First Week

Jacob in the kitchen
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We are all finally settling in. I can sleep through the whole night, and past 7am now. There has been much exploration. We have been to Tamarin, Reduit, and driven through Quatre Bornes. Yesterday we made our first trip to the University and had an encounter with what is known as "Mauritian time." Our schedules weren't ready, and we are going back on Friday to get them.

After that outing, the five of us (Jacob, Nate, Luke, Kael and myself) explored Flic en Flac, going in all the touristy shops and looking around. We also visited the bakery and picked up shells on the beach. We went out to eat, and I had a fantastic meal called Poisson Gingembre (ginger fish). It was amazing, and only cost Rs120 (which is about $4). All together, we got a meal, a cocktail, dessert and coffee for about $30/person, depending on the entree price. Jacob had octopus curry in creole sauce. He liked it and tried to make me try it, but was thwarted in his attempts. It was a very nice and relaxing meal. We listened to the waves and watched the sun go down over the ocean (did I mention that this restaurant was practically on the beach?).

Jacob had octopus curry in creole sauce...

Our balcony to the left
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Classes start on Monday, and on Friday we will know exactly when and where they are. It's a little unnerving for me - the mistress of planning and organization, but I'm going with it. We'll have the whole weekend to get schedules straight. Our landlord, Dev, has hooked up a taxi for us, that will cost the same as the bus. Pretty excellent deal. Sajid, our driver, likes to give us french lessons on the way to school. Today I learned what monkey is (sange), and that there are lemurs here...somewhere. One day I'm sure we'll go find them. Nate is looking into getting a motorbike. Dev tells us we could buy a vehicle and sell it when we leave for almost the exact same price. It's very tempting, as there is so much island to explore.

Our balcony to the right
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In a couple months time, summer will begin and our yard will blossom with fruits. We have banana, coconut, mango, dates, pomegranate, eggplant, squash, and a couple mystery fruits. One looks like a greenish orange, and Dev makes a sort of lemonade out of it. The other is a dark green, almost like a little pumpkin except that it grows on a tree. Dev describes it as a "square banana." On Monday night, we had an amazing meal with Dev and his niece Asha. It was called Briani. I'm the only one who can remember what it's called because it sounds like my name. It's rice, potatoes, other veggies, and chicken with a special mixture of spices. Mmmmmm!!!

Princess
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As the day ends back home, it begins here. After my excellent ginger fish and ice cream, I slept soundly and woke up at five. Now it's almost six - it will be light soon. I think thismorning we'll  take Dev's dogs to the beach. They are three adorable german shepherds named Gypsy, Princess, and Mumu. Father, mother and daughter. Dev tells us all the time how Gypsy loves the ladies, but is henpecked and Princess rules the roost. They are all very cute together.

But who knows what the day will hold! In this entry I've included lots more pictures around the house, and a few of the beach. Kennedy and Calli, you'll find some pictures of my boyfriend Jacob. Just for you! :)

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Love,

Bria