Thursday 9^th April 2015 – Port Louis, Mauritius.

Happy Birthday Dee and Graeme.

The clocks went back another hour last night so we are now on GMT + 4 (BST + 3)

As the port authorities wouldn’t let the Captain turn the ship around in the harbour, he had to reverse the final one and a half miles before we could park. We weren’t intending to be watching - but the regular time changes have finally caught up with Nesta and she was up getting her first cup of tea at 5-30am!

Clearing immigration was easier than elsewhere and soon we were off on our bus (i.e. not a coach). It did have basic air conditioning but had a faulty clutch which meant the driver could only use two gears. It was fun roaring along at about 40 mph with trucks, busses and all the other coaches zooming past us. There are fields and fields of sugar cane on Mauritius, which is a very green island. Obviously the mountain roads were no good for our bus, so we took the long way across the island. Eventually, though, we arrived at the Long Beach complex. It was very attractive and there was (thankfully) a fresh, cooling breeze. We enjoyed a couple of complimentary soft drinks and a good lunch as part of our trip. Nesta swam in the Indian Ocean and it was so hot that even Ian went into the beautiful Infinity Pool. (Yes, Rebecca, he did have waterproof sun cream on!)

All too soon it was time to return to the ship. We sat on deck 7 and enjoyed the “sail away” and then went into the Chef’s galley for a very nice pasta.

In the evening we gave the entertainment a go… This time it was “Airbourne” an American husband and wife juggling act… They are obviously used to American audiences as their jokes were very American orientated and were received, unfortunately, in near silence by the mainly Australian and British passengers. They also (coincidentally) did almost exactly the same act as the previous juggler who was on board on the first leg - but with one difference…the previous juggler caught everything! These poor unfortunates dropped the ball/club at least four times during their 45 minute show. Still, it made us laugh!

Three more sea days lay ahead now until we arrive in South Africa!