I am back from my Mauritius Trip. I feel really happy (-:
Day 1: After a long and tiring flight, we checked into the villas at Flic en Flac. There, we were served snacks which were really tasty. We rested for the whole night.
Day 2: Today was mostly sight seeing. We woke up really early to head up towards the Curepipe where the colonial buildings are present to remind Mauritians about the British Occupation. We also enjoyed the panoramic view at the Trou aux cerfs volcano. We also visit other places like the pilgrimage point at Grand-Bassin where a gigantic Shiva statue stands. During lunch, we had picnic before heading towards Alexandra Falls and Gorge. The view was really panoramic there. We also had a breath-taking view of the coastal lands which the people on the island had yet to occupy. The day ended with the visiting of the remaining places like Baie Du Cap and La Prairie.
Day 3: It was our first sea activities of the trip. We headed to the North, the Pereybere and sat on the banana buoy. I had a great time trying my best to balance on the boat which moved really fast. We also play captain ball as well as monkey. The day ended with us playing Poker. I was really terrible as it but it's for fun.
Day 4: We went to visit Teshil's home. It was really cozy and it makes people want to retire in Mauritius too. We also had our first hike at one of the highest mountains of Mauritius. At the summit, we were able to have a 360 degree view of the island. In the evening, we had a Quad Biking session and it was really fun having to get the mud sprayed all over us.
Day 5: We shopped through the main town of Mauritius. It was really crowded and we tried some Mauritian food like dal pouri and alouda. The whole day was allocated for us to shop so I went to buy some souvenirs for my family and friends. I also had a caricature session, though the portrait didn't looked like me at all.
Day 6: It was another sight seeing day for us. We toured the southern part of Mauritius. We walked on the Natural Bridge, the whistler and the crying rock. The waves there were really powerful and as I watched them crashed against the rocks. We ended off at Rochester Fall, witnessing some locals jumping off the cliff into the water and we were really mesmerised at what we saw.
Day 7: It was the only day when we did snorkeling at the only preserved marine park in Mauritius lagoon. I remembered how I had problem breathing in and out of my mouth underwater and when I did snorkeling, I felt suffocated. What I saw underwater was really magnificent as the boat had a glass bottom. However I still prefer the time when I scuba dived in Pulau Aur and came face to face with a sea turtle!!! It was an awesome experience! The highlight for the day was jumping off from a very high area. I was thankful to God for giving me the courage to do so. I had never jumped so high before and such an experience was indeed unforgettable! At night, we had a surprise birthday celebration for Qiao Xuan. It was a really wonderful surprise for her as we acted as if we forgotten about it the entire day but in fact, all of us except her were ensuring that the surprise will work out. It did! And I am really happy for her. It reminded me of the one and only birthday surprise for me on my 16th Birthday, if I remembered correctly. I was stunned for awhile but I am so glad to have enjoyed it. We watched the stars in the sky before retiring to our bed.
Day 8: We had our last hike for the entire trip. It took place at the Le Gorge National Park. Beginning at Le Petrin, we descended at approximately 800m in height along a 10km trail. Along the way, we were supposed to see endemic plants and animals but personally for me, I was too focused on keeping myself from tripping so I missed the opportunity to experience nature. At the end point, we relaxed along the cool river. Despite the tring day, we still made an effort to go clubbing at night, It was the first time I partied till dawn (at around 5am). It was an unforgettable experience but I disliked the fact that my shirt had the smell of cigarettes on them. All thanks to being a passive smoker. Hence I told myself that clubbing will not be something that I will frequently engaged in.
Day 9: We boarded a catamaran to one of the islet of Mauritius. We had the thrill of watching the pure white beach and crystal clear water there. This trip was really fun because in the middle of the trip, we caught sights of dolphins!!! To top it off, there were a few dolphins who jumped out of the sea and such a mini performance was an eye opener. Hence I really thank God that He enabled this to happen. As we reached the islet, we had a short swim there and it was a very rocky area. Initially I had a tough time climbing up the rocky islet but upon finding the right position, I managed to climb the rock. However it didn't took me long before I jumped off because I can't stand having to be poked by the sharp edges. The catamaran trip lasted the whole day with musics played by the locals as well as a magnificent BBQ lunch included.
Day 10: We visited the Casela Nature and Leisure Park. There, we interacted with the animals. The best thing that ever happened to me was having to physically pat the lions and have my pictures taken with them. It was indeed an enjoyable experience because lions were ferocious creatures and we were suppose to run from it. Yet by God's grace, we had the opportunity to interact with it. I was reminded of God's promise in the future that in the New Heaven and Earth, the Lion shall sit beside the lamb. Man and animal will dwell together hand in hand and Gos is absolutely pleased. After the Safari Park visit, we headed to a protected area where there lies the 7 coloured earth. It was indeed a disappointment to my friends and yes, I am a little disappointed too. If only we could step into the area to touch the sand, I guessed the fee we paid will be worth it. Moreover, I was imagining the 7 color earth to be located on some coastal area. It would surely be a pleasing sight!
Day 11: We packed up and went home.
This trip had indeed been really enjoyable and memorable. I believed that all of us had such great fun. However, there were a few spoilers. I got drunk twice and this caused a lot of trouble to my friends. Somehow, they were there to support me and help me. But I supposed there is this invisible barrier separating me and them because their impression of me had changed ever since they saw what I did and said in my drunken stupor. I guessed I must have offended many and I pray that they will forgive me. I also want to seek forgiveness from God as I have ruined His reputation and portrayed a bad image of how a Christian would behave. My God is a Good God. I pray that people will not insult God just because of some silly accidents.
Time passes really quickly when we are having fun. Mark Twain once mentioned that Heaven was a copy of Mauritius. However in my opinion, Mauritius is the copy of Heaven! I give thanks to God that all is well and that He had kept us safe and enable us to have a trip filled with fun, laughter and joy. Therefore, I praise Him and give Him all honor and glory. (-:
