out in a stream near Basenthwaite and it is absolutely tops, even down to an authentic S-bend swimming pattern.
Only cost a tenner and it scares the bejesus out of the
kiddiwinks.
Congratulations on the new Mrs Pearce!
Chris Harper, they couldn’t both have been the most beautiful and sexy ladies. That’s a category error, unless of course…
Welcome home and welcome to wedded bliss.
Welcome back, Mr and Mrs Pearce! Heartiest congratulations, too.
Welcome back good sir!
Advise from the long married (27 years)
If you want a happy life
fight like cat and dog…… Then apologise.
As long as you keep firmly in mind that your wife is always right, even when she’s wrong
you’ll be alright.
Welcome back (by proxy, since you’re in the UK and I’m in the US)! So, have you done your Yachtmaster Ocean certification test yet?
Russell, I aim to work towards that ticket next year – I am currently planning some sailing down off the UK’s South Coast later this year. I have been so busy that it is has been hard to prise open some time (excuses, excuses!). One of the benefits of working in London’s Docklands district is that you can do shore-based navigation classes here, and my firm may even sponsor me to have a go. Quite a few of my colleagues have gotten some qualifications.
As a qualified aviator, I am sure you will find a lot of the advanced navigation side of the Yachtmaster fairly familiar. There is a lot of common theory although I dunno how many pilots use sextants these days!
Its not only Mauritius thats crazy about English football – Tanzania and Zanzibar are absolutely crazy about 4 teams – Man U ; Chelsea ; Liverpool ; Arsenal .