tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54351739430312487672024-03-18T23:50:42.618+05:30The Travels of a RailwaymanThe Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.comBlogger743125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-68402489175855064492024-02-11T05:06:00.000+05:302024-02-11T05:06:49.803+05:3022 December 2023 – A Year-end Vacation - A Decision To Make<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJOTikk2-SNnhkQaWfXcCz-EajgfMIOTj4GPeU44nTTIV0ofyJQZggvtzO-9pYa_VS2_ehkrNYQgAFKs1wfAp1vvBdkhE0gIcpKjQacdd6QNtk16txL5lIXKlZwX1sBz6ZTEVW7A61JL0FHKbTxHRL4gRLdo3ECvUxr4eSSXqAUHOyhaHdfpEtPNygQe8/s4032/PXL_20231222_190618972.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJOTikk2-SNnhkQaWfXcCz-EajgfMIOTj4GPeU44nTTIV0ofyJQZggvtzO-9pYa_VS2_ehkrNYQgAFKs1wfAp1vvBdkhE0gIcpKjQacdd6QNtk16txL5lIXKlZwX1sBz6ZTEVW7A61JL0FHKbTxHRL4gRLdo3ECvUxr4eSSXqAUHOyhaHdfpEtPNygQe8/s320/PXL_20231222_190618972.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The year end is a time when most corporate businesses find empty office cabins and seats. The Yuletide Season is when leaves that are due to lapse by 31 December are availed and holidays planned. It was no different in my Company. I had initially planned to drive somewhere in India during the Christmas vacation. Then the plans shifted to some country where a visa is not required for an Indian passport holder. Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Madagascar and a few other countries were researched. It did take a few days to zero in on Mauritius - the Indian Ocean Island, known for its beaches, reefs and lagoons – to celebrate Christmas, ring out the old and ring in the new. The island nation gained independence from the UK in 1968. The major ethnic group, 67%, in the Republic of Mauritius is Indian and more than 48% of the population practices Hinduism. 90% of the people speak Mauritian Creole. With the overwhelming ethnicity of Indians, it is but natural that the local delicacies have an Indian slant like the Samosa, Falooda, Parotta, Roti, etc. The other influence on Mauritian cuisine is Chinese with fried noodles, rice and dumplings. In a lighter vein, Mauritian cuisine can be defined as fusion food. The currency is Mauritian Rupee (MUR), which, at the time of travel, was equivalent to 1.90 INR.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XNzhQmUZ5JSVpJQjw4s2sqdvUfj-V5r1K76JcmlI-OWIA8JpGv0xmr1114vDF97TGnmoEdyI4bStzvJJgXNbZV0Xn0Eba2yjYbq32eiNgUCXZwhPcsufkzKCok6EfMEEzNT50csaoIfe5VAHBptj6RlZ5fzvyP9wYWWQ5Ptckc00rEQDdMFrKEEDta6w/s4032/PXL_20231222_190708293.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_XNzhQmUZ5JSVpJQjw4s2sqdvUfj-V5r1K76JcmlI-OWIA8JpGv0xmr1114vDF97TGnmoEdyI4bStzvJJgXNbZV0Xn0Eba2yjYbq32eiNgUCXZwhPcsufkzKCok6EfMEEzNT50csaoIfe5VAHBptj6RlZ5fzvyP9wYWWQ5Ptckc00rEQDdMFrKEEDta6w/s320/PXL_20231222_190708293.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the years I have come to rely on the reliable Network Tours and Travels in Surat to book international and domestic air tickets. Besides the warm relationship I share with its proprietor, Rajeev Shah, booking air tickets through a travel agent has overwhelming advantages. The agency will provide a bouquet of options to choose from. If there are cancellations or modifications of the flight schedule the agency has better clout to get its client the best deal. The agency will also alert you about forms to be filled or health checks to be done prior to departure. For the Mauritius trip I had to fill in the “Mauritius All-in-One Form” digitally. The data is used by Mauritius Immigration and Health Department. The round trip flight between Ahmedabad and Mauritius via Mumbai on Vistara Airlines cost me a little over INR 60,000. My outward flight from Ahmedabad was booked for 22 December 2023 and return on 1 January 2024.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQid4APMg4_ONRmxCQ0IE6kC4DjSAwoHzTpHZ5UK01lJfmBzyMqoPd1m35TWFCJxeWk9MvJ-kPgCfKhSvfenLQ8fme7HcYADXd6nd-VavMqmtrSBAwKjxLEfjEwq5RtLrq1W4PsSttqIAY04GNPTg5PxCQlEUYewsVeZwPWJ5-UD4CM9uwmGoz8AKcEQ1m/s4032/PXL_20231222_190638523.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQid4APMg4_ONRmxCQ0IE6kC4DjSAwoHzTpHZ5UK01lJfmBzyMqoPd1m35TWFCJxeWk9MvJ-kPgCfKhSvfenLQ8fme7HcYADXd6nd-VavMqmtrSBAwKjxLEfjEwq5RtLrq1W4PsSttqIAY04GNPTg5PxCQlEUYewsVeZwPWJ5-UD4CM9uwmGoz8AKcEQ1m/s320/PXL_20231222_190638523.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Normally I book accommodation through Booking.com. I sometimes compare the tariff and type of accommodation with Airbnb. While searching for stay options in Mauritius I discovered a couple of attractive options on Airbnb near Port Louis. I made the bookings without hesitation, knowing how difficult it would be to find decent places at an affordable budget during the season I had chosen to travel. The payment was also done. However, disappointingly, the hosts got back to me with their request to cancel the booking as they has already committed their accommodation prior to my booking. I smelt a rat and refused to cancel on my own. I reached out to the Airbnb helpdesk. I must submit that they were extremely prompt in addressing my concerns and admitted to a software glitch that had given rise to the embarrassing situation. However, to make up for the lost time and remedy the inconvenience caused they gave me INR 12,000 worth of top up coupons to be used before 9 January 2024, along with full refund of the payments made. Fortunately, the delay and cancellation did not cost me any further as I was able to source a two bedroom apartment in the heart of Port Louis for three days of stay in the capital city. All is well that ends well.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ekuLfCn97bnEwoJVWRuSqoE-d9st-fOsMfBsvgbGzRah_d4RIeE8-OxWYpLlxZ3whBNA9hLdoMj0g_ciMvEmmgKi-siXRtKO09gS5ueHFDYE26RaSwsJvpNEc0aAdVBRF8EgAAAlmbTCunbgvfiKFYipBw1EIoZHEEcvxuwAGotipZ-stXy19LnAUvvY/s4032/PXL_20231222_190728458.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ekuLfCn97bnEwoJVWRuSqoE-d9st-fOsMfBsvgbGzRah_d4RIeE8-OxWYpLlxZ3whBNA9hLdoMj0g_ciMvEmmgKi-siXRtKO09gS5ueHFDYE26RaSwsJvpNEc0aAdVBRF8EgAAAlmbTCunbgvfiKFYipBw1EIoZHEEcvxuwAGotipZ-stXy19LnAUvvY/s320/PXL_20231222_190728458.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Another decision to be made was to source a car to travel around in Mauritius. I tried to check if public transport would suit my needs. While I may have managed the proposed itinerary with some local assistance I opted to hire a car, which would give me the freedom to explore and be flexible with the itinerary. Mauritius is a small country – North to South it is 65 km and East to West the distance is 45 km. There wasn’t much to drive, but a vehicle does provide the best roaming experience. I sourced a Maruti Swift through Discover Cars and paid the advance online, which included complete coverage, or so I was informed. With the decision to travel to Mauritius the die was cast to travel to the 55th country and drive in the 43rd.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH4gsMBmfSMJ45ja0DkTHei2GG0FS7qwFv7jpRVakOCyFwlBAk7CAqiAVGqXyQFBZXvJm4IU_gHM1xkVG5Rklr2ilrCgrY4D9zZ7hwSiwvNbGr8g-RSGEtkmo4uKx2AiyVm0T_UUgzMskSalW7kK7EbnWLovqWqmIscXCYRe4TSB8ksaLDhXb3B6x7O9A/s4032/PXL_20231222_190745772.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH4gsMBmfSMJ45ja0DkTHei2GG0FS7qwFv7jpRVakOCyFwlBAk7CAqiAVGqXyQFBZXvJm4IU_gHM1xkVG5Rklr2ilrCgrY4D9zZ7hwSiwvNbGr8g-RSGEtkmo4uKx2AiyVm0T_UUgzMskSalW7kK7EbnWLovqWqmIscXCYRe4TSB8ksaLDhXb3B6x7O9A/s320/PXL_20231222_190745772.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Vistara flight from Ahmedabad to Mumbai was at 1840 hours and I reported well in time. The check in counter opened three hours prior and my luggage was booked through to Mauritius. The layover in Mumbai was nearly 6 hours as the flight from Mumbai was at 2 am on 23 December. I was happy that I did not have to change terminals in Mumbai as both the Vistara flight were from T2. I got through the time going over the vacation plans after a dinner of Chole Bature and coffee at the Chathrapati Shivaji International Airport.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHxLdtW9ks3OmN415ykqoeCfNyOzCD5jwV6rM0YSDp5FuTjRaerfbpfipuywo8EcwndNKSdEBHhrFS_odJdwYTF2j-TJhTWRAbBFsYd5hP9nj26MxNbEzOtaastbbQ6rB4_4o78_vpZIMl9DSxUFWUd4i7bZaPxeZg2iU90M6Oi83oaJTR_qRZcCYMLXd/s4032/PXL_20231222_200120361.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHxLdtW9ks3OmN415ykqoeCfNyOzCD5jwV6rM0YSDp5FuTjRaerfbpfipuywo8EcwndNKSdEBHhrFS_odJdwYTF2j-TJhTWRAbBFsYd5hP9nj26MxNbEzOtaastbbQ6rB4_4o78_vpZIMl9DSxUFWUd4i7bZaPxeZg2iU90M6Oi83oaJTR_qRZcCYMLXd/s320/PXL_20231222_200120361.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Vistara flight from Mumbai to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Plaine Magnien, Mauritius left on time, but arrived a half hour late due to frequent turbulence. The international airport of Mauritius is 50 km to the south-east of its Capital, Port Louis. Fortunately, the airport was not too crowded and most of the tourists were availing the free visa on arrival facility. I seemed to be the only tourist travelling alone as most of them were family or groups of friends. Once I reached the top of the queue, which did take some time, the process was swift with just a few questions about arrangements for stay in the country.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlzAiH9pWmZpgD1BYrT3jGMKkIVfSu_OFhepLvmvXsVqbY06vK19tiAmKqE5WArOcQmqMCU5Gc_H9ymIRGXgHEIpz2k1EvjhZyTn5bK6mPUbLS9tZpAUE16EcJXkfgNE0OpNnfGBseiRuai6RYUaCBWVsAA-7YMBrFmsD1w8qbh-GTac7iCyCXE5d4MZ8/s4032/PXL_20231223_034206301.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlzAiH9pWmZpgD1BYrT3jGMKkIVfSu_OFhepLvmvXsVqbY06vK19tiAmKqE5WArOcQmqMCU5Gc_H9ymIRGXgHEIpz2k1EvjhZyTn5bK6mPUbLS9tZpAUE16EcJXkfgNE0OpNnfGBseiRuai6RYUaCBWVsAA-7YMBrFmsD1w8qbh-GTac7iCyCXE5d4MZ8/s320/PXL_20231223_034206301.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After immigration and baggage clearance I sought out a Forex counter where I exchanged USD for local currency. Fortunately, there wasn’t any commission charge for the exchange. With that I navigated to the counters that sold pre-paid Sim cards. I was more interested in having extra data for navigation within the country and free local calls and messaging. My research had confirmed that Emtel would best suit my needs. It didn’t take me much time to get the Sim card activated. The first call I made was to the contact of the rental car service provider.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-91449299102485736622024-02-10T20:51:00.002+05:302024-02-11T22:11:42.642+05:301 January 2024 – Day 10 – Mahebourg to India<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjLW_lqb0WR42jvV02czWm_sM6_Whyt5zgoXif5SBiuDBhHx0GGyOlWGtV98BNg8qelPrl4K5gXRicPzbofoVP2IwKU5TCMqXBt4yxrXkqk4TxsdvxtI7c3mLMOoNZEj5sJ3TmCvB-iNKOfNiMOoN5RjtFk1_PIjPaUKMX6uhIV4WOcaSrzxM5o9t9k2z/s4032/PXL_20240101_022743726.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjLW_lqb0WR42jvV02czWm_sM6_Whyt5zgoXif5SBiuDBhHx0GGyOlWGtV98BNg8qelPrl4K5gXRicPzbofoVP2IwKU5TCMqXBt4yxrXkqk4TxsdvxtI7c3mLMOoNZEj5sJ3TmCvB-iNKOfNiMOoN5RjtFk1_PIjPaUKMX6uhIV4WOcaSrzxM5o9t9k2z/s320/PXL_20240101_022743726.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It was time to head back to India after nine glorious days in Mauritius. Ecozy Studio in Ville Noire was the perfect lodging for the stay in Mahebourg, the perfect finale, an exceptional place to stay. I thanked the host for the excellent accommodation and took guidance from him to drop off the keys. The Swift had taken me all over the island, to wherever I wanted to go; logged more than 600 km in a country where we travelled to the four extreme corners of the island; a country where north to south is less than 65 km and east to west 45 km. It was also time to take leave of her too.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj5JwqUZycakujjWxFaie9urMmdS9xvCjsJocgoRRZY2eqTnYzimTgT_LwRmKAQY4QsV1WAfKn8WOeb9t4ppwadZyooq7ccMmQJ_E9U98q561jK17AzT5tzh04h0zyYG123t68d7qTKctZjVzV6kYEGocdiX0xCiB82dt0BgVjaHjE6PMWwhe5jBTrk03/s4032/PXL_20240101_024824632.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj5JwqUZycakujjWxFaie9urMmdS9xvCjsJocgoRRZY2eqTnYzimTgT_LwRmKAQY4QsV1WAfKn8WOeb9t4ppwadZyooq7ccMmQJ_E9U98q561jK17AzT5tzh04h0zyYG123t68d7qTKctZjVzV6kYEGocdiX0xCiB82dt0BgVjaHjE6PMWwhe5jBTrk03/s320/PXL_20240101_024824632.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I took over the rental car I had four bars on the fuel meter; I had to return the car with the same amount of fuel in the tank. Last evening I had fuelled up and hoped that the display would not show any less than what was required for handing over. Anyway, it was under 10 km to the SSR airport.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ox4NLtJNSVjuLiC4ue81kI8jl1yq8rXGP-HmG8QcqwibmZmfwm8vmlon1zAPvG-WdLMLwU4E3Nq4h3mt1Ln6nVmDBXYaJFSwOU6t3jII_9Kpv8BGEO-eW9mn3nSEmOfXMlL8we4rONNogGVUZ-_Qsr5HzdNLFIFNRd8IMxnDyCVUbb821Lwkyd0frQYl/s4032/PXL_20240101_025325019.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Ox4NLtJNSVjuLiC4ue81kI8jl1yq8rXGP-HmG8QcqwibmZmfwm8vmlon1zAPvG-WdLMLwU4E3Nq4h3mt1Ln6nVmDBXYaJFSwOU6t3jII_9Kpv8BGEO-eW9mn3nSEmOfXMlL8we4rONNogGVUZ-_Qsr5HzdNLFIFNRd8IMxnDyCVUbb821Lwkyd0frQYl/s320/PXL_20240101_025325019.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I reached the airport grounds and took the toll ticket to get into the complex. Thereafter, the lot where I had to take the car to was well sign posted. I had to wait a bit while the company executive was handing over a car to one of the just arrived passengers. When my turn came, the handing over was completely hassle free because I had taken the full cover. Though a bit costly, I opt always for the full cover option because it sets at rest all the devils in your mind.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaiDSIU7MIReubCayy73jvmSLYPMyTZO14cC50_QAJ02AvGG-kHMgba292dZdFBOXa4alUlrLCPKy3BrzC0_a1UxYG9wKGmNjnvj-19Y2puJ3kGjpMvyiXjZeMf508ztpXP9Didm5gLDyXC4xAhl0JtVHQf5ikFGMWQR_ecUHKiSM_x_df5QPM6GciEgb/s4032/PXL_20240101_061908154.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaiDSIU7MIReubCayy73jvmSLYPMyTZO14cC50_QAJ02AvGG-kHMgba292dZdFBOXa4alUlrLCPKy3BrzC0_a1UxYG9wKGmNjnvj-19Y2puJ3kGjpMvyiXjZeMf508ztpXP9Didm5gLDyXC4xAhl0JtVHQf5ikFGMWQR_ecUHKiSM_x_df5QPM6GciEgb/s320/PXL_20240101_061908154.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the check-in counter the pretty counter attendant asked me if I would like a window seat for the Mauritius-Mumbai leg of my journey. I plumped for it and I thank the young lady for the exchange. I had such glorious views of the Ocean, the reef barriers and the turquoise waters that it completed the Mauritius vacation in grand style, so to say. When I was on the Vistara flight to Mumbai I asked myself as to how I would define Mauritius. These elements made up the definition of the country for me.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY8Kj5p1DMUUK_CqdwbvfslHQEVoKhpiVVqDCtP_PqqgU2NbvTE0v_yqGRbuwUIQl27igAs3Kp_u_SPKjk2YvothxeEUpF7oDbgoEWVfcchTrMZfcGsmim8g2dQHN8trvu8ebsDjk29lEk_FVFuptmyTPa4jag85XdQJiAxufGF4CDPMCERtgqM6bxFKa/s4032/PXL_20231227_054539671.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY8Kj5p1DMUUK_CqdwbvfslHQEVoKhpiVVqDCtP_PqqgU2NbvTE0v_yqGRbuwUIQl27igAs3Kp_u_SPKjk2YvothxeEUpF7oDbgoEWVfcchTrMZfcGsmim8g2dQHN8trvu8ebsDjk29lEk_FVFuptmyTPa4jag85XdQJiAxufGF4CDPMCERtgqM6bxFKa/s320/PXL_20231227_054539671.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Awesome coast and great white sandy beaches – go where you want you in the island and you will find an awesome coastline, crystal clear and calm waters lapping white sandy beaches, and miles and miles of casuarina and palm trees.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8da4Cwqj-i0_IhTEarHyCIkNeF-giVDXfWd-IYJtEsLnYeItsVg_E3zvkw3gV2OL_gjVX7JRhW1fcsbho777Ky4KCgygZeeydFyL3hJZMVj-FOYjnUR1SJJLudoUtSPTfFLlOmi9b7oDQ0wJBGuxhCksPbKJjPdLfDEAOEAeMgvuBzp2h3o-Rgk95-KsB/s4032/PXL_20231225_043244643.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8da4Cwqj-i0_IhTEarHyCIkNeF-giVDXfWd-IYJtEsLnYeItsVg_E3zvkw3gV2OL_gjVX7JRhW1fcsbho777Ky4KCgygZeeydFyL3hJZMVj-FOYjnUR1SJJLudoUtSPTfFLlOmi9b7oDQ0wJBGuxhCksPbKJjPdLfDEAOEAeMgvuBzp2h3o-Rgk95-KsB/s320/PXL_20231225_043244643.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Excellent road infrastructure – save a few village roads the road infrastructure is more than adequate. Differential speeds mark different types of roads – the freeways are open for 110 kph. Speed restrictions are warned well in advance and mobile and stationary traffic cameras keep the drivers on leash. The disciplined driving and absence of honking is at times attributed to good infrastructure and sensible policing.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri8o5fGmGJJMbd-x6eTwSX3ftwuwabZPXMrSAz08Qq47mXjh6hKJ8mpq6b81xqNi1YO9tDDFS6tlqXHp8F5bgQeStDABnEMqBSUheOOzy5CaBjB6YOirwKVkmgnMLRS6yVdHP9z5rEt4XzgOLPDToSqDyYwF9hHMJGYpkGxXmZ9X5tAI0lqyHcss4uEN2/s4032/PXL_20231224_090942021.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjri8o5fGmGJJMbd-x6eTwSX3ftwuwabZPXMrSAz08Qq47mXjh6hKJ8mpq6b81xqNi1YO9tDDFS6tlqXHp8F5bgQeStDABnEMqBSUheOOzy5CaBjB6YOirwKVkmgnMLRS6yVdHP9z5rEt4XzgOLPDToSqDyYwF9hHMJGYpkGxXmZ9X5tAI0lqyHcss4uEN2/s320/PXL_20231224_090942021.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Good traffic police – they do an exceptional job in busy towns like Port Louis. When traffic snarls happen you can be sure to find a few of them landing up to sort matters out.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-PaIx-yOWCNiMCXA_1SOi6HErq10Bjxyi5GRhpj9dK6-nLpPla2twK20wE_GT-DIQweajyVonFVWprClgfQmXahRGv5WmMKvPDZMyoSvw-feMm94o0n7fv8P1HbFMwist4QcsUBM5AJMD4cr5eD6JdIuQ488Noewz6MOKZ5RtdJsmlvrXk9XagmGmCX5/s4032/PXL_20231224_092744833.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-PaIx-yOWCNiMCXA_1SOi6HErq10Bjxyi5GRhpj9dK6-nLpPla2twK20wE_GT-DIQweajyVonFVWprClgfQmXahRGv5WmMKvPDZMyoSvw-feMm94o0n7fv8P1HbFMwist4QcsUBM5AJMD4cr5eD6JdIuQ488Noewz6MOKZ5RtdJsmlvrXk9XagmGmCX5/s320/PXL_20231224_092744833.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Giant tortoises and extinct Dodo – while the former are still seen on the island the latter was feasted away to extinction by the Dutch, it is told. Being flightless the Dodo was easy meat for the settlers and their size gave them away easily too.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rsq_u6A3cOlMsBjv-tNXweysN29b__2cKXF6XBnpwxWPkZ_5VIMqfZn5KprMiwRb1oRRD2IwiPCzqKwIBSE4acHackhsYSUMVQsZ8p67FIuExGAwlTK7UHyD4ZneM9p-XCVCZThXYbXOWDmCb1Ky9-1vwjujwiAwURDkiAaZSLgvRGcfLRFDoZP9Y_Em/s4032/PXL_20231223_123308698.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rsq_u6A3cOlMsBjv-tNXweysN29b__2cKXF6XBnpwxWPkZ_5VIMqfZn5KprMiwRb1oRRD2IwiPCzqKwIBSE4acHackhsYSUMVQsZ8p67FIuExGAwlTK7UHyD4ZneM9p-XCVCZThXYbXOWDmCb1Ky9-1vwjujwiAwURDkiAaZSLgvRGcfLRFDoZP9Y_Em/s320/PXL_20231223_123308698.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Volcanic and basalt rocks – the island is founded, in a manner of speaking, on volcanic and basalt rocks. The land is fertile due and found suitable for farming from very early time. Thick green vegetation can be seen all over the island. The rocks proudly face the Ocean and take a pounding where the reefs are absent.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqWqZRxL_HOncIiosw2e8YMEaGEfAcpYcwguLB9E3ZEqT7Pj2e98SSbwMwoF_iGtUA5Sozx9bwLHjFlNcuY_CnyaKN5Gf46AHEc1a_9fpy2teF466zqKUbtOaNx4O-ULESIqFjNe7sZpTcjobRdDKkDzANrMhqV4hX_UUo5Msp1kxpjK58cE8HjnfaXtB/s4032/PXL_20231223_045919935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqWqZRxL_HOncIiosw2e8YMEaGEfAcpYcwguLB9E3ZEqT7Pj2e98SSbwMwoF_iGtUA5Sozx9bwLHjFlNcuY_CnyaKN5Gf46AHEc1a_9fpy2teF466zqKUbtOaNx4O-ULESIqFjNe7sZpTcjobRdDKkDzANrMhqV4hX_UUo5Msp1kxpjK58cE8HjnfaXtB/s320/PXL_20231223_045919935.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Sugarcane – If any one word can describe Mauritius it is sugarcane. From the early 17th century, starting with the Dutch, who introduced sugarcane from Java, Indonesia to the present times through the colonisation of the France and Britain, sugarcane has remained the raison d’etre of Mauritius. Sugarcane was responsible for the ‘Mauritian Miracle’ pist Independence in 1968.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0HJm22bhsmruIVHK8J_OEUF2itzWYz9pgvZOYUxPkZatV5AO4iCrFWBM7YEUAgCUnMzED2bbhfsnpYd_CPBsZBdRhWNTedEt436Ic78wgNT0sPp3QHjf3iiNY03KHdHb_oHuIHV9k0g3SLxNfPeH1LBtE13qduiGV1zprZddqO2IpJv-v4XHAf8mlQ8c/s4032/PXL_20231223_090846730.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0HJm22bhsmruIVHK8J_OEUF2itzWYz9pgvZOYUxPkZatV5AO4iCrFWBM7YEUAgCUnMzED2bbhfsnpYd_CPBsZBdRhWNTedEt436Ic78wgNT0sPp3QHjf3iiNY03KHdHb_oHuIHV9k0g3SLxNfPeH1LBtE13qduiGV1zprZddqO2IpJv-v4XHAf8mlQ8c/s320/PXL_20231223_090846730.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Polite people – people make the place and the country. In this part of the African Continent the people are polite and helpful. The fun loving people can be rarely seen arguing or fighting. They are not intrusive and leave visitors to enjoy the sojourn in peace.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU7zoqZJLd86tiQDOi13QMoP0KxGZ-LMqFq5zIwBEbN5xnVXAhsncYH44i7jFe5oUSFrPxRaI16dIVr5q_XpJMeoAf4kcQrUHW0SZrfOED1rkTRuB87guazkr2MsOgVQDyF5vgcUrbT2t1ots5oTkfTvKzYzLBgToAru7zuUMb1l1TrJeg56lMDiGKgqk/s4032/PXL_20231223_082829028.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU7zoqZJLd86tiQDOi13QMoP0KxGZ-LMqFq5zIwBEbN5xnVXAhsncYH44i7jFe5oUSFrPxRaI16dIVr5q_XpJMeoAf4kcQrUHW0SZrfOED1rkTRuB87guazkr2MsOgVQDyF5vgcUrbT2t1ots5oTkfTvKzYzLBgToAru7zuUMb1l1TrJeg56lMDiGKgqk/s320/PXL_20231223_082829028.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No jay walking – this is almost totally absent in the country; at least I did not come across this during my stay in the country. They respect traffic lights and pedestrian zebra lines. Vehicles make sure that pedestrians are given their due share of the road and respect their privileges. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DJbkunRbZ70gen5IeAMNF9QCYZeuTAQh2qrYkIrBmZvosbykY7VtzUvOLW6CLmsigEFEDDioSnxPpAi1L8wQx2AzXShTc0KcqjaATypELSpJDgvKZbbnM4fTD5j6fjwRYWRFyuRWvAQRmQ2cuLVoarA7yu8ZA-k9-KNZnwoWg-RMQvj5vw4_A98xYqMU/s4032/PXL_20240101_042649347.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3DJbkunRbZ70gen5IeAMNF9QCYZeuTAQh2qrYkIrBmZvosbykY7VtzUvOLW6CLmsigEFEDDioSnxPpAi1L8wQx2AzXShTc0KcqjaATypELSpJDgvKZbbnM4fTD5j6fjwRYWRFyuRWvAQRmQ2cuLVoarA7yu8ZA-k9-KNZnwoWg-RMQvj5vw4_A98xYqMU/s320/PXL_20240101_042649347.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Chinese and Indian influenced food – given the influences on the population of the country – those of traders and indentured labour – it is only to be expected that the cuisine of the country is heavily influenced by Chinese and Indian cuisines. The fusion food is adapted in such a manner as to leave a local mark on the dish.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKvtfMq47DhNk-omT4TGErQeAGuUq-kJYFte81BXNHI-jypk7Vc5Zb2R7trMzl-S642u5T-mrHTJWrjnqRg84mnQLhcn_WpIx4jyHm3BWkhNtwtex_8FlgBKj0p19QkeJCQuKM5BKxakFOGyDoYYiOfSWl1lgcSZ794xBW0NDZaYSXUx_dkwMUrXotW49/s4032/PXL_20231231_110514471.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKvtfMq47DhNk-omT4TGErQeAGuUq-kJYFte81BXNHI-jypk7Vc5Zb2R7trMzl-S642u5T-mrHTJWrjnqRg84mnQLhcn_WpIx4jyHm3BWkhNtwtex_8FlgBKj0p19QkeJCQuKM5BKxakFOGyDoYYiOfSWl1lgcSZ794xBW0NDZaYSXUx_dkwMUrXotW49/s320/PXL_20231231_110514471.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Superb softies – the homemade softy ice-creams are some of the softest I have had anywhere in the world. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnUWI-7XEXlFqaW_DS1u5ftEKetVcC_OIH3NkGoy-KIQq6Fdf05iJSIJZwmLcCeFu3OVK60A5UqiVZ0vzPo71fuqQtMYWUYTz1cyalsWuzky8_0k95x9D5owFofDTTybTxRPgmtB-GSllwdMJoKfY1b-qsTekgdc2oy_nw8VLz1CjydB_jjlpWjT0vtOg/s3840/PXL_20231231_071219423.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSnUWI-7XEXlFqaW_DS1u5ftEKetVcC_OIH3NkGoy-KIQq6Fdf05iJSIJZwmLcCeFu3OVK60A5UqiVZ0vzPo71fuqQtMYWUYTz1cyalsWuzky8_0k95x9D5owFofDTTybTxRPgmtB-GSllwdMJoKfY1b-qsTekgdc2oy_nw8VLz1CjydB_jjlpWjT0vtOg/s320/PXL_20231231_071219423.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There is so much more to ponder and dwell on, but it was time to land in Mumbai, from where I was to catch a connecting flight to Ahmedabad. Thus ended a most enjoyable vacation. It is said that Mauritius was fashioned out of the handbook of the Gods; it’s true, I experienced it. Mauritius tourism is an alluring blend of heritage, culture and nature, with a drizzling of tradition on top.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-88835455880791678622024-02-10T20:31:00.004+05:302024-02-11T22:11:38.937+05:3031 December 2023 – Day 9 – Trou d’Eau Douce to Mahebourg, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR6Kk6l1BJHhIFt6Xezh1npFd6rejGMqtG8x2GRvG_zqEkgoDWyzn7DMxRU5HvN4zKf_okvYBBivk1OlJVC2NLcQwDwGDYsMCnLfQeh3RnB6Jq2yOZpW_PgS-YVYncSCjtLc_YGI_ekDT_8E_0Hvsl7h6aN9MX5Y2OIotXy5Sn6Ra5aBX0dDMeUR7G923/s4032/PXL_20231231_045226441.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR6Kk6l1BJHhIFt6Xezh1npFd6rejGMqtG8x2GRvG_zqEkgoDWyzn7DMxRU5HvN4zKf_okvYBBivk1OlJVC2NLcQwDwGDYsMCnLfQeh3RnB6Jq2yOZpW_PgS-YVYncSCjtLc_YGI_ekDT_8E_0Hvsl7h6aN9MX5Y2OIotXy5Sn6Ra5aBX0dDMeUR7G923/s320/PXL_20231231_045226441.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It had rained the entire night and the morning was no different. I knew that the day’s schedule would be impacted by the terrible weather. Before leaving the Golden Shell Residence I exchanged a few empty beer bottles for one last swig in the Island. The owner of the Residence also runs a grocery and bakery shop next door, from where I picked up a few buns for the journey. While the stay in the Residence had not been uncomfortable, the apartment could have been better furnished and maintained.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXyXp63uHjSYK-iaCynjdM9VMJ4bYwr1ncUSQXvTVWEs3P1-DCGZsMF3zzVT0L_M_3CSjNJ8moyeQHMO8KBVLUNfH5EaWk7t-TnfzmtjGkc0X_C_jBsLo1iWRgob0yw0Rnplgb4VSi8EJh8K3Dy7Dwg8PQq9B1k8ixDomoRsNgXQZu1aIki_QHZVkb9b2/s4032/PXL_20231231_050308390.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXyXp63uHjSYK-iaCynjdM9VMJ4bYwr1ncUSQXvTVWEs3P1-DCGZsMF3zzVT0L_M_3CSjNJ8moyeQHMO8KBVLUNfH5EaWk7t-TnfzmtjGkc0X_C_jBsLo1iWRgob0yw0Rnplgb4VSi8EJh8K3Dy7Dwg8PQq9B1k8ixDomoRsNgXQZu1aIki_QHZVkb9b2/s320/PXL_20231231_050308390.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I left for Mahebourg, the last halt in my Mauritian itinerary, in light to heavy rain. The skies were overcast making photography a challenge. Without the aid of an umbrella, the intermittent showers made sightseeing rough and sketchy. The first stop was at the Old French Battery in Ansie Petit Sable. As soon as I stepped out of the car I got drenched and eyewear became useless. The Battery was built out of mortar stones and coral in the 18th century. This Battery, like the many others on the Island, point to the importance of the island to the colonisers over the centuries and the efforts it took to defend territory.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5c2rsrjEhyqdfOyZf4CK0-FpCGMzqVSRBSnf3AdJ9XeIBeGbVD3xhg7lXM0CUm41MbFhljpDm9kewAw7K_-eYa58AIqSHVZ6GL8N3gKTNZZE8EWc1zK6YRLUNzVZAouli_FLPVZSKsUSzoKjcmDk6MX7uYYMpGasmoovEmoi5M0lS9AbUHLOUFFe66RP/s4032/PXL_20231231_051419536.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5c2rsrjEhyqdfOyZf4CK0-FpCGMzqVSRBSnf3AdJ9XeIBeGbVD3xhg7lXM0CUm41MbFhljpDm9kewAw7K_-eYa58AIqSHVZ6GL8N3gKTNZZE8EWc1zK6YRLUNzVZAouli_FLPVZSKsUSzoKjcmDk6MX7uYYMpGasmoovEmoi5M0lS9AbUHLOUFFe66RP/s320/PXL_20231231_051419536.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Pointe du Diable is located along the coastal road in the south-east of the island Mauritius. These guns were engaged during the famous naval battle of the Vieux Grand Port in August 1810. Today, Pointe du Diable provides a graphic historical perspective and is an ideal place to appreciate the exceptional view of the Bay of Vieux Grand Port. The stone walls still exist and traces of the effects of the great naval battle are still visible. The jetty of Bois-des-Amourettes was built by the British for WWII support, to land fuel for its airplanes located in Plaisance, close to the present day commercial airport.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqj3cLJs2J7y4pAEjlHdjR0MIsaSGtJH01hfNitrzXwkkhHYTKNPP97U4s_cN3EhfYxXXNpnZm0S6-I0uS-nqqhWoi4tKwBJdZ6g9nNQcOIV45_Jm0bnoAjAafCUHWMm8OD2w9WrGdxLKxsoa8wxiL47cqDKwoPvvgmlrlPColZH7Sdm_QWbbVaqX3xEA/s4032/PXL_20231231_055343879.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqj3cLJs2J7y4pAEjlHdjR0MIsaSGtJH01hfNitrzXwkkhHYTKNPP97U4s_cN3EhfYxXXNpnZm0S6-I0uS-nqqhWoi4tKwBJdZ6g9nNQcOIV45_Jm0bnoAjAafCUHWMm8OD2w9WrGdxLKxsoa8wxiL47cqDKwoPvvgmlrlPColZH7Sdm_QWbbVaqX3xEA/s320/PXL_20231231_055343879.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Fort Frederik-Hendrik was where five Dutch ships cast anchor on 1 September 1598. They named the island after their prince, Maurice van Nassau. The fort was constructed in 1638 by the Dutch and was eventually abandoned in 1710. The French took over the remains in 1722 and did the best they could before moving their establishment to Port Louis. The existing ruins are remains of compounds erected by the French who came to Mauritius after the Hollanders’ departure. They consist of ruins of the governor’s main residence, a bakery and a building which sheltered a store, a forge and a prison cell.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyQUqpyKq2IL03vfbZtvPEkrzNfMgHwuCG6dS9yNo3qC2grGTUP81w4tVuXJR3w0vm11Jb_a2M_WuztHc8ibzVpZ0pSScwfftkYDumlscpxhImTEtTpp_iLSaCAT_9481V41p_1moulRJBiGJw45RELwI3GEyImjpLmJrpYbH-HwPEu7yDslwWQoT1zkt/s4032/PXL_20231231_054547182.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyQUqpyKq2IL03vfbZtvPEkrzNfMgHwuCG6dS9yNo3qC2grGTUP81w4tVuXJR3w0vm11Jb_a2M_WuztHc8ibzVpZ0pSScwfftkYDumlscpxhImTEtTpp_iLSaCAT_9481V41p_1moulRJBiGJw45RELwI3GEyImjpLmJrpYbH-HwPEu7yDslwWQoT1zkt/s320/PXL_20231231_054547182.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Now it is part of a Museum surrounded by a luxuriant tropical garden and includes a visitors’ centre with an exhibition of artefacts found during archaeological excavations in the area since 1997 ruins. Reproduction of historical paintings and maps of the 17th century are also displayed in the complex. A plaque was placed within the premise in 1998 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Dutch landing in Mauritius.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyH1Sw-LmwlA0EXoGn_uK6gfvPzyCXEei4_kzyoIl_j7r5amBPaEVKnCJ4hyphenhyphenG5BbXepr2qXiDlQyR1UYEvyTvkKv3o8kevsLN2Qtx-5F7lDcCh7W7U8fi9Zc6rLpXgWHLlgIXirvjQBqbitjeNnWK3FcucBEWPUhOAESfalYC9mEMh8mERwihiG4x7CoTf/s4032/PXL_20231231_060431489.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyH1Sw-LmwlA0EXoGn_uK6gfvPzyCXEei4_kzyoIl_j7r5amBPaEVKnCJ4hyphenhyphenG5BbXepr2qXiDlQyR1UYEvyTvkKv3o8kevsLN2Qtx-5F7lDcCh7W7U8fi9Zc6rLpXgWHLlgIXirvjQBqbitjeNnWK3FcucBEWPUhOAESfalYC9mEMh8mERwihiG4x7CoTf/s320/PXL_20231231_060431489.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Directly opposite the Fort ruins complex is the Notre Dame du Grand Pouvoir School. The Fille de Marie sisters settled in Mahebourg in 1865. Two sisters were deputed to Vieux Grand Port to run classes during the week and they returned to their community in Mahebourg over the weekend in dugout canoes. When the sisters came to live in Grand Port by 1896 the convent was built behind the school, which can be seen even today.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxlhLP3OmofXpUnwBdaX8fbWdWOl3Lb9dY8hQwCk7PeZ0fvJEnDE8YWRhy0sCKY-RBVpxizeWyEslQ9wa2GLP2rAnyLZF3D8cuGZlh-aisohGc0eBWh1zVpwkoq-3Y0RwfELMDydVUqgkaNlXznLPGT_NipsYaqkQDAhz7fI0Dl84AFy4perovALGM1Pp/s4032/PXL_20231231_060955706.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxlhLP3OmofXpUnwBdaX8fbWdWOl3Lb9dY8hQwCk7PeZ0fvJEnDE8YWRhy0sCKY-RBVpxizeWyEslQ9wa2GLP2rAnyLZF3D8cuGZlh-aisohGc0eBWh1zVpwkoq-3Y0RwfELMDydVUqgkaNlXznLPGT_NipsYaqkQDAhz7fI0Dl84AFy4perovALGM1Pp/s320/PXL_20231231_060955706.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The denomination of “Notre Dame du Grand Pouvoir” is unique to Mauritius and it is said that they were the safe keepers of a wooden stature of the Virgin that was discovered in the beach in 1900. The statue was later placed within the Notre Dame du Grand Pouvoir church. When I visited the convent in search of the wooden statue I was directed by a nun to the church where I spent some time in front of the wooden statue of Our Lady in prayer.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjSTVhHuRA980r1cDsuDPFf-bEnzetNpBAVxsLTBWHYqgK8tNEMElOMjrYS8aqs6iGqAfsHsdToXSLXJ5SCNP1Z1sBngv8C9foW5MwzP7HfiAsZtl7KxEfZVAS8m19NtlUnCqtElta09ZhzQk4zoMJpBzH4BohIhhG7OYBvAs7YJb8W9wDSeboXuZtK-z/s4032/PXL_20231231_064521610.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjSTVhHuRA980r1cDsuDPFf-bEnzetNpBAVxsLTBWHYqgK8tNEMElOMjrYS8aqs6iGqAfsHsdToXSLXJ5SCNP1Z1sBngv8C9foW5MwzP7HfiAsZtl7KxEfZVAS8m19NtlUnCqtElta09ZhzQk4zoMJpBzH4BohIhhG7OYBvAs7YJb8W9wDSeboXuZtK-z/s320/PXL_20231231_064521610.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was disappointed when I got to Point Canon. It was closed and I was itching to take a look. Therefore, I jumped the fence at its lowest point and tentatively walked around to see if I would scuffed up and sent out. Nothing of that sort happened and I grew in confidence with every passing minute. Pointe Canon is an interesting place with a nice overview of the different sites surrounding Mahebourg. One can see the imposing Lion Mountain that overlooks the sugar cane fields, Mouchoir Rouge islet, facing the waterfront, and Ile aux Aigrettes further north, a small protected island located in the lagoon and which is also a nature reserve.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUEKj6eZC1297zPEidJ-R528jsnSx709c2NXUMJYr72vYHNOOmRYvGWKb81a4hdQfrINjSPwmO6pVKQwa91-cr7zI7vIqAk5XCa8qqerdjejYxQqDTcHbTmer4pnSRTjdqO7TkKQrpCb-uLK9GXp9bLu94S0mmJEg6GmVaZ0FWGpSXZ3ZaUJzbezSVJUb/s4032/PXL_20231231_064653985.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUEKj6eZC1297zPEidJ-R528jsnSx709c2NXUMJYr72vYHNOOmRYvGWKb81a4hdQfrINjSPwmO6pVKQwa91-cr7zI7vIqAk5XCa8qqerdjejYxQqDTcHbTmer4pnSRTjdqO7TkKQrpCb-uLK9GXp9bLu94S0mmJEg6GmVaZ0FWGpSXZ3ZaUJzbezSVJUb/s320/PXL_20231231_064653985.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is an amphitheatre and a monument to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Mauritius. Local inhabitants aggregate here for regattas and the commemoration of the abolition of slavery celebrations in February. It also has a renovated powder store that was part of a small battery in the 17th century. As I was nearing the end of my exploration a genial person came to me and politely told me that the place was closed for the day. I thanked the gentleman, more for being civil with me and not berating me for the trespass, and left quietly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3dlpeTTZBVGIWFHwdrNKnIIiurJj4J1EUii8Z0acWta2jK9LBkaykZQugiSue_Bk7nXnXWOkt10WoBrHCRa0NZxl4DqSERFkLn4IWQSRYc4wmtbjPDCscjI34q92Tclfh0QiHIPW2_jcwhX7f8RqFdgv7TCYCxEe0ol6WU1TmiYLG62P2cBRLVwD05Hi/s4032/PXL_20231231_070127388.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3dlpeTTZBVGIWFHwdrNKnIIiurJj4J1EUii8Z0acWta2jK9LBkaykZQugiSue_Bk7nXnXWOkt10WoBrHCRa0NZxl4DqSERFkLn4IWQSRYc4wmtbjPDCscjI34q92Tclfh0QiHIPW2_jcwhX7f8RqFdgv7TCYCxEe0ol6WU1TmiYLG62P2cBRLVwD05Hi/s320/PXL_20231231_070127388.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Grand Port Naval Battle memorial commemorating a rare French victory over the British fleet in 1810 is at the Mahebourg waterfront, which is ideal for a relaxing walk apart from savouring slices of Mauritian history. Close by there is also a memorial called Bataille de le Passe that pays homage to the fighters who lost their lives in the battle. The waterfront also has a statue of Swami Sivananda, a temple and well paved walkways; an ideal place to spend an evening in solitude.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RQa9BBAaZfCHnJ93WG_VlopNPVsuZ4DIPN3kIM9XbtNV7o2jyaGwYB_-Gg-wlkUEsXgjgfImHnfK6OS8E-5do0Tvkgwjx_y8GD_ZY7nqGFjXknR01_ox6JsTG92zuT3Se8BSAhyLaK-FEC1KcMapGTgVHzLyXMTplAKWW_fDx0vgaJWfUC6yCJAOiu7n/s4032/PXL_20231231_072155713.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RQa9BBAaZfCHnJ93WG_VlopNPVsuZ4DIPN3kIM9XbtNV7o2jyaGwYB_-Gg-wlkUEsXgjgfImHnfK6OS8E-5do0Tvkgwjx_y8GD_ZY7nqGFjXknR01_ox6JsTG92zuT3Se8BSAhyLaK-FEC1KcMapGTgVHzLyXMTplAKWW_fDx0vgaJWfUC6yCJAOiu7n/s320/PXL_20231231_072155713.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The historical Cavendish Bridge, also known as ‘Pont la Ville Noire’, is the only route that links Ville Noire and Mahebourg across the La Chaux River. The Bridge was constructed between 1908 and 1911. The concrete bridge was constructed at that time beside the existing wooden bridge. The bridge is approximately 200 m long with a 6 m wide carriageway and 1.25 m wide footway on each side of the carriageway and is considered to be the longest in Mauritius. It was designed on the London Bridge of Lake Havasu City. It started to rain while I was completing my walk on the bridge admiring the River and the reflections of the sky and houses on the river.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-7WjBPr4WINDU_XXtQtF7I8S_8UwmWPOKBH4d5velefdwHJOU9TK5CR4WECxP555fUxdvWi6PVL7ijZJv7wNVEhbs9S0CNAwZXQ2M0NBO8pCLV63g4oFuxCV51jbGzwkHF-zjbbXwDNG9WQZrkFZvMED46G3tFjyjXpDqIGoMpYXmUaRfYq1Xbyi3hNs/s4032/PXL_20240101_022721271.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-7WjBPr4WINDU_XXtQtF7I8S_8UwmWPOKBH4d5velefdwHJOU9TK5CR4WECxP555fUxdvWi6PVL7ijZJv7wNVEhbs9S0CNAwZXQ2M0NBO8pCLV63g4oFuxCV51jbGzwkHF-zjbbXwDNG9WQZrkFZvMED46G3tFjyjXpDqIGoMpYXmUaRfYq1Xbyi3hNs/s320/PXL_20240101_022721271.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As the Ecozy Studio I had booked for the stay in Mahebourg was close by I decided to go and rest a while there. What a place the accommodation turned out to be! A compact one bedroom studio with a veranda, living cum dining, toilet and shower. Small, but so tastefully done up with plenty of double entendres on the walls, especially in the toilet. The bed was comfortable too. I could park the car inside the compound. Had it not been for the rain I could have sipped my beer in the well maintained lawn.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsws84E-iOQq8m3InY5NB17KX6fPMOMe49bjHam0sV0_QKZdj7kZJv3zpieCU1ebNwy7qMimVh_IQSfaieftOk8T6iqElfgpnej9N6yXxdxv0NZ6OLr-SPGDs4uMb3ItDBWhQ9aWj1uUQXBI4mQCW2ixCdWeyyv0eEaNSLrDE1nE2l1q6QN9zru1np2grn/s4032/PXL_20231231_095545176.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsws84E-iOQq8m3InY5NB17KX6fPMOMe49bjHam0sV0_QKZdj7kZJv3zpieCU1ebNwy7qMimVh_IQSfaieftOk8T6iqElfgpnej9N6yXxdxv0NZ6OLr-SPGDs4uMb3ItDBWhQ9aWj1uUQXBI4mQCW2ixCdWeyyv0eEaNSLrDE1nE2l1q6QN9zru1np2grn/s320/PXL_20231231_095545176.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When the rain abated a bit I drove to the Notre Dame des Agnes Church, which is a simple, yet regal, Catholic Church. Its butter-coloured tower dominates the Mahébourg skyline. The original church was built in 1849, but it has been restored several times over the years; the baronial roof timbers are worth a quick peek. Local people visit throughout the day to make offerings to the beloved missionary Père Laval, who was known as the “Apostle of Mauritius” due to his untiring works for the poor, sick and infirm.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDn5Zd7RySu4-X0WBi3NUB7Kg_DD7Fwv9vjHnXefbGF5EFwY3X_Gqp_x2V5KYUyNg4QJ_iM-RGv1-Z8vMRdcl9gDSWda862MghTCh6cewK0n6RvL3x4uyZrVWT9U41t4UWA7d66apjtzShyphenhyphencLbWY68P1593SytzK_UcSVpLut31QaO_K3cpGEqnVYUND1/s4032/PXL_20231231_101509833.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyDn5Zd7RySu4-X0WBi3NUB7Kg_DD7Fwv9vjHnXefbGF5EFwY3X_Gqp_x2V5KYUyNg4QJ_iM-RGv1-Z8vMRdcl9gDSWda862MghTCh6cewK0n6RvL3x4uyZrVWT9U41t4UWA7d66apjtzShyphenhyphencLbWY68P1593SytzK_UcSVpLut31QaO_K3cpGEqnVYUND1/s320/PXL_20231231_101509833.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The National History Museum, earlier known as the Naval Museum as it housed many artefacts from undersea expeditions around Grand Port. During the Naval Battle of Grand Port in 1810 the Robillard Castle, as it was known then, served as a hospital where the British and French commanders were treated side by side. The state acquired the estate and converted it into a museum in 1950. At the time of my visit the museum was closed.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w2at1OsnAuAx283zo9KwVPUt302o7eLeS7ntw_qSH_UbKRA_eRHPdXHeUGEJ1_jbDJhZATGsR7_n74Aa_yj24C1Zh9hsYBLfsgOuJ-itt_XlwUiIJD1DY0w2_vi-SsXn3cwbwrAITNN5S8C4W60-i3YRBLzq6QpCiGceVcuBpQmh6QoSuFkhyRojNdDK/s4032/PXL_20231231_103354334.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1w2at1OsnAuAx283zo9KwVPUt302o7eLeS7ntw_qSH_UbKRA_eRHPdXHeUGEJ1_jbDJhZATGsR7_n74Aa_yj24C1Zh9hsYBLfsgOuJ-itt_XlwUiIJD1DY0w2_vi-SsXn3cwbwrAITNN5S8C4W60-i3YRBLzq6QpCiGceVcuBpQmh6QoSuFkhyRojNdDK/s320/PXL_20231231_103354334.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mouchoir Rouge, Ile aux Fouquets, Ile aux Vacoas, Ile de la Passe, Ile aux Aigrettes and Ile des Deux Cocos in Blue Bay are islets of Grand Port. They are majestic; the water level is supposed to have risen 130 metres in 80,000 years giving rise to the islets by distancing the coral barrier reefs. Over time the islets became natural reserves, fortifications and one even houses a hotel.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmAmjstjpCD-kdovYO7vaMsx-LYckAFH6BJ3OFSrjxZLlW0N4LUH4qC5F2uXlMe4gGsh2-MAncWGqK85RPkGYfK1EmIaWXjZWfv5MnQqSnd8a3s8cyjmHi5sGI27qMkzGrXFKCqp7JBTDplnXivtOzNob3V66m95U4NomWn4WDGOg-Ezd38jP49jrDJ6n/s4032/PXL_20231231_104512182.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmAmjstjpCD-kdovYO7vaMsx-LYckAFH6BJ3OFSrjxZLlW0N4LUH4qC5F2uXlMe4gGsh2-MAncWGqK85RPkGYfK1EmIaWXjZWfv5MnQqSnd8a3s8cyjmHi5sGI27qMkzGrXFKCqp7JBTDplnXivtOzNob3V66m95U4NomWn4WDGOg-Ezd38jP49jrDJ6n/s320/PXL_20231231_104512182.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Blue Bay was the last stop for the stay in Mauritius. As the name suggests, Blue Bay is famous for its crystal clear oceanic water which is surrounded by spectacular white sand and huge casuarinas trees that truly defines the real beauty of marine life and the amazing weather. Reflecting bright colours and a charming landscape, the Blue Bay Beach is one of the most welcoming and visited ones on the island. The presence of policemen in large numbers, not often seen, is an indication that wanton acts in the name of New Year’s Eve revelry will not be tolerated.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHR-6BHRYZ8-XTz6r2TEnsKOJ7Pv8aORIu3N7hVkvhPR2Roo_6RmDaGnOVZz6lb1T8KhI1uYh-9-kg3u-slUuPnuPiLQbDiCegpVz-2SBTSX5ualxJdQao8M_dUgeRTqSavvjAPG_j966bbFgQ6pc8A8qjIA3LgSukaIbQdMX4RjZ6vWBX_GUXSfytIPL/s4032/PXL_20231231_105004344.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHR-6BHRYZ8-XTz6r2TEnsKOJ7Pv8aORIu3N7hVkvhPR2Roo_6RmDaGnOVZz6lb1T8KhI1uYh-9-kg3u-slUuPnuPiLQbDiCegpVz-2SBTSX5ualxJdQao8M_dUgeRTqSavvjAPG_j966bbFgQ6pc8A8qjIA3LgSukaIbQdMX4RjZ6vWBX_GUXSfytIPL/s320/PXL_20231231_105004344.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>That wound up the truly amazing stay in the lovely island of Mauritius amidst sparkling cerulean waters, sugar icing shores, soft sage palms and jagged indigo mountains that frame the land with ethereal wonder. The nation is home to some of the best water sports and cuisine in the world, too. I drove back to Ecozy Studio to enjoy an evening in reflection, sipping a beer and repacking the bags for the return to India.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-21401376337365838412024-02-10T19:19:00.002+05:302024-02-11T22:11:35.345+05:3030 December 2023 – Day 8 – Pereybere to Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmBX4bRmFDK2sPXQ9bY-RyN9HRRNzNvz1IUZj4igBV_y2l-uCnzxiTVKTFIhR4NRS8l89Pj6WXYdCYSEFO0pe6xbNEwyRzHFfvyWF0I5nfzAefOtw2mTt_ItOV1-9_7svC5kefuKfDj99-ttPHg_rh3DVJg_aGwBChqgdylPaCycEk8BgwpgbWbARSbQ-/s4032/PXL_20231230_050801767.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmmBX4bRmFDK2sPXQ9bY-RyN9HRRNzNvz1IUZj4igBV_y2l-uCnzxiTVKTFIhR4NRS8l89Pj6WXYdCYSEFO0pe6xbNEwyRzHFfvyWF0I5nfzAefOtw2mTt_ItOV1-9_7svC5kefuKfDj99-ttPHg_rh3DVJg_aGwBChqgdylPaCycEk8BgwpgbWbARSbQ-/s320/PXL_20231230_050801767.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The vacation in Mauritius is coming to an end, with just two more days left to go. I had booked an apartment in Trou d'Eau Douce - don't ask me to pronounce it - with the idea of spending the better part of the day in Ile aux Cerfs - another unpronounceable - the most talked about attraction in the eastern part of the Island. As things panned out, I was a couple of hours late for the departures from Trou d'Eau Douce.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz99_OC5h-fbNTH1izLyUWn7jOER6GlFmgM8_Te-tqtgi-W7NgzJhOZKek8oWy16ql060wcoSUKZpdGwPkNxN_a1LgldBeqSMnXCrenv1YIAQWlyDcqmk5WbqKx3tnTQUZQTTHABL3H5u9Hhl_8hknrUxtvwjFZgwgBz8UraeEjikCHdrYYH__H9Ct_L3G/s4032/PXL_20231230_051150749.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz99_OC5h-fbNTH1izLyUWn7jOER6GlFmgM8_Te-tqtgi-W7NgzJhOZKek8oWy16ql060wcoSUKZpdGwPkNxN_a1LgldBeqSMnXCrenv1YIAQWlyDcqmk5WbqKx3tnTQUZQTTHABL3H5u9Hhl_8hknrUxtvwjFZgwgBz8UraeEjikCHdrYYH__H9Ct_L3G/s320/PXL_20231230_051150749.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I changed my initial route to stay on the coast all the way from Pereybere to Trou d'Eau Douce, which meant that I travelled once again through Cap Maheareaux and Grand Gauba, where I had been the previous day. My only halts were in the Pointe Lafayette viewpoint and the Poste Lafayette public beach. At the viewpoint there was a police patrol manned by 4 officials. They were obviously keeping watch to avoid any untoward from the New Year revelry - patrolling has started much in advance. The viewpoint had rocks and shallow reefs making swimming difficult and signposts warned the daring to stay away because of the currents. Anyway, there was no one in sight.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvW8TJy-kjh8z1UggaI13XLrCrOmgp_K1xexRvGPConZ7MbPA_IXawwO3eAo_sKgDJeiK4r-Zlq1QP42txfEHQCYX7Vzujmft7Tx-b9VJQ1erv2KbkBSb7kKIvPphdhjTWBbwmFoxbUBqWSZwt1Pw-H7qnX3qwVb3b0m2jFfjTO4u3K1YeqDH5hpglO3G/s4032/PXL_20231230_061734516.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvW8TJy-kjh8z1UggaI13XLrCrOmgp_K1xexRvGPConZ7MbPA_IXawwO3eAo_sKgDJeiK4r-Zlq1QP42txfEHQCYX7Vzujmft7Tx-b9VJQ1erv2KbkBSb7kKIvPphdhjTWBbwmFoxbUBqWSZwt1Pw-H7qnX3qwVb3b0m2jFfjTO4u3K1YeqDH5hpglO3G/s320/PXL_20231230_061734516.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The scene at the Poste Lafayette public beach was different - a few people were already sunning at that early hour, some were doing parasailing and banana boat rides. The wild and tropical side of the beach makes it very much desirable for the nature lovers. The coral reefs are rich in marine and are the most authentic part of this beach, reportedly. At the entrance to the public beach is an abandoned storage cum watch tower.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusW8cF_P1SbgEV3GJ0hd3VXKU7pXOAeuJezgnQp0qD78cQoUT_nw7bUnCgWZeao19hyphenhyphenpvggTRwF7IoHijh-7SKctBCb-MuOr4E9lKKGXOrfyc32VTPHCdoAzIFDrj2flVlGPPy2XNw1yRsHbkp3gB0yrcvSD-RmlFWozJZp_JfMWmjC-ZDjCM0h2BGq99/s4032/PXL_20231230_055543488.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiusW8cF_P1SbgEV3GJ0hd3VXKU7pXOAeuJezgnQp0qD78cQoUT_nw7bUnCgWZeao19hyphenhyphenpvggTRwF7IoHijh-7SKctBCb-MuOr4E9lKKGXOrfyc32VTPHCdoAzIFDrj2flVlGPPy2XNw1yRsHbkp3gB0yrcvSD-RmlFWozJZp_JfMWmjC-ZDjCM0h2BGq99/s320/PXL_20231230_055543488.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Not very far from that is a poignant memorial for those who had lost their lives in a South African Airways air crash in the area on 27 November 1987. The aircraft, a Boeing 747 Combi, transporting passengers and cargo, experienced a devastating in-flight fire in the cargo area before crashing into the Indian Ocean East of Mauritius, killing all 159 people on board. The incident proved to be a complicated case, resulting in numerous debates and conspiracy theories, with certain aspects remaining unclear even to this day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3bPFmed62mFtiuwwvyK7AZsiB33tDqnwkyxrIpvTBdph8SbGycI2GmfWl1_3yDDAFHGTybvYCbb2uwbwT4xyMD2cOExs6Ma256RWcYJ2pVzz0_oBFCNV5MH90vKb8LdvLGZT_emlsOVZ5cbYRXm8pRwQpEfZmCbNhM4uCaN0Bo_P6sUTayBedHoGnHSk/s4032/PXL_20231230_061836408.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw3bPFmed62mFtiuwwvyK7AZsiB33tDqnwkyxrIpvTBdph8SbGycI2GmfWl1_3yDDAFHGTybvYCbb2uwbwT4xyMD2cOExs6Ma256RWcYJ2pVzz0_oBFCNV5MH90vKb8LdvLGZT_emlsOVZ5cbYRXm8pRwQpEfZmCbNhM4uCaN0Bo_P6sUTayBedHoGnHSk/s320/PXL_20231230_061836408.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>My booking in Trou d’Eau Douce was in an apartment called Golden Shell Residence. Google Maps did not take me to the exact location, but a call to the owner settled matters. I had to park in the street for a while when I completed the check-in formalities, for which I had to wait some time. Once the entries were made and the paperwork completed I lugged the bags up two floors to the suite room with a balcony. I encountered ants in the bed and duly reported it to the owner, who gave instructions to change the sheets and clean the room once again. The accommodation was just about adequate. I parked the car inside the gate of the Residence and went out for a walk to check if I could make it to the Ile aux Cerfs. I warned at the Residence itself that even if I found someone to take me to the island they would be pricey.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuYn7CaaGEZgR6yzr3yKF_2XfQdet2nnfNyanp82xFCAFMkubuszpidIBUbgmQ1uKVFD8NaTMJ7nTmwF6skIQrMmfFkMo8kTK9E4-Gxqeb-0iRq-kKkF8OK4hG1TrcMrzb5MN5XgX1Vh3m7Ln0e0878qw1vnq5iVAymuoQ4MFx99QequyuoelhEbR-Xcz/s4032/PXL_20231230_075038116.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuYn7CaaGEZgR6yzr3yKF_2XfQdet2nnfNyanp82xFCAFMkubuszpidIBUbgmQ1uKVFD8NaTMJ7nTmwF6skIQrMmfFkMo8kTK9E4-Gxqeb-0iRq-kKkF8OK4hG1TrcMrzb5MN5XgX1Vh3m7Ln0e0878qw1vnq5iVAymuoQ4MFx99QequyuoelhEbR-Xcz/s320/PXL_20231230_075038116.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ensconced amidst sugar cane fields and sandy stretches of the east coast is Trou D'Eau Douce, which means “Fresh Water Hole” in English. A renowned fishing village, it is believed to be named after a natural spring. The Trou d'Eau Douce beaches are small, but they are very popular for the rides to Ile aux Cerfs - a picturesque island spread over 87 hectares of untouched land off the east coast of Mauritius. It is famous for its white sandy beaches, its turquoise lagoons and for the wide range of restaurants, water sports and land activities on offer. It is also home to one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by two-time Masters Champion Bernhard Langer. It is the largest lagoon in Mauritius and people opt to spend a whole day on the island enjoying the luxuriant vegetation, white, sandy beaches and water sports.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzmlwFoeRLr2MFHD6Q3WaNA0DRUL8SMFThHZCK7meOUjm2LEvkRYH30I8lFHd_xBFuyZRkNVplqGzuRPWhby66JiS3v1fu-4CTDp4I1yA-xN2PFsMXem5HcGE5Rr1GE4ZM3WftaKDXPG4LhA_tyTMrTsu6roLBR5R9jWBAqkTJqRDqoFxO3C_k9dpb24w/s4032/PXL_20231230_073100104.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzmlwFoeRLr2MFHD6Q3WaNA0DRUL8SMFThHZCK7meOUjm2LEvkRYH30I8lFHd_xBFuyZRkNVplqGzuRPWhby66JiS3v1fu-4CTDp4I1yA-xN2PFsMXem5HcGE5Rr1GE4ZM3WftaKDXPG4LhA_tyTMrTsu6roLBR5R9jWBAqkTJqRDqoFxO3C_k9dpb24w/s320/PXL_20231230_073100104.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I turned the corner from the Residence I came to a large Roman Catholic Church – the Notre Dame du Bon Secours. Constructed in 1990, the massive stone masonry structure looms large in the village. After exploring the church I spent a few moments in prayer thanking Our Lady for having brought me to the church to seek her intercession. The church was a simple structure but done up aesthetically with many stained glass windows letting the light in. It was neatly maintained.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSfMxFXB_nWVe2H4YwIMFbJAU5yanQk5xb5U4ICV1lyQhzbcapKjQsoCKeDLkaZ0u1ZfaUZrTiksZTS0UpJUvYq4jT610J1HfiZP95hjZxYArui22L_PX3q4tWVKbzd491LVfrNWLNmg3H9xMWTCWaQsdhFAe_V0NBo6ConqJDotPtVMSqqQFElU9LVEH/s4032/PXL_20231230_074901473.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSfMxFXB_nWVe2H4YwIMFbJAU5yanQk5xb5U4ICV1lyQhzbcapKjQsoCKeDLkaZ0u1ZfaUZrTiksZTS0UpJUvYq4jT610J1HfiZP95hjZxYArui22L_PX3q4tWVKbzd491LVfrNWLNmg3H9xMWTCWaQsdhFAe_V0NBo6ConqJDotPtVMSqqQFElU9LVEH/s320/PXL_20231230_074901473.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I walked out on to the street I saw a couple of accommodations I had explored on Booking.com like the pricey La Koquilliche B&B. There is a watch tower, which looked recently restored, from where one can get lovely views of the Ocean and the surrounding areas.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXyqmvYmdD79unRKN7VF-XOVn1yJ66O-QxunElvLJ0qlallzuh4_4zdKKc11GDSjoEj8VL3PMLVIjttndKeYrtKpMerRXTSEiUUIOrF8QzYgNczKU9NOK88Oe4VRkQqIX4WDCv9ZmEnFkZtQaRr7zIZBBz9hlyNp_yPIKUGDebsZQnMBUvw315lkaKML6/s4032/PXL_20231230_075917957.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXyqmvYmdD79unRKN7VF-XOVn1yJ66O-QxunElvLJ0qlallzuh4_4zdKKc11GDSjoEj8VL3PMLVIjttndKeYrtKpMerRXTSEiUUIOrF8QzYgNczKU9NOK88Oe4VRkQqIX4WDCv9ZmEnFkZtQaRr7zIZBBz9hlyNp_yPIKUGDebsZQnMBUvw315lkaKML6/s320/PXL_20231230_075917957.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I walked by a small kiosk where many ‘pickled’ fruits were on display; they are known as fruits confit. The lady who minded the store was of Indian Origin – from Bihar. I bought mango and pineapple slices spruced with tamarind jam and chilli salt. The pineapple was delicious – didn’t think much of the mango.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz9Mn-DGu1-H9heS_7J2w4VmnyD8lM_a2JJJ3tZQ9LN3CKeib_rpUiGm9kZaIVIgXkeszSj38cKsKraJLkGi4_aMswzXtUcsEw9sSknPpjsbG5CU2vChwmKQfnaBHy6XvZ84kCt8NqvCDLuwi15mquk-49YcivqfePLZSjnpRwxZBVA9GmIF3EqL6JWdg/s4032/PXL_20231230_081639372.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoz9Mn-DGu1-H9heS_7J2w4VmnyD8lM_a2JJJ3tZQ9LN3CKeib_rpUiGm9kZaIVIgXkeszSj38cKsKraJLkGi4_aMswzXtUcsEw9sSknPpjsbG5CU2vChwmKQfnaBHy6XvZ84kCt8NqvCDLuwi15mquk-49YcivqfePLZSjnpRwxZBVA9GmIF3EqL6JWdg/s320/PXL_20231230_081639372.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Having missed out on the scheduled departures I was being quoted ridiculous rates for a hop to the island and back, which I declined. The beach looked deserted as the tourists would be enjoying the idyllic Ile aux Cerfs, I surmised. The outstanding beach houses caught my attention for some time and I walked along the shallow waters enjoying the calm.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XzuulUt1jJefObWdgNAxRrYxVaLzJy9r51dVrTfis9uroD52SWmdhConq9beRI6C-mwnqLnBXVOib1ZQJYeM-CDExLPGs5JZUMpuMciXR1po2ZXIB9Iob8ym_ZINe5OXn_7u45ZLA2bJQbcMCndbvc42tEnllYfCUd7t3UfsKK5kSgV8qb6vdMSh2VMS/s4032/PXL_20231230_084133647.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XzuulUt1jJefObWdgNAxRrYxVaLzJy9r51dVrTfis9uroD52SWmdhConq9beRI6C-mwnqLnBXVOib1ZQJYeM-CDExLPGs5JZUMpuMciXR1po2ZXIB9Iob8ym_ZINe5OXn_7u45ZLA2bJQbcMCndbvc42tEnllYfCUd7t3UfsKK5kSgV8qb6vdMSh2VMS/s320/PXL_20231230_084133647.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While walking back to the accommodation I stopped at a traditional restaurant for lunch. I was more than happy to rest a while in the shade of the restaurant roof; some respite from the fierce sun. It did not take much time for the dimsum and steamed noodle broth to be handed to me. One sip of the broth and my mouth was on fire. As it is, my tolerance for spicy food is near zero. I felt that the roof of my mouth and the tongue were burnt by the broth. I ordered a mawa kulfi to cool the insides and barely got through the noodles and dimsums carefully avoiding the broth.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1ad61vDTQ8uDImZ37xU6qAI5XMu1fEg6mzzbbiHyLN_X1PM5fy1eDJc9T3IwTE9cHHzL1eA5Pc0mgO-Bt4uAb3wCXJ_U71aZFTjk5ivIV55jeoXkJVC13_oWGmjYMJU05w7mf3MyKJL9fqh00OtYMzJTSP93Z_lQlku-gMeJob_Hpnif5BH3JpahiXhU/s4032/PXL_20231230_130014583.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1ad61vDTQ8uDImZ37xU6qAI5XMu1fEg6mzzbbiHyLN_X1PM5fy1eDJc9T3IwTE9cHHzL1eA5Pc0mgO-Bt4uAb3wCXJ_U71aZFTjk5ivIV55jeoXkJVC13_oWGmjYMJU05w7mf3MyKJL9fqh00OtYMzJTSP93Z_lQlku-gMeJob_Hpnif5BH3JpahiXhU/s320/PXL_20231230_130014583.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the evening I spent time taking in the narrow lanes and by-lanes of the village and visiting the embarkation point, Debarcadere, which was lively with young locals near sundown. Located in a fairly isolated location, the Landing Station in Trou-d'Eau-Douce was once frequented mainly by fishermen. A former village councillor and social worker, the late Louis Ange Sheik Hossen, took matters into his own hands and converted it into a place of relaxation for the residents with a kiosk, bench, as well as floor lamps. Even toilets were provided. As a token of his contribution, the village council, as well as members of the forces, posthumously installed a bust of Louis Ange Sheik Hossen there.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3kgY9Jk0Pbv_58cbUKn5pDSQBT5uO6_W-IJh5pWJaenhvDmk41BBx90qfMOUH9xUko1V2VY3yMv6VDQ6PE1hvXfvhzkw0An1Yqw1bvJOFIx8KNoyZyLFKJ2HjTsXzcPAoAHprxA45xWDxpilyst3asuI4MzaHhXLevbnZB-5EZWVnZyCvGhPuGgo8NTj/s4032/PXL_20231230_131137659.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3kgY9Jk0Pbv_58cbUKn5pDSQBT5uO6_W-IJh5pWJaenhvDmk41BBx90qfMOUH9xUko1V2VY3yMv6VDQ6PE1hvXfvhzkw0An1Yqw1bvJOFIx8KNoyZyLFKJ2HjTsXzcPAoAHprxA45xWDxpilyst3asuI4MzaHhXLevbnZB-5EZWVnZyCvGhPuGgo8NTj/s320/PXL_20231230_131137659.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the years, with the changes that were made, it has ended up attracting a large number of tourists. Once the skies get lit by the setting sun, the fishermen and boat crew celebrate the close of yet another successful day with a few sundowners and cheerful music, laced with blurry banter.<br /><p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-37232246468017618922024-02-10T18:43:00.001+05:302024-02-11T22:11:30.410+05:3029 December 2023 – Day 7 – Pereybere, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRYhTYodzX9KZnoTvJLnhzqfwZ5VMMXPRkIaIutXQTmEMZozZa14YxW4eG-gAv6UR-GykiLzQ03wslRnqdSEOH_ZAFbwm_8x2fEjLHVHsHLB4buNvttlAe2e6bPi42kmkUAdCctfBAz9e5RGw3bp2yyaxumBTNiFckfSkAF1kPm3M-zTUOi7KEqGiEz17/s4032/PXL_20231229_050635967.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRYhTYodzX9KZnoTvJLnhzqfwZ5VMMXPRkIaIutXQTmEMZozZa14YxW4eG-gAv6UR-GykiLzQ03wslRnqdSEOH_ZAFbwm_8x2fEjLHVHsHLB4buNvttlAe2e6bPi42kmkUAdCctfBAz9e5RGw3bp2yyaxumBTNiFckfSkAF1kPm3M-zTUOi7KEqGiEz17/s320/PXL_20231229_050635967.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a breakfast of cereal and milk I started out on my day’s schedule. The Sir Seewoosagaur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden is commonly known as the Pamplemousses Botanic Garden and is the oldest botanical gardens in Mauritius. The garden was first constructed by Pierre Poivre in 1770 and is famous for its long pond of giant Amazonian water lilies. The garden covers an area of around 37 hectares, is historical and well maintained. Pamplemousses was probably the earliest of the 'botanical gardens' in the tropics; maintained as a nursery for the acclimatization of potential crop plants from overseas mostly from Europe and the East. Chief among the first introductions was cassava (manioc), which Labourdonnais brought from Brazil to provide food for the island's slaves. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuykJl5z3ETKchz8rE6ZBrcyus4PV5UxoxFEPut_fM12tcwfL0rWwsBnk5EviLe2NWhOgNC4EuGL6Mx8TDKZBkgXwSX0J8ud0Co1gz4EfBSJutn5Oj4FiPwMLId-g6PHb6dM2l1s2MUyLH-2Zoy85eVEPbLGDY2m1aakVCJQm2-uxUb_jlL7tTioAfN6JB/s4032/PXL_20231229_044450099.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuykJl5z3ETKchz8rE6ZBrcyus4PV5UxoxFEPut_fM12tcwfL0rWwsBnk5EviLe2NWhOgNC4EuGL6Mx8TDKZBkgXwSX0J8ud0Co1gz4EfBSJutn5Oj4FiPwMLId-g6PHb6dM2l1s2MUyLH-2Zoy85eVEPbLGDY2m1aakVCJQm2-uxUb_jlL7tTioAfN6JB/s320/PXL_20231229_044450099.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Samadhi of SSR is within the garden and there is a memorial to Aniruddh Jagannath, too. It was good to see trees planted by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Vajpayee and an avenue named after Indira Gandhi in the Botanical Garden. The giant Talipot palm is a flowering plant with the largest inflorescence in the world. It lives up to 60 years before bearing flowers and fruits. It dies shortly after. The white lily pond, tortoise and deer pens, the colonial Mon Plaisir building and a massive boabab tree are other attractions in the Botanical Garden where an entrance fee of 300 MUR is levied. A guided tour is also available at 75 MUR per person.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOBGDaHBjJ0SQN2bPcqsN6UtmzK-EAcUIS1jOELqx1kw_NXfC5uJyvYDxb4nPZjHxVlPoWztZ4vGiNNjOuQkD78f0PvUW3vTVFhnA4QriURtbl7J4no-gsty2WS64mWbOYFVe9GjoWFUoxeZq6o1dfHNMsGSIf7FoLIZkFIYVeRpcaYUwbZQ66ImdltqW/s4032/PXL_20231229_062745671.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOBGDaHBjJ0SQN2bPcqsN6UtmzK-EAcUIS1jOELqx1kw_NXfC5uJyvYDxb4nPZjHxVlPoWztZ4vGiNNjOuQkD78f0PvUW3vTVFhnA4QriURtbl7J4no-gsty2WS64mWbOYFVe9GjoWFUoxeZq6o1dfHNMsGSIf7FoLIZkFIYVeRpcaYUwbZQ66ImdltqW/s320/PXL_20231229_062745671.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The L'Aventure du Sucre is astonishing and one can understand why it has over a 100,000 footfalls annually. L’Aventure du Sucre is a former sugar factory that has been carefully restored following its closure in 1999, after 200 years in operation. This heritage site is a trailblazer for cultural tourism in Mauritius; the eco-museum offers a 5,000 m² educational trail and ten themed interactive areas that invite visitors to discover the history of an island shaped by sugar and the secrets of sugarcane.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6LsVQO6F1Bo_vc7T7gp2KC8Stxmdp7UIJQ2Zf7bwerYFnpfHg9CRfdJM0a52ce-c9GJ5eWUhUkN8M3jL5JsgVT0P2oTIQzaBEPZnJ2DdMJQgkf428uFF0Yb7VkAn-9-8NdvDdI3_NjhsGfqmr4dz7IOtLgLYLzFn9mhKDFE4xQnPT7rpJn9g7irbHj2p/s4032/PXL_20231229_065753600.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6LsVQO6F1Bo_vc7T7gp2KC8Stxmdp7UIJQ2Zf7bwerYFnpfHg9CRfdJM0a52ce-c9GJ5eWUhUkN8M3jL5JsgVT0P2oTIQzaBEPZnJ2DdMJQgkf428uFF0Yb7VkAn-9-8NdvDdI3_NjhsGfqmr4dz7IOtLgLYLzFn9mhKDFE4xQnPT7rpJn9g7irbHj2p/s320/PXL_20231229_065753600.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It also tells the story of colonisation, indentured labour, the life and times, culture, flora and fauna and much, much more. A serious visitor will invest a full day here. The entrance fee of 700 MUR includes a tasting session of 11 types of sugar and many varieties of rums, whiskeys and liqueurs; there is no limit to what one can imbibe as long as one doesn't give the impression that you are there to drink - you have to have the air of a connoisseur! Unfortunately, I had to limit my intake as I had a Swift to motor around and many more places to visit.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzZTjbT-SqYxckAAk6O271FOngPYFslZzAAcHlzSIWOjAm1zZOwdkBkTNAr48aZXHu2FG6uYEWQbLcqKX1Zg0gO9CN2bJ5YvMBY0kBEfyS7exOe_g582VYgbN6wUEFs_ui7pGMGu3J2Whr0YLi35GycKfDI6vq8J2775ICjbt_dtn2s9jGs2jtZvDrrgq/s4032/PXL_20231229_074309282.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzZTjbT-SqYxckAAk6O271FOngPYFslZzAAcHlzSIWOjAm1zZOwdkBkTNAr48aZXHu2FG6uYEWQbLcqKX1Zg0gO9CN2bJ5YvMBY0kBEfyS7exOe_g582VYgbN6wUEFs_ui7pGMGu3J2Whr0YLi35GycKfDI6vq8J2775ICjbt_dtn2s9jGs2jtZvDrrgq/s320/PXL_20231229_074309282.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Van Ann chocolate factory was founded in 1992 and was named after its creator, the Belgian Ann Van Den Bergh. Ann landed in Mauritius in 1983 and decided to launch into chocolate production. She imported her raw material from Belgium to make her unique creations. The Van Ann chocolatier factory visits stopped with the onset of pandemic and is yet to resume. Moreover, since the factory was closed due to the New Year break the shop had little to offer. Moreover, the two girls who were manning the retail outlet was least interested in entertaining a visitor in the holiday season.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FZ7IUxwYZ2qXcxNFclQ9Nx7BTw-OKb_qF-vstLfcv7BdEDbjq-2pls-f19hybEo0bSiPRXNRNJAmMSKDM5HCGtzVf-Flenck9Rga7z1q2_y1SvSVvFKcduYAOW8-66g3-OjG3bQKyp7SIqpUweqQnBaPXGm1G4kGKEuu92yaN9Yx2N_i-KPW1k9fbA09/s4032/PXL_20231229_081645713.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FZ7IUxwYZ2qXcxNFclQ9Nx7BTw-OKb_qF-vstLfcv7BdEDbjq-2pls-f19hybEo0bSiPRXNRNJAmMSKDM5HCGtzVf-Flenck9Rga7z1q2_y1SvSVvFKcduYAOW8-66g3-OjG3bQKyp7SIqpUweqQnBaPXGm1G4kGKEuu92yaN9Yx2N_i-KPW1k9fbA09/s320/PXL_20231229_081645713.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Built in 1856 and inhabited by a Mauritian family for over 150 years, the Château de Labourdonnais invites visitors to discover the 19th-century art of living in Mauritius along with a visit to the estate and complimentary juice and rum tasting - 4 rums, 6 liqueurs and juice. The furniture made of quality timber and rattan, the exquisite crockery and outstanding flooring stood out during the visit. The entrance fee is 700 MUR and there is an excellent restaurant on the premises.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuppyMzrNgajJ_oWMziEvqAx-a3clwDtQpCXEnH9ShAqCek7FnCbQWUxE9TtmBkDeRR7kX5fkk9jg1MFYkBqylbrEleQVjOW-3UgBEXHDKcdYmGN1ow3hyphenhyphenON7pYbewNH26oDN842QAC_WHF-cTiS4IwwPiXt6X1JYvOF6zOLvuMR7s01Y3DmT4CLZOdjjd/s4032/PXL_20231229_091707747.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuppyMzrNgajJ_oWMziEvqAx-a3clwDtQpCXEnH9ShAqCek7FnCbQWUxE9TtmBkDeRR7kX5fkk9jg1MFYkBqylbrEleQVjOW-3UgBEXHDKcdYmGN1ow3hyphenhyphenON7pYbewNH26oDN842QAC_WHF-cTiS4IwwPiXt6X1JYvOF6zOLvuMR7s01Y3DmT4CLZOdjjd/s320/PXL_20231229_091707747.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Poudre d'Or became a popular tourist site due to a couple of reasons. First is the memorial in tribute to the sinking of the Saint-Géran in 1744 off the coast of Poudre d'Or with 167 people on board, of which only 9 survived. This maritime disaster inspired Bernardin de Saint-Pierre for his novel Paul and Virginie. Second, this is where the plot of the novel Les Rochers de Poudre d'Or (2003) by the Mauritian novelist Nathacha Appanah takes place, about Indian "indentured laborers" working since the end of the 19th century in sugar cane farms. The beach is frequented by locals mostly.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTRF8pqw4GNLTYU2vVmhnBB3w8BlbcJTOu1lAFnyIkclZ0CUj7MXlEH6s8U2fIFCPduPmXOkwc725oe5iRDEocQlF3O3HFg1Noq1yPe4z8-WkSxANs_xGpjv8yUQSGPlb2VjBKLfgVI6IKj8uP4EDekIFmSwxsLD7PTli26bk2MWJQvDYrVekOotKWVTO/s4032/PXL_20231229_093402220.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTRF8pqw4GNLTYU2vVmhnBB3w8BlbcJTOu1lAFnyIkclZ0CUj7MXlEH6s8U2fIFCPduPmXOkwc725oe5iRDEocQlF3O3HFg1Noq1yPe4z8-WkSxANs_xGpjv8yUQSGPlb2VjBKLfgVI6IKj8uP4EDekIFmSwxsLD7PTli26bk2MWJQvDYrVekOotKWVTO/s320/PXL_20231229_093402220.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By the time I got to Goodlands I was hungry as hell. I walked into a KFC outlet and had fried chicken and fries. The market in Goodlands is probably the most prominent thing there. The shops, locally known as ‘tabaji’ are beautifully decorated with coloured fabrics and dresses. Apart from clothing and accessories, fruits and vegetable shopping is a big part of the attraction. The local produce is put out for sale every day. The aromas that float around the food joints tempt one to try out local and traditional fare. What is known as Ice Gola in India is a big hit with locals and visitors alike. The market was extremely busy with people buying up things from table mats to new dresses and gorging on food and drink.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_U7wgOw_FUo7OsmsRzz15SbHb0Zqi_87XlF2qHxDF3fyFUowdDGlzLZOjL-iKlpbLkpfSK5-G-S97rq34vyDgrlklthehsNLHwLaK1zf8GrGml7pldBdj9aSaFqPBc9ul6483xM6CX5gjNTWRSVXRq_CFlS0QioueDj3OoBTXLiPUZCq3TADuu7ssd5c/s4032/PXL_20231229_104137017.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_U7wgOw_FUo7OsmsRzz15SbHb0Zqi_87XlF2qHxDF3fyFUowdDGlzLZOjL-iKlpbLkpfSK5-G-S97rq34vyDgrlklthehsNLHwLaK1zf8GrGml7pldBdj9aSaFqPBc9ul6483xM6CX5gjNTWRSVXRq_CFlS0QioueDj3OoBTXLiPUZCq3TADuu7ssd5c/s320/PXL_20231229_104137017.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Grand Gaube beach, because of its more rustic and rocky landscapes that are not adapted to swimming and water sports, is normally not that much in favour as her sister beaches in Pereybere, Trou aux Biches and Mont Choisy. As the seabed of Grand Gaube beach is full of corals and the sand strip are limited Grand Gaube is a mostly a deserted beach. It has little to offer from a purely touristic point of view.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHmqUyYLjzxGXZIuoRB2TjvqyF-qTqWm1I02lnhu0ghcNWQsq64pLcQxSjPBXQmkWOqgZ-BU10sAafhR1ajyoi9fD5OSn9J9XS3tSCRm1ul0bn_yAKZ80EiFPvKUxC2sh7nIAxCC1abLlOKbvzAShlZNVtKyE-fux-NvlUmMUbbE4qtVDHxoVhOZU3NKl/s4032/PXL_20231229_111102074.NIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHmqUyYLjzxGXZIuoRB2TjvqyF-qTqWm1I02lnhu0ghcNWQsq64pLcQxSjPBXQmkWOqgZ-BU10sAafhR1ajyoi9fD5OSn9J9XS3tSCRm1ul0bn_yAKZ80EiFPvKUxC2sh7nIAxCC1abLlOKbvzAShlZNVtKyE-fux-NvlUmMUbbE4qtVDHxoVhOZU3NKl/w320-h181/PXL_20231229_111102074.NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Anse La Raie beach mystifies by its tranquil beauty. The charm of Anse La Raie lies in its calm and serene ambiance. It is smallish beach, but with lots of water sports. I particularly liked the recycled use of plastic bottles to float a ‘statue’ in the water.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVhl4oLOfVFKLap9EdzgDocDl4qUozBLPH4S17A93YfXgktLisRbSvQTsfaMbvv4T7doYNTqCVHnnAZS6s3yzwkfJoP5xcUjaizR7o4JCe0VCVzxj2P2C39KeYrfTpDmtyI3m5JGUcEhJGqtZP87vnNopg566JISVsC2EXCYnHQdocswlWoFlD6CXfvwA/s4032/PXL_20231229_111835627.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfVhl4oLOfVFKLap9EdzgDocDl4qUozBLPH4S17A93YfXgktLisRbSvQTsfaMbvv4T7doYNTqCVHnnAZS6s3yzwkfJoP5xcUjaizR7o4JCe0VCVzxj2P2C39KeYrfTpDmtyI3m5JGUcEhJGqtZP87vnNopg566JISVsC2EXCYnHQdocswlWoFlD6CXfvwA/s320/PXL_20231229_111835627.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The red church, Notre Dame de Auxiliatrice is on the bank of a pretty beach in Cap Malheureux. Its bright red roof against the azure skies and turquoise blue waters is striking. This Roman Catholic Church is one of the most renowned in the country. The simple chapel was founded in 1938 and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is situated at the very northern point of Mauritius, offering breath-taking views of the five northern islets. Cap Malheureux translates to “Unfortunate/Unhappy Cape”, due to the numerous ships which floundered there in the past.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oqXunHocjGUz4hV3seNq1Md9RB8VB3JhwmH5-OLguFXu6aIvMDZUBlRIBudPCxO9nomSyRnAikv1msg76rLuUUZzDuPIb5jKU347_mNb9rpR943W15BAIxY5uyt7y9_NdPukaTD9Pti49njsmh6ba8wBSZAL5qmYmpqdA71OklLZNNKx-lxO51h9nwAH/s4032/PXL_20231229_114543184.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oqXunHocjGUz4hV3seNq1Md9RB8VB3JhwmH5-OLguFXu6aIvMDZUBlRIBudPCxO9nomSyRnAikv1msg76rLuUUZzDuPIb5jKU347_mNb9rpR943W15BAIxY5uyt7y9_NdPukaTD9Pti49njsmh6ba8wBSZAL5qmYmpqdA71OklLZNNKx-lxO51h9nwAH/s320/PXL_20231229_114543184.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>With that, the tour of the northern part of Mauritius was over and so also a week on the lovely island.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-60500689330177391022024-02-10T18:11:00.003+05:302024-02-11T22:11:28.145+05:3028 December 2023 – Day 6 – Port Louis to Pereybere, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxdtRCXPazXIGiWUQJWIuC6qCm1d5ezZ0K3T3b9fA5kCow_FSVPdnJKfNXKW9RBp6IaZFo1vrnnWALty_FkOg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />I thanked God for the lovely stay in Port Louis; finding the excellent accommodation had been fortuitous and I was able to savour what I had pencilled to do in the capital city. After ensuring that the apartment is in as good a condition as I could leave it, I dropped the key in the key box and started on the dot at 8 am, as planned for the next halt in Pereybere, the north part of the Mauritius Island. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTESaPJx2hYHn12ExM3oBNGkCwAkYhFHdcbhnm0ZN1ChBubK5FJXzV4k7NWp6dzJGxdcZljvahSeYtFQoTMImkBW1pQRWRuePXEMExt3r2JKaREBw7lhfUMGpvsxzJV54ngrwjeLLxCLmC3wbxOVCaee3u8HRIJT_ECXKh09xqyL-MmYp0hS7xb7wrgGP-/s4032/PXL_20231228_043251162.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTESaPJx2hYHn12ExM3oBNGkCwAkYhFHdcbhnm0ZN1ChBubK5FJXzV4k7NWp6dzJGxdcZljvahSeYtFQoTMImkBW1pQRWRuePXEMExt3r2JKaREBw7lhfUMGpvsxzJV54ngrwjeLLxCLmC3wbxOVCaee3u8HRIJT_ECXKh09xqyL-MmYp0hS7xb7wrgGP-/s320/PXL_20231228_043251162.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>En route to Pereybere I planned to explore the historical ruins of Balaclava, which is situated within the grounds of the Maritim Hotel and Spa, a 25 Ha property. There is an entrance fee of 500 MUR for non-residents to visit the ruins. In slightly over 15 minutes I was at the gates of the Hotel, where the security guard told me that the ruins was closed to casual visitors as the hotel was full for the busy season.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9ky5QAxTOnflwLOBWrzfdeLbNahQTe5JbNe34g2Sl_Ub9HmeSbfGFJIn-X0Zl4ouYOZmASC__Ju8fk1L78z2GaE1dRx5C_KIFdo8OphoEPpZn5K6eMiqPBWDwVxygbzFwPwxgS0Gba_OHabQmsGiMniqPQKWLQ5s57lufJfTzL-d_FYTAUeozMKtwUkm/s3840/PXL_20231228_044514943.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_9ky5QAxTOnflwLOBWrzfdeLbNahQTe5JbNe34g2Sl_Ub9HmeSbfGFJIn-X0Zl4ouYOZmASC__Ju8fk1L78z2GaE1dRx5C_KIFdo8OphoEPpZn5K6eMiqPBWDwVxygbzFwPwxgS0Gba_OHabQmsGiMniqPQKWLQ5s57lufJfTzL-d_FYTAUeozMKtwUkm/w113-h200/PXL_20231228_044514943.MP.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>Disappointed to be denied despite being so close I parked the car outside the hotel and walked to the gates to reason yet again with the guard. That’s when I met the amiable taxi driver, Rajan, who drove a vehicle attached to the Hotel. He and his friends were making friendly banter when they saw me, crestfallen and downcast. When I told them the reason for what they saw on my face Rajan told me that all was not lost. I would still be able to see some ruins of the French era outside the hotel. And that too, for free! He also explained the historical significance of Balaclava - the Portuguese and the Dutch started their settlements in the south-eastern part of the country and in due course abandoned them due to crop damages - sugarcane - during cyclones.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3lR3S35Ibiq3KNsTHTkLnpui7GVSfo4_tOTKKLWXfa2ZrEY9LXRIFZ__-In1Ma8lphqVGaCZzPqxjw8NT4cu_5Gs1C08-vbaeQGrz5Bayn3ZcNFSkoeqcQJ_Kb4xTz1jkU1XcDCk7A9bdZUQQT50fNaJfwnmnloG00xXh9rPN9Aq2kkLYTZXhIfm6c-B/s4032/PXL_20231228_044125851.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl3lR3S35Ibiq3KNsTHTkLnpui7GVSfo4_tOTKKLWXfa2ZrEY9LXRIFZ__-In1Ma8lphqVGaCZzPqxjw8NT4cu_5Gs1C08-vbaeQGrz5Bayn3ZcNFSkoeqcQJ_Kb4xTz1jkU1XcDCk7A9bdZUQQT50fNaJfwnmnloG00xXh9rPN9Aq2kkLYTZXhIfm6c-B/s320/PXL_20231228_044125851.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The French, on the other hand, established their primary settlement in Balaclava to explore and document weather patterns on the island before deciding on plantations and industry. The British built on what was left behind by the French after the Napoleonic wars. After the briefing, Rajan pointed me in the direction of the ruins, which I happily explored. Rajan told me of his visits to Manipal to treat his son - he would be going there again next month. The Almighty places Guardian Angels in one’s path when you need assistance.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-D6mfk2mdl_FYMyqv9no5kWcji43axMvf8SfYe0If2w08kGJ2QVgdLCPqCkN-7tNF5YSvXVwWttBgkp-FoAYN7YVXgkIS2OuaCDcy84D6andFYjD2OqBOdIU5v19Y6UBEZffgj4tYnHMUbK4_XnqDyqzGwwiVIQgTFSsNJ9a6RwuhY7u5hXpWR2A_91Z/s4032/PXL_20231228_050539222.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-D6mfk2mdl_FYMyqv9no5kWcji43axMvf8SfYe0If2w08kGJ2QVgdLCPqCkN-7tNF5YSvXVwWttBgkp-FoAYN7YVXgkIS2OuaCDcy84D6andFYjD2OqBOdIU5v19Y6UBEZffgj4tYnHMUbK4_XnqDyqzGwwiVIQgTFSsNJ9a6RwuhY7u5hXpWR2A_91Z/s320/PXL_20231228_050539222.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Thereafter, on the way to Pereybere, I explored the beaches on the beautiful coast. The Balaclava Beach is known for its pristine beauty and water sports activities. Also known as Victoria Beach or Oberoi Beach after the two most luxurious hotels located here, the public beach facing the Balaclava Bay is a glorious sight. The water is crystal clear and a striking turquoise blue, with the seabed nearer to the shore. The beach itself is of powdery white sand, which is toasted by the sun all day, thus making Balaclava a perfect location for sunbathing and swimming. While 'trespassing' the Oberoi beach I met Abhishek, of Indian origin, but not sure where he originally came from and didn't particularly seem bothered either!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4SuoP4-0rch-50e6-n4kv8yIg8tJyRqhLN945YAS9Wev6JqoHGvkYx7QHNmD8Qf7jDr-BFDvvNlRvHmd-NdnVLIUBTQpRnx0sPnKifC-Q-R6PO1voxD-qFeuJqfIzaEczJNP7c4iaYbO-TQc_EEDSyalO0pKwEgmqA2TQWkCL9GMD2noeAcN9iwVv_96/s4032/PXL_20231228_054701615.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV4SuoP4-0rch-50e6-n4kv8yIg8tJyRqhLN945YAS9Wev6JqoHGvkYx7QHNmD8Qf7jDr-BFDvvNlRvHmd-NdnVLIUBTQpRnx0sPnKifC-Q-R6PO1voxD-qFeuJqfIzaEczJNP7c4iaYbO-TQc_EEDSyalO0pKwEgmqA2TQWkCL9GMD2noeAcN9iwVv_96/s320/PXL_20231228_054701615.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Trou aux Biches (not misspelt! Pronounced as 'true oo beesh' and literally translated as ‘Deer’s Hole’) beach is an idyllic palm tree-lined white-sandy beach with clear turquoise waters known for snorkelling & sunsets. According to the World Travel group, the beach is one of the most beautiful in Mauritius. I found out that the recognition not without reason. It had been awarded the World's Leading Beach Destination Award a few years ago. There were quite a few tourists basking in the Sun.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSxG_TQJ_9gBouqbSyiv9Jn4X3cxV2Sb_f44XnamQEYFYOPjYB0EDxp3HEWj9LVj-wnCUyH__J4SiDQeF4abNUOsH7tWHdKRl111Zbd0tDtGh-rWdddetkKU1y3jf1pf9g1ik2Vhft8r8hJhrPKQkoy4Ra8eDh8-piARyPn3k5yS3B7WxzgFQPdmGCpGc/s4032/PXL_20231228_070606082.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSxG_TQJ_9gBouqbSyiv9Jn4X3cxV2Sb_f44XnamQEYFYOPjYB0EDxp3HEWj9LVj-wnCUyH__J4SiDQeF4abNUOsH7tWHdKRl111Zbd0tDtGh-rWdddetkKU1y3jf1pf9g1ik2Vhft8r8hJhrPKQkoy4Ra8eDh8-piARyPn3k5yS3B7WxzgFQPdmGCpGc/s320/PXL_20231228_070606082.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Mont Choisy is undoubtedly an idyllic location with a rich history closely intertwined to that of the island. It was on Mont Choisy beach that the first plane landed in 1933 and was also the venue of the first horse racing event in 1891. Mont Choisy has become a lifestyle destination with houses, villas and various leisure areas, at the heart of which stands a spectacular golf course. It is the longest beach in the north of Mauritius with white sand and thousands of casuarina trees that decorate the rather large arc of the endless beauty.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSnUmsSzJJ3TMqByv2leZyIzk9AZMq5Ek9LoWMyouY-bcJjjEwqhxijSOzTVRwNIAu3S-0zHioY3e_0okggd6QVCvf7_9TEjWZnUM985ztxiF3QNPXjo7JRdUlW7Qcw-2H1p8x1lF_YX0zRZKPJZKx44xyAaUuEN_6_lyp-qRScBIjl2iyZIylLuB5lnx/s4032/PXL_20231228_071227660.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSnUmsSzJJ3TMqByv2leZyIzk9AZMq5Ek9LoWMyouY-bcJjjEwqhxijSOzTVRwNIAu3S-0zHioY3e_0okggd6QVCvf7_9TEjWZnUM985ztxiF3QNPXjo7JRdUlW7Qcw-2H1p8x1lF_YX0zRZKPJZKx44xyAaUuEN_6_lyp-qRScBIjl2iyZIylLuB5lnx/s320/PXL_20231228_071227660.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Grand Baie is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Mauritius, and for this reason, during the season, accommodation is not easy to find and they can be frightfully expensive. The Grand Baie beach owes its popularity to the enchanting waters and the lively atmosphere. The beach is possibly the most crowded I have thus far visited and must surely rank among the prettiest beaches in the Island nation, even though it ranks among the shortest.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i8SpQGa6QTF9JsJ71zvr8hsDq3WZ-46aSo5AoP5sznXpUyhDnIAHei0EIINa8Wkurjytt6y_5Uh3erTR_zfQlkf4UqIchIB61zim5eNgeSoZotpv9JhNq1pQQAvnbmbx-YKzFMCTWQIoZq73d23uXw_0ms4iMnn7eFbAAv6GJcswe9wzUdmqC3XklG_7/s4032/PXL_20231228_071830832.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i8SpQGa6QTF9JsJ71zvr8hsDq3WZ-46aSo5AoP5sznXpUyhDnIAHei0EIINa8Wkurjytt6y_5Uh3erTR_zfQlkf4UqIchIB61zim5eNgeSoZotpv9JhNq1pQQAvnbmbx-YKzFMCTWQIoZq73d23uXw_0ms4iMnn7eFbAAv6GJcswe9wzUdmqC3XklG_7/w200-h113/PXL_20231228_071830832.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I had a quick lunch of fried noodles with egg, chicken and shrimp in the La Pagoda Chinese restaurant enjoying the azure waters. In a way, the restaurant also gave me some time off from the intense heat of the Sun outdoors.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIOvjrFi5wHlDlvd8_7Rc59jVMT84IeZ58nA1ZL88UEflTYg8P62zUouMK5Bp2FjYqtGagwaACYsCenQooqjCTnBdltnaO_BzAUuCfxjKqRh3DO87IssTCpmzYN_J224HQdVkiEDqroOZfqtuYvlR_1u3h-o9_nfMR99Rrj9TnsVgHc6c-yium8fo_YJl/s4032/PXL_20231228_113200129.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIOvjrFi5wHlDlvd8_7Rc59jVMT84IeZ58nA1ZL88UEflTYg8P62zUouMK5Bp2FjYqtGagwaACYsCenQooqjCTnBdltnaO_BzAUuCfxjKqRh3DO87IssTCpmzYN_J224HQdVkiEDqroOZfqtuYvlR_1u3h-o9_nfMR99Rrj9TnsVgHc6c-yium8fo_YJl/w200-h113/PXL_20231228_113200129.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Pointe d'Azur is a peninsula in Pereybere with fabulous houses abutting the beach. The small beach, with pricey apartments, is also frequented by locals for barbeque meals and holiday picnics.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuhl3Hx035AUbc470f-7dOqxxood3DVSwg038yl8vOZJCqq_to061UrfuHIY4DMBF-BCO9o_itMppNNuV_zWpGgaNpLp9JyatZlmlBaW486ZfjcmOzs95BVMUvnk2YWTdror0UrP1d7iLdf6HpPgiT9j6w8ZQxsPmfOWOwDKqszNh5oMvP6Tnj-bW5IvQ/s4032/PXL_20231228_102805361.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuhl3Hx035AUbc470f-7dOqxxood3DVSwg038yl8vOZJCqq_to061UrfuHIY4DMBF-BCO9o_itMppNNuV_zWpGgaNpLp9JyatZlmlBaW486ZfjcmOzs95BVMUvnk2YWTdror0UrP1d7iLdf6HpPgiT9j6w8ZQxsPmfOWOwDKqszNh5oMvP6Tnj-bW5IvQ/s320/PXL_20231228_102805361.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had booked an apartment for the two day stay in Pereybere, the Residence Le Beau Manguier. After checking in I had a lively chat with the landlady, Manee Ungapen, who rents seven apartments in the complex. She is getting three more ready as she is mostly rushed for space during the season from October to April. She runs a principled accommodation, not deviating from house rules. She has tastefully developed the ancestral property with her mother staying in a separate house within the large complex.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PH9OE8iSM9Pg9slzQKvMgxKis1uobXzbr5Klh7-foSJwo0o7HgmrFmzys2rqKLLUvDCp0y7WP6ZTmBlF1FCiQH9fCZjVAYIIE9VKUj9-6Yl1hv3dDgjjP0Z1VcfyFnIYv4p3VXgjWenccSGZRBcDQaK7jSt71zcCXLT_joLvFSR5n6nMlGTwABxPl7aD/s4032/PXL_20231228_102728954.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PH9OE8iSM9Pg9slzQKvMgxKis1uobXzbr5Klh7-foSJwo0o7HgmrFmzys2rqKLLUvDCp0y7WP6ZTmBlF1FCiQH9fCZjVAYIIE9VKUj9-6Yl1hv3dDgjjP0Z1VcfyFnIYv4p3VXgjWenccSGZRBcDQaK7jSt71zcCXLT_joLvFSR5n6nMlGTwABxPl7aD/s320/PXL_20231228_102728954.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After her father’s passing she had steel rafts replaced by straw roofs, which looks aesthetic and traditional. Her experience in the hotel industry has served her well in operating the apartment complex. The converted Christian has strong views on Christianity and religion. The story of her conversion sounded like a fairy tale – she had been to a Church where she was standing alone outside and observing what was going on inside. She felt a hand on her shoulder which she thought was a leaf falling and she brushed it away. The second time it happened she also heard a voice in her ears saying, “You are my beloved child”. Since that day she has been a devout believer and follower.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoPjJCcU-VmAMhKDWA_NOazaDMtWSTJBjNhhw4VWrlvXPjlOR-FAwnywedwwEPEJ7asU6FoiE8C8zVcrXOTyRo2rDauXfz3_X76KM31R3v3-JQTpuUzOwwQHSHQwnUltL2JyfseKlbfT472blxDOwFOfcoa3NQSqTSXxDYvNnL37xxSJE5teURNXuuWle/s4032/PXL_20231228_113226040.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoPjJCcU-VmAMhKDWA_NOazaDMtWSTJBjNhhw4VWrlvXPjlOR-FAwnywedwwEPEJ7asU6FoiE8C8zVcrXOTyRo2rDauXfz3_X76KM31R3v3-JQTpuUzOwwQHSHQwnUltL2JyfseKlbfT472blxDOwFOfcoa3NQSqTSXxDYvNnL37xxSJE5teURNXuuWle/w200-h113/PXL_20231228_113226040.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When Manee found me carrying bottled water to the room I learnt another important fact about Mauritius. Tap water is potable; you can drink water straight from the tap. Wish this was true in India too. Clean air and pure water would be the best gifts the rulers of the country could give its citizens, apart from education and health administration.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpGY0PTAfvZP-naOIHprSKAkMuA1MGc7lstKJKN8le9LKDLOWPTjDt7ToAAVQiWe0BgwGJRyBPb51B_ptechu1fHDmKMxfd1CwRWSV5T54giZ8dbM78nPz1SA2cQGkPBtRwpUjl7vYWS5lsjxcL0Opb4bgpT6YQMD3QhOc_fGZvjyYj0xN4-DbPQZET6S/s4032/PXL_20231228_113519128.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpGY0PTAfvZP-naOIHprSKAkMuA1MGc7lstKJKN8le9LKDLOWPTjDt7ToAAVQiWe0BgwGJRyBPb51B_ptechu1fHDmKMxfd1CwRWSV5T54giZ8dbM78nPz1SA2cQGkPBtRwpUjl7vYWS5lsjxcL0Opb4bgpT6YQMD3QhOc_fGZvjyYj0xN4-DbPQZET6S/w200-h113/PXL_20231228_113519128.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Another interesting feature is the regular clearance of garbage; a daily routine done hygienically. I understood that houses are meant to have small doors on their compound wall with a bin, from where the garbage is cleared. I did not see must evidence of segregation, though public places did have separate bins for food waste and plastics.<p></p></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-90345465241369209472024-02-10T17:47:00.000+05:302024-02-11T22:11:22.943+05:3027 December 2023 – Day 5 – In Port Louis, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMBdJY8Fi9gYZDA83T8sfIv2k18HPAr1FBefhwL7W_zssH1QKwUKbuGjw98NgWceB46cBgKGngwd3VwQqU4X9E1wTYR6Ba7uTVO7r8qpXICUsqrJZvyyF2o5VGa1uRsn-rK3qfqDjb2Q7G_N7-saMglPKMwcpIm-SRRk4Juwnpg6KO6ShoZWljn18R715/s4032/PXL_20231227_062332960.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMBdJY8Fi9gYZDA83T8sfIv2k18HPAr1FBefhwL7W_zssH1QKwUKbuGjw98NgWceB46cBgKGngwd3VwQqU4X9E1wTYR6Ba7uTVO7r8qpXICUsqrJZvyyF2o5VGa1uRsn-rK3qfqDjb2Q7G_N7-saMglPKMwcpIm-SRRk4Juwnpg6KO6ShoZWljn18R715/s320/PXL_20231227_062332960.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Though the Portuguese rediscovered the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues between 1507 and 1513, they had no lasting interest in the islands. They were focussed on Mozambique in Africa, Goa and Malabar Coast in India, Malaysian coast and Sri Lanka. The Dutch tried their hand at colonising Mauritius between 1598 and 1710 – a series of misfortunes, calamities and bad administration finally led to their abandonment of the Island. It is the Dutch who gave the island its name in 1598. Their other legacies involved importing slave labour from Malagasy, denuding large swathes of ebony forests, feasting to extinction the flightless Dodo - they almost did the same to the giant tortoises too. They are to be credited for introduction of sugarcane plantation from Java.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58UDYghe4_feVbQNI32gJEVva1p6KMV_XgZIWZJ74bzUWPhddBI_xWPtJIV9Q0GhIsdwUdJpxaaWylILa5p04oOVsKbTnYZjBIGC5GzK2heW8m9gHERR5Z6AV-oWpHMQ1P7zFvinn55IcnEZ7FQTnUmSufG9IAnZx9knR5F3pnOGnLBsBVimDy3D4A9aJ/s4032/PXL_20231227_062306694.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58UDYghe4_feVbQNI32gJEVva1p6KMV_XgZIWZJ74bzUWPhddBI_xWPtJIV9Q0GhIsdwUdJpxaaWylILa5p04oOVsKbTnYZjBIGC5GzK2heW8m9gHERR5Z6AV-oWpHMQ1P7zFvinn55IcnEZ7FQTnUmSufG9IAnZx9knR5F3pnOGnLBsBVimDy3D4A9aJ/s320/PXL_20231227_062306694.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The French rule lasted from 1715 to 1810, when the island was called Isle de France. Effective French occupation started in 1721 and under Governor Mahe de La Bourdonnais from 1735 the rule saw its golden period. He was a progressive leader with far reaching vision – examples of his developmental agenda can still be seen in the Island such as part of Government House, the Château de Mon Plaisir at Pamplemousses, Jardin Pamplemousses and the Line Barracks.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_mbRl5XGO4na2ILXtrKBIad4cmdhMqjo0TAYLc4SIwbgcKS6c-C3X16AkLOkNq5DFB9kOcRasNJKKE-7yCHor_oB2nXPcAmjIVXH6Pn69CX0VK6s4omRxDPQmMK93yQv4aOB9A6LPKWMhP2_X-d3zi5cDd7-TXBUHkA9DRoo9S_if0pi2r_c_oZ8imq6/s4032/PXL_20231227_054539671.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_mbRl5XGO4na2ILXtrKBIad4cmdhMqjo0TAYLc4SIwbgcKS6c-C3X16AkLOkNq5DFB9kOcRasNJKKE-7yCHor_oB2nXPcAmjIVXH6Pn69CX0VK6s4omRxDPQmMK93yQv4aOB9A6LPKWMhP2_X-d3zi5cDd7-TXBUHkA9DRoo9S_if0pi2r_c_oZ8imq6/s320/PXL_20231227_054539671.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>During the Napoleonic wars, in 1810 the island was captured from the French by the British, who administered it till 1968. By the Treaty of Paris in 1814, the Isle de France was renamed "Mauritius" and was ceded to Great Britain, together with Rodrigues and the Seychelles. The British, however, guaranteed that they would respect the languages, customs, laws and the traditions of the inhabitants. That is how the French legacy has come to be preserved and continues to this day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVvlQYHzzeuUydh4K8KVyngn7fxtDuBNIVXg-h_lWjSse6PGkgTEd2T9_-W7NxaECLpgbb8ISLZO_exeqdwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yBIoScfhYogWZIUZsteFQO02hHtpqVfOxjtj-ti2fhgghUdG_UNFI4O5-ZZCOqJrwYsXvmC8DXf2KYnEfALqhG3HVtRfjDa_3vqsnK-vPG65QBblmlweI2VUJsP0Rx3Q8eFmUvuVYeiOz-JKgl4gkdcdFLvDm19QS7YfFpehquxIPlEwMqsQ2cFfA4nM/s4032/PXL_20231227_045349994.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yBIoScfhYogWZIUZsteFQO02hHtpqVfOxjtj-ti2fhgghUdG_UNFI4O5-ZZCOqJrwYsXvmC8DXf2KYnEfALqhG3HVtRfjDa_3vqsnK-vPG65QBblmlweI2VUJsP0Rx3Q8eFmUvuVYeiOz-JKgl4gkdcdFLvDm19QS7YfFpehquxIPlEwMqsQ2cFfA4nM/s320/PXL_20231227_045349994.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was the last day of my stay in Port Louis and the first pit stop was Motagne Zako, supposedly the best place to take a dive into the Indian Ocean. While Mauritius is mostly about white sandy beaches the island surprises with the diversity of its landscapes. The Jacquot Mountain shows a dangerous face. Last month, four young people were surprised by the power of the waves and two of them were never found, having disappeared into the abyss. It's difficult not to be seduced by the fierce beauty of the place, far from the bustle of the capital. The Jacquot Mountain faces the onslaught of the ocean proudly as it has been for centuries.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICeC5na-UvqfVqVhi01ds_nJXybDB82N4NLraSB1O2x2U400WhqRzpWinJScvBvBGVUPZ5olCsgXicFNrvlmy6mapGTjEASde0yyakPABcmyH4kNwrbglIPSCJ7HWPmwsRQsJZqm4lftp4HjeLZjcaYULadMjDWMH-ozpz8mWqt59Uxg4og1GpkiLXb5a/s4032/PXL_20231227_051422647.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICeC5na-UvqfVqVhi01ds_nJXybDB82N4NLraSB1O2x2U400WhqRzpWinJScvBvBGVUPZ5olCsgXicFNrvlmy6mapGTjEASde0yyakPABcmyH4kNwrbglIPSCJ7HWPmwsRQsJZqm4lftp4HjeLZjcaYULadMjDWMH-ozpz8mWqt59Uxg4og1GpkiLXb5a/s320/PXL_20231227_051422647.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Martello towers were built by the British to act as a deterrent against invasions by Napoleon and his French Armies as well as being used as general lookout posts. One such exists in Pointe aux Sables and, just like the one in Le Preneuse, this one is closed to public a well. But it does indicate the importance of Port Louis as a trading post at the time.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX6o2310o8bGSDtNhUKsv6wkYYU2kJByDbzjJSHpJNwUMVrcaW5P7TnhKHmMhl-FcwmGd_r1P51GAKBCcL2DZKFdrchLIYjSL67jjHmD75eVVs6FKklVVxwpkKVdU4qDQ0cc0o61y9q5bXKoUin2nH97YiMINRkx8VqO-SGyCHqlTDcyvfs8_6tUCb5s6/s4032/PXL_20231227_053956620.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX6o2310o8bGSDtNhUKsv6wkYYU2kJByDbzjJSHpJNwUMVrcaW5P7TnhKHmMhl-FcwmGd_r1P51GAKBCcL2DZKFdrchLIYjSL67jjHmD75eVVs6FKklVVxwpkKVdU4qDQ0cc0o61y9q5bXKoUin2nH97YiMINRkx8VqO-SGyCHqlTDcyvfs8_6tUCb5s6/s320/PXL_20231227_053956620.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Pointe aux Sables public beach looked abandoned, possibly because of the time of day and that it does not actually have much of a beach. The Martello Commercial Centre has a few retail outlets and was not busy at the time of visit. The Siva Shakti Arthanareeshwarar Temple is a strikingly beautiful place of worship beside a busy road. Thanks to the parking lot I could spend some time in the temple where prayers were going on with mesmerising music in the background.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt4TQKTbFCHiumVhNRSbvz1-mtwdGJjhXS8M3sflQ1ZzW_TKni6CsT44kbnGbJ5JzSrcQ5OvZii3Lz4dQ9IIfwcLGqchyphenhyphenQgl6j9zfftDeVzJG7FSS7G_RlNDwUcJ3jCqg5YAPIfto93B_W3jFb8rtwi7TVBosiRsc96nJqna1liltnHxxcrSuI1IkJ97B/s4032/PXL_20231227_061902646.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqt4TQKTbFCHiumVhNRSbvz1-mtwdGJjhXS8M3sflQ1ZzW_TKni6CsT44kbnGbJ5JzSrcQ5OvZii3Lz4dQ9IIfwcLGqchyphenhyphenQgl6j9zfftDeVzJG7FSS7G_RlNDwUcJ3jCqg5YAPIfto93B_W3jFb8rtwi7TVBosiRsc96nJqna1liltnHxxcrSuI1IkJ97B/s320/PXL_20231227_061902646.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jardins de la Compagnie is considered to be Port Louis' most attractive garden, with its huge banyan trees, a number of statues commemorating the contribution of significant people to the development of Mauritius and fight against slavery and freedom of indentured labour, quiet benches and non-functional fountains. A lesser known fact about the garden is that it was used as a cemetery in the 18th century when the island had an outbreak of smallpox. There is a memorial to the visit of Mahatma Gandhi I n 1911. While the Garden is a good place to relax during the day, at night it is a favoured hangout for sex workers and drug addicts. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb5Gmlj0a979DIMdDJQVINXMBe2WVRSkwUnSfBzYy_98Th0hj2uNt951qhMnnFMtDuh9UeW2C8TjTxpYDYzfTmZM7-VrJoulUCoBhW16g2eZtO0kr2TdlFRm89vZ0lUV6Ne10WD_DOyAfU75IhPERHNqkb6GGuJ80mHcGgLlY_JqkEDD97T9x86NGvLlH/s4032/PXL_20231227_065529684.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAb5Gmlj0a979DIMdDJQVINXMBe2WVRSkwUnSfBzYy_98Th0hj2uNt951qhMnnFMtDuh9UeW2C8TjTxpYDYzfTmZM7-VrJoulUCoBhW16g2eZtO0kr2TdlFRm89vZ0lUV6Ne10WD_DOyAfU75IhPERHNqkb6GGuJ80mHcGgLlY_JqkEDD97T9x86NGvLlH/s320/PXL_20231227_065529684.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Municipal Theatre, built in 1822, in classical London theatre style, could seat over 600 in three tiers. The Theatre was at the heart of the artistic, social and cultural life of the colony. Artists performed in the theatre illuminated by coconut oil till 1891, when electricity was introduced. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE57qDkIhPxZb-zQelH4VxvW5ImTiufh1J0ui-NY3RN-9dg735FE6-HyvvZbFQNr85yJuk_fP8swLoN2pUmCAsX922UngT6jai5tDGa8RzOI9V8QbmhcWvV6yaHeWnY1R4vS7WN4xMrCldsc3mgFVGvTjEviEqcCLTHp_y2dOVYlP1VVSN6m4H1g7rkQt/s4032/PXL_20231227_074802471.MP.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE57qDkIhPxZb-zQelH4VxvW5ImTiufh1J0ui-NY3RN-9dg735FE6-HyvvZbFQNr85yJuk_fP8swLoN2pUmCAsX922UngT6jai5tDGa8RzOI9V8QbmhcWvV6yaHeWnY1R4vS7WN4xMrCldsc3mgFVGvTjEviEqcCLTHp_y2dOVYlP1VVSN6m4H1g7rkQt/s320/PXL_20231227_074802471.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I got back to the accommodation there was no parking in the street and the apartment complex security guard did not permit me to park inside either. That put me in a dilemma. As I was reversing out of the building parking area into the street, miraculously, a vehicle pulled out and I parked there - certainly a miracle in action!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvMZp0TD72jOo8WCV3P3h54KDGqirR12S22SE2hQ8VXLzbTfgnc3NPvhNoJKRM7bxrbpbuqkdzTGViLS2AKwgS2M4S7LOCp1Sq3FF0nJIU_XSBqZhAtl1sFIeMd3uFcwkRIv5SG5m9aTOQKnDlCK6vI8Ij7y0rrq-qdQ7Ms8RehRFdtg8dLp4jrvzdcMZ/s4032/PXL_20231227_143634143.MP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvMZp0TD72jOo8WCV3P3h54KDGqirR12S22SE2hQ8VXLzbTfgnc3NPvhNoJKRM7bxrbpbuqkdzTGViLS2AKwgS2M4S7LOCp1Sq3FF0nJIU_XSBqZhAtl1sFIeMd3uFcwkRIv5SG5m9aTOQKnDlCK6vI8Ij7y0rrq-qdQ7Ms8RehRFdtg8dLp4jrvzdcMZ/w113-h200/PXL_20231227_143634143.MP.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>On the way back to the accommodation I had spied the clinic of a chiropractor. I fixed up an appointment to treat my sore neck and numb legs. The practitioner gave me a thorough examination and did some treatment for the sore neck. He gave up on the numbness in the leg. When I returned from the chiropractor the security guard of the apartment complex apologised for not permitting me to park inside saying that residents objected to visitors’ vehicles being parked in allotted slots. He told me that his grandfather hailed from Bihar and that he has been many times to Mumbai and Kerala. <p></p></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-1389366634659090872024-02-10T09:14:00.001+05:302024-02-11T22:11:20.147+05:3026 December 2023 – Day 4 – In Port Louis, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhB1BTIDa68IcR3uRm2IO0xf-dchNwt-gzHBPlcp4OP-1fHe-XNSNd_zVY2VjdwSf9yXK2xPd3qr30mrRsJsaJBvBEMZpELAkhZhE6FynCrziNXPgLvKI6wAYGgLopwF5UdVKH4XXIprR0yO0eEdBXV4R3ap6EEOjmhcT2aTegTRed0Xogn7mdCHaozAO/s4032/PXL_20231226_045724372.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhB1BTIDa68IcR3uRm2IO0xf-dchNwt-gzHBPlcp4OP-1fHe-XNSNd_zVY2VjdwSf9yXK2xPd3qr30mrRsJsaJBvBEMZpELAkhZhE6FynCrziNXPgLvKI6wAYGgLopwF5UdVKH4XXIprR0yO0eEdBXV4R3ap6EEOjmhcT2aTegTRed0Xogn7mdCHaozAO/w320-h180/PXL_20231226_045724372.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A synopsis of the day first - Man proposes, God disposes. I had spent a lot of time the previous night preparing the itinerary for the day. The first half went as per plan - Balfour Gradens, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vasoas and Curepipe (Botanical Garden and Trou aux Cerfs). The next leg of the itinerary required me to take the M1 through Port Louis. That is where the nightmares crept in - I spent over an hour navigating 1 km! The hold-up was so enormous that the four lanes towards Port Louis had not an inch to spare.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavxWc5r42YpkXDKIUZ7Jmi24xLm_3tal1rQtuzKR4JPsed6uizqlWALwcKFo6j1xfz98gnfqD7C1Iv_qBEEQ-ZmnmRRq8glrkqHJGX6QMkaHHYM8ydzmrXAWQK0RMV6ybe9XFGjvy7vzmI0Wrde4v9cUvu9bZ0k8gMl8PI1uTqt3-3rUDCmnV5B9IrADf/s4032/PXL_20231225_122708630.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavxWc5r42YpkXDKIUZ7Jmi24xLm_3tal1rQtuzKR4JPsed6uizqlWALwcKFo6j1xfz98gnfqD7C1Iv_qBEEQ-ZmnmRRq8glrkqHJGX6QMkaHHYM8ydzmrXAWQK0RMV6ybe9XFGjvy7vzmI0Wrde4v9cUvu9bZ0k8gMl8PI1uTqt3-3rUDCmnV5B9IrADf/s320/PXL_20231225_122708630.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Many ambulances, para-medic vehicles and police patrols manoeuvred miraculously through the snaked and immobilised traffic. Later in the evening I saw on TV that the traffic back up occurred on account of a horrendous accident, which eye-witnesses likened to a disaster film. At one point where traffic was being routed back from where I came, a kind policeman explained in chaste French that I would have to seek other routes to get to Port Louis.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhdeTigfOhyphenhyphene6VbWaCzw18LTKyUbre3J3bKdcX0Mk0nJH3eXfolcwAbNVjkH9Ub5WgYsIFGPYcdngzWXliWwx9Sw770tnx57a6PQwRlHq5Uh7OLpPdBmyynBKXrKAr6W_PLGeJnIAwPeii3tXIJeRbcD6cEYNE2yt14eN5z7issPMRoMNVm1QGdd_Gyqr/s4032/PXL_20231225_064439257.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjhdeTigfOhyphenhyphene6VbWaCzw18LTKyUbre3J3bKdcX0Mk0nJH3eXfolcwAbNVjkH9Ub5WgYsIFGPYcdngzWXliWwx9Sw770tnx57a6PQwRlHq5Uh7OLpPdBmyynBKXrKAr6W_PLGeJnIAwPeii3tXIJeRbcD6cEYNE2yt14eN5z7issPMRoMNVm1QGdd_Gyqr/s320/PXL_20231225_064439257.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had no clue what to do when, on impulse, I returned to Rose Hill. In the town I sighted a Church and drove in. The helpful sacristan of the Church suggested that I take the A1 and avoid the traffic held up on M1 and that saved the rest of my day. In the end, I got to do more that I had scheduled for the day including a Pasta lunch in a fast food joint near the Church. All is well that ends well, for sure.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7erzHWAHjpZCluQ0tQEAZtfdk9Q6_Pwez3HO_ZubZnh6qD0OaCy8vggxB5_NX6YD3_x4A9Dk54-TwfK_bN0G4sZafHr9xo4UjPd-qLj482HAx9F-GOHyPUwPGNvlK6WKee4XUX1RbKBN4ai5sYNJbcDrfhAQz90tNEQxq-fYWPXV8Jfvfdhth7kTqqZK/s4032/PXL_20231226_050931524.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7erzHWAHjpZCluQ0tQEAZtfdk9Q6_Pwez3HO_ZubZnh6qD0OaCy8vggxB5_NX6YD3_x4A9Dk54-TwfK_bN0G4sZafHr9xo4UjPd-qLj482HAx9F-GOHyPUwPGNvlK6WKee4XUX1RbKBN4ai5sYNJbcDrfhAQz90tNEQxq-fYWPXV8Jfvfdhth7kTqqZK/s320/PXL_20231226_050931524.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Balfour Gardens of the pretty suburb of Port Louis, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill, is perched on high cliffs. Unfortunately, the fencing and unkempt perimeter growth obstructed the view of the Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest which flows below. The Balfour Waterfall is a natural sight that many come to see from the Garden. There is plenty of seating for the elderly to sit and enjoy the salubrious green space and fresh air. There is a special pen for large turtles and the constant chirping of birds keeps your mind company. One thing must be said about the gardens and public spaces in Mauritius - they are kept neat and clean by the authorities and the people who use the facilities.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_6xSEC7AtRWmhiFgKSuteghdQPtgK0yriFZlzJVNxWZ5ZZ44mu8rXolkdBNMLfXoSTsgJuoOOMkcnEWDKtUZTNlNK3Z74VOZtIb3CMXaBJpNNEUz4pCRTxDv_TIzsy9HaVJYPVhxmibpIRoVzWfxwcAy3T7IQpVzTT-UfzjqM0Hkw2FWdEl1VMInCPBg/s4032/PXL_20231226_050259626.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_6xSEC7AtRWmhiFgKSuteghdQPtgK0yriFZlzJVNxWZ5ZZ44mu8rXolkdBNMLfXoSTsgJuoOOMkcnEWDKtUZTNlNK3Z74VOZtIb3CMXaBJpNNEUz4pCRTxDv_TIzsy9HaVJYPVhxmibpIRoVzWfxwcAy3T7IQpVzTT-UfzjqM0Hkw2FWdEl1VMInCPBg/s320/PXL_20231226_050259626.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The city of Quatre Bornes (Four Boundaries, in English) was named for the boundary stones that marked the limits of four large sugar estates once situated there. I picked up provisions from the fair price shops in Quatre Bornes, including the local Phoenix beer varieties – when the glass bottles are returned one can get a discount on the next purchase, an incentive for recycling and sustainable development. The market fair in Quatre Bornes is supposed to be a must-visit, where one can pick up textiles, souvenirs and toys at a bargain - I chose to skip it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTAJch6ayJIdl4qDbrkFT0ceVxu2gIU6oip3yLVW0dJzxMUNRLGUFfNLl1-SRCfR6UTQ7DeDHYpZDQOhBaPwGqsmiJZUfT7ayJ2_q2pbPmnDM7gfXkeEtTbvmISAdi51ZMfuPIGAjzflF6jWF6vd0PXc2OP-nn6MuBY79qlcbXPNsSWLHi5xjhjbjVeQs/s4032/PXL_20231226_050711971.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTAJch6ayJIdl4qDbrkFT0ceVxu2gIU6oip3yLVW0dJzxMUNRLGUFfNLl1-SRCfR6UTQ7DeDHYpZDQOhBaPwGqsmiJZUfT7ayJ2_q2pbPmnDM7gfXkeEtTbvmISAdi51ZMfuPIGAjzflF6jWF6vd0PXc2OP-nn6MuBY79qlcbXPNsSWLHi5xjhjbjVeQs/s320/PXL_20231226_050711971.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The municipality of Vacoas-Phoenix lies between Quatre Bornes and Curepipe. The Vacoas Square is a new shopping complex in Vacoas. As is usual with me, I wandered around and picked up some more provisions to last the tour. Straining Google to give me more information about anything further do in the town was not fruitful and hence, left for Curepipe.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSHxUUKP5v_waNNeuqo6XMwF-G22wpdfBq4tqHniHVCw8iONYskoE3rATukazWadsJE52jWwpgXtWlkS_HXYbN5-1Z7fA1zb-gdIoO93s857Au98n2OMEETY34fDPi9iTpLuI0YgvW7EWWKGEFTRdR6Munt3xlCzGqJ6-lyYbjYVhYK6L-lQh2Er5IMaE/s4032/PXL_20231226_073008669.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYSHxUUKP5v_waNNeuqo6XMwF-G22wpdfBq4tqHniHVCw8iONYskoE3rATukazWadsJE52jWwpgXtWlkS_HXYbN5-1Z7fA1zb-gdIoO93s857Au98n2OMEETY34fDPi9iTpLuI0YgvW7EWWKGEFTRdR6Munt3xlCzGqJ6-lyYbjYVhYK6L-lQh2Er5IMaE/s320/PXL_20231226_073008669.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The town of Curepipe is the second biggest town in Mauritius after Port-Louis, with a population of over 85,000 habitants. The town is nicknamed the city of lights. Located in the central plateau of the country, the town has a cooler climate than the rest of the country. One kilometre outside of Curepipe is Trou aux Cerfs, an 80-metre-deep dormant volcanic crater, which is said to have last erupted over 7000 years ago.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-x8hTjGnq8GZMhyOlelKo0eVZYMdhPBJ-aSJcLICARfkFAXi3DkY-IKsYzjN-mDg-tVXfS1Y4RSuqlIjzNLAtlPESwPhO_o-fVhvxXW3TkYnpGm_R8y5c5nHAvv-hteaCNBzlrxnZdOT4cLpI1HOROOScyOzEiLEaze3tlq0f4AAl3bK7-h0ET9FSuvZ/s4032/PXL_20231226_073337450.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-x8hTjGnq8GZMhyOlelKo0eVZYMdhPBJ-aSJcLICARfkFAXi3DkY-IKsYzjN-mDg-tVXfS1Y4RSuqlIjzNLAtlPESwPhO_o-fVhvxXW3TkYnpGm_R8y5c5nHAvv-hteaCNBzlrxnZdOT4cLpI1HOROOScyOzEiLEaze3tlq0f4AAl3bK7-h0ET9FSuvZ/s320/PXL_20231226_073337450.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Views from the paths around the crater offer mesmerising views of Port Louis and the mountain range. A striking tall, blue tower with a dome at the top in Trou Aux Cerfs turned out to be the weather radar station of the country. At the entrance to Trou aux Cerfs I met Raj, whose ancestry is in Bihar. He eked out a living selling toys and souvenirs. H explained to me the features of the volcano and we discussed the life in Mauritius, in general.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiZo-5EN8XfV-EwmDnZUPEU5UQEOuLyMV_lMuwyqJuidenE9tStvYjE2Mjd0b6zIVMTG5OOS-H3GFdzqkVgtdK9PE6g7a9mSlm28Cgq44zvoaa3cUHCsgJAISTDho0tezuMZt-rkqORsMOh5UbEatzp7STln7r1BjLz5XYV2LB4lrjrT-_eLdSNf5uWSq/s4032/PXL_20231226_075143865.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiZo-5EN8XfV-EwmDnZUPEU5UQEOuLyMV_lMuwyqJuidenE9tStvYjE2Mjd0b6zIVMTG5OOS-H3GFdzqkVgtdK9PE6g7a9mSlm28Cgq44zvoaa3cUHCsgJAISTDho0tezuMZt-rkqORsMOh5UbEatzp7STln7r1BjLz5XYV2LB4lrjrT-_eLdSNf5uWSq/s320/PXL_20231226_075143865.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Curepipe Botanic Garden is the second largest botanical garden in Mauritius and was established in 1870 and covers nearly 30 acres of verdant area. It is home to a wide variety of indigenous exotic plants, as well as other species that have been brought from different regions in and around Mauritius and cultivated here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkrdRJkVomhK5VtAJtX3xUvVJaR-CjqDKBTa5vybO_bhz4vAKkf3NH1QxwX9mD3b7CjHcy58CkMbySnjjB5zccQuxGEIJxxzAkajF4oTfY3kQzOGJFmAS8MvmgrMr7mNLz-ZwKtFsP2wiNAQzKnH3whIZP5dCCUwlgzX7XeAoMgOn9yuP-2S6pZ1g8-Vb/s4032/PXL_20231226_075552360.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkrdRJkVomhK5VtAJtX3xUvVJaR-CjqDKBTa5vybO_bhz4vAKkf3NH1QxwX9mD3b7CjHcy58CkMbySnjjB5zccQuxGEIJxxzAkajF4oTfY3kQzOGJFmAS8MvmgrMr7mNLz-ZwKtFsP2wiNAQzKnH3whIZP5dCCUwlgzX7XeAoMgOn9yuP-2S6pZ1g8-Vb/s320/PXL_20231226_075552360.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The gardens are intersected by a river and a lake with a Gazebo to host community events. The Victorian-style kiosk has a raised wooden board floor to facilitate better acoustics during concerts. The uniqueness of the Curepipe Gardens is the rarest palm tree in the world, the Hyophorbe amaricaulis. This individual remains the only specimen of its species, as all attempts to cross-fertilise it have failed. The 12 meter high unique palm has a thin grey coloured trunk that produces occasional creamy white flowers. It is protected by security fencing around it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPTc4b7k58Wkkl3fdDM1iDX7Lb4LTXlqzqVGpP2BmvDxpVxLrTeIugIATmelKXjbOjC8Dx034On483EXg-lJw7Zmve5ClB4_OMJe5Gwmy4gPjxr0qCzet88nxgAF_miBUAwLJ3n-BgiVfhnU27kd8kmjZtWUkjaAG7xM4K-fr1TLeMPHVycmQuOM5AnuO/s4032/PXL_20231226_112453314.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWPTc4b7k58Wkkl3fdDM1iDX7Lb4LTXlqzqVGpP2BmvDxpVxLrTeIugIATmelKXjbOjC8Dx034On483EXg-lJw7Zmve5ClB4_OMJe5Gwmy4gPjxr0qCzet88nxgAF_miBUAwLJ3n-BgiVfhnU27kd8kmjZtWUkjaAG7xM4K-fr1TLeMPHVycmQuOM5AnuO/s320/PXL_20231226_112453314.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once I had surmounted the road traffic hurdle on M1 and taken the A1 to circumvent Port Louis I navigated to The Citadelle. The Fort is an impressive sight, with walls made of huge cut stones of basalt rocks; it still holds some remnants from the past such as cannons. The construction of the Fort lasted 10 years from 1830. It was never used for the purpose that t was intended for – to fortify the city from French invasions. However, the Citadel Fort is now famous for the 360-degree view of Port Louis. Many landmarks such as China Town, Champ de Mars, the harbour and waterfront and the mountain range can be marked from atop the ramparts of the Fort.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSHr7nVhE7HdsO5mfwSMrmbiLoI_8HS5mOzeGchVC0XRyCwp7s3y9QWBlMbca2-xvtdAGIURitxUhSjM_vgplMjnJ2wfwVR9QmtLDeDexzFgSpKq6YQ11H_zdoCVeXclY_WFhbD6Of8isp0FmOnzIZ0lmpjFwiRqxWlYdkwlN7YvxXs5M82dRik41Kd-l/s4032/PXL_20231226_114454419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSHr7nVhE7HdsO5mfwSMrmbiLoI_8HS5mOzeGchVC0XRyCwp7s3y9QWBlMbca2-xvtdAGIURitxUhSjM_vgplMjnJ2wfwVR9QmtLDeDexzFgSpKq6YQ11H_zdoCVeXclY_WFhbD6Of8isp0FmOnzIZ0lmpjFwiRqxWlYdkwlN7YvxXs5M82dRik41Kd-l/s320/PXL_20231226_114454419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Champ de Mars is a horse race track near Port Louis. The racecourse was inaugurated in 1812 and the Mauritius Turf Club is the oldest turf club in the Southern Hemisphere and the second oldest in the whole world. It is a relatively small course with less than 1300 metres length and 12 metres width. The racing season starts in March and lasts till December. The importance of the race course now is that when Mauritius gained independence on 12 March 1968, the event including the flag hoisting ceremony was held here. Since then the racecourse has been the venue for the annual celebration of the accession to independence. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrq4p6jMK7oqawjzDcRILGOGmXqN4B9vSYHMZ3inl6fQEULTkuDlhseYQQYa-7eGG3M3zfQiXaIYU9fVK6Vkb0szMoQmtiqq9hJVm1uAiQeKIxJzuStk_bqsImUpzClqOsEybJOQpifvSKJ8bIZue9RP1DKUKov7dCKvsjCBWJ7-8OvCvsu9g2u5g9fhdZ/s4032/PXL_20231226_121623624.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrq4p6jMK7oqawjzDcRILGOGmXqN4B9vSYHMZ3inl6fQEULTkuDlhseYQQYa-7eGG3M3zfQiXaIYU9fVK6Vkb0szMoQmtiqq9hJVm1uAiQeKIxJzuStk_bqsImUpzClqOsEybJOQpifvSKJ8bIZue9RP1DKUKov7dCKvsjCBWJ7-8OvCvsu9g2u5g9fhdZ/s320/PXL_20231226_121623624.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Marie Reine de La Paix is a monument to Mary, Queen of Peace and is considered to be its protector. Crafted from white Carrara marble, the statue was built in 1940 and stands 3 meters tall. To reach the church, you need to ascend seven terraces and 82 rock-cut steps. Each terrace is adorned with colourful flowers and the beautiful surrounding gardens are well maintained. The modern chapel and shrine of Marie Reine de la Paix is a popular spot for prayers, and the ornamental gardens offer views over the city. Pope John Paul II officiated his first Mass here during his visit to the island in 1989. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanPbAj4hyphenhyphenml4xDAZXJSeCcdRPdd4gxW_8XK2U8Nx89eR-aE0aaiXvBv4U3zR0dC4ZAKO_kYyTVjH-BzsOO3Jd1FpN9LG58B1wTkKTgicLSif_9tG5GiwJHYckUT_b8m0G1mu3RoVBU1uwgDslnLs-ejQrundzWK0GRJbMN5sn-K0b-_WDe_9uauPWbXtj/s4032/PXL_20231226_123441874.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanPbAj4hyphenhyphenml4xDAZXJSeCcdRPdd4gxW_8XK2U8Nx89eR-aE0aaiXvBv4U3zR0dC4ZAKO_kYyTVjH-BzsOO3Jd1FpN9LG58B1wTkKTgicLSif_9tG5GiwJHYckUT_b8m0G1mu3RoVBU1uwgDslnLs-ejQrundzWK0GRJbMN5sn-K0b-_WDe_9uauPWbXtj/s320/PXL_20231226_123441874.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The St. James Anglican Cathedral was originally a building used for storage of powder magazine (gun powder) during the time of the French occupation of Mauritius. Therefore, to protect the critical cargo the walls were made very thick. For this reason, much modification could not be done when the decision to convert the building into a place of worship was considered in the first half of the 19th century. The lofty spire of the church became a true landmark and was so prominent that the sailors entering the Port used it to check their bearings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZOV-lj5U-eUo9HH5OL7tfNu_8tdcZ3gsbdvuTIguGEj44FxUJDTdEqxZcg7-1WqNo3BtulpBL4NjCUjaU9LleRYsTteo-q7h6qZ3ajE07AxBZPf1cPjRYPxbO984cW-FrGIVrNGji-DmNI0ijnZVhuuhxxpHWUtA7_ZAX4itaYu1RtD6W_8f2EcpbLDp/s4032/PXL_20231226_125400394.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZOV-lj5U-eUo9HH5OL7tfNu_8tdcZ3gsbdvuTIguGEj44FxUJDTdEqxZcg7-1WqNo3BtulpBL4NjCUjaU9LleRYsTteo-q7h6qZ3ajE07AxBZPf1cPjRYPxbO984cW-FrGIVrNGji-DmNI0ijnZVhuuhxxpHWUtA7_ZAX4itaYu1RtD6W_8f2EcpbLDp/s320/PXL_20231226_125400394.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Roman Catholic St. Louis Cathedral is the seat of the bishop of Port Louis. The first church at the site was built in mid-18th century and since then many have been built there. Cyclones and disrepair brought ruin many times to the church. The present Church is a 2007 restoration of a 1930 structure. That ended an adventurous day, where I packed in more than what I had originally scheduled, although half way through the day it didn’t look as if that would be the case.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-29791929273504279252024-02-10T08:20:00.000+05:302024-02-11T22:11:14.051+05:3025 December 2023 – Day 3 – Souillac to Port Louis, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWd9qd4EXKnL_TVMs5IyTnk_-oYnaO-p2eEFH1_wzD1xkMf7iwaDUr2hDH5IA-SBwMy6mJWEcO-P6yAT1WKvWXPTJd_sf8tduoIKjzApmyfDfN2IlHS9mi_aR0l_FoR3wcEsODFaiZYpZRyajbFwmzz47kQ1cxx5V4csiTpf3XRT1n8x4QKhRaaqlp8i-/s4032/PXL_20231225_041012696.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJWd9qd4EXKnL_TVMs5IyTnk_-oYnaO-p2eEFH1_wzD1xkMf7iwaDUr2hDH5IA-SBwMy6mJWEcO-P6yAT1WKvWXPTJd_sf8tduoIKjzApmyfDfN2IlHS9mi_aR0l_FoR3wcEsODFaiZYpZRyajbFwmzz47kQ1cxx5V4csiTpf3XRT1n8x4QKhRaaqlp8i-/s320/PXL_20231225_041012696.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Black River Gorges-Bel Ombre biosphere reserve, spread over 8500 hectares, is important for the conservation of the last remnants of the islands’ endemic vegetation, the tropical evergreen forest. The biosphere is uninhabited. However, more than a million tourists visit this ecologically sensitive area annually. Within the national park an information center raises public awareness and provides environmental education.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRWO0nZawa8QUJ68cmS0FXrHlBZ2DRRfmTO90Q1esWxmbJRo1ziK7cZox8kuVYyn70Yc6TyWINVwDrkyddvncL0QUdDv1zUWUJGKv5508VQ8PuEyfb3_1Xy_JeBC_PaUUsXizKK7ocxXMPpTYECqUijzrZ6Zmv_apyKEC-zd2ErPj77SwAkpHFE-TXVi9/s4032/PXL_20231225_052913791.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRWO0nZawa8QUJ68cmS0FXrHlBZ2DRRfmTO90Q1esWxmbJRo1ziK7cZox8kuVYyn70Yc6TyWINVwDrkyddvncL0QUdDv1zUWUJGKv5508VQ8PuEyfb3_1Xy_JeBC_PaUUsXizKK7ocxXMPpTYECqUijzrZ6Zmv_apyKEC-zd2ErPj77SwAkpHFE-TXVi9/s320/PXL_20231225_052913791.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The drive through the National Park, with viewpoints like the Alexandria waterfall and the Gorges viewpoint, are points of tourist interest. The former was closed due to excessive overnight rain. At the entrance to the viewpoint a tape was strung across two trees with the notice of the closure. I was surprised that no one tried to breach the tape despite there being no supervision at site. Many tourists came in vehicles and two-wheelers, read the notice and, without demur or attempts to trek to the viewpoint, went on their way. This kind of discipline, especially in the absence of supervision, speaks volumes of the character of the locals and tourists.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY90ILTwxUKeSr7DR7C80M12L9dvEM9E2iFgvPJteuH5SXROwsC7JFiPNkPDL3qV-eLFZ4ftPp4_pMyJUZKyuorLC1x_hUzhbTqW8IST2UhUwrAHTnguVxpVgl36I_6r9x5HVD1XE87XFg2OabdBJE1mBpQmgYcoGfcYi9vYdxJtNLnnXOawF0bb38ZRh/s4032/PXL_20231225_054223229.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXY90ILTwxUKeSr7DR7C80M12L9dvEM9E2iFgvPJteuH5SXROwsC7JFiPNkPDL3qV-eLFZ4ftPp4_pMyJUZKyuorLC1x_hUzhbTqW8IST2UhUwrAHTnguVxpVgl36I_6r9x5HVD1XE87XFg2OabdBJE1mBpQmgYcoGfcYi9vYdxJtNLnnXOawF0bb38ZRh/s320/PXL_20231225_054223229.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Black River Gorges National Park is a primeval forest, famous for being the home of endangered species such as the Mauritius Falcon. In times past, the hard ebony found in the park was used to make warships in different parts of the world. After leaving behind the souvenir, food stalls and smiling, fun loving locals on the road between Chamarel and Le Petrin, one will reach the viewpoint at the gorge of the Black River.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvWSJ6MB0mI9M_tJv3JTMVQDmRFiiyCj_fQokKiKbHHmDEvY7YL8LUquNLkUw-LeNdGAUTAhe6jB-TP7kV8FOqxR9Ujj3PQTJRezXkIQOAdepVI-wvwwMMsXnXbZNNcGJaci0tQLfXcanVt0NBLtOHmvMP2Q8cDmn4dYGpfsDFgiIgGtZLbi7AVY8rOQS/s4032/PXL_20231225_055346493.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvWSJ6MB0mI9M_tJv3JTMVQDmRFiiyCj_fQokKiKbHHmDEvY7YL8LUquNLkUw-LeNdGAUTAhe6jB-TP7kV8FOqxR9Ujj3PQTJRezXkIQOAdepVI-wvwwMMsXnXbZNNcGJaci0tQLfXcanVt0NBLtOHmvMP2Q8cDmn4dYGpfsDFgiIgGtZLbi7AVY8rOQS/s320/PXL_20231225_055346493.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The path to the viewpoint has a unique ambience of its own with even a group of monkeys that come and greet as a sign of welcome The Park has 60-kilometres of road network inside to trek, which will take more than one day to complete. The Gorges Viewpoint offers a spectacular panoramic view of the endless green stretches. I was amazed to discover how high the viewing area was from the gorge. On the right side of the viewpoint is a breath-taking waterfall. The viewpoint is approximately 20 km from Souillac.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOlSHEjtQRNGgL6cjOZ3TxV67ASanOlGSemSTN5uKJSP5eDLp6sOM319I6b_xBE_NX9uHnk4cAYJOwkpmQgR80BHZHOHqUpVzO4JI-M2f13AJFaD0dCqzFKUTy_5W0BUOOAt0caXMaJPeRsX198RUV5CfRnpkcab1Q-BFRNsQgUM9PkkPaMPiX_jUqwxS/s4032/PXL_20231225_042644429.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOlSHEjtQRNGgL6cjOZ3TxV67ASanOlGSemSTN5uKJSP5eDLp6sOM319I6b_xBE_NX9uHnk4cAYJOwkpmQgR80BHZHOHqUpVzO4JI-M2f13AJFaD0dCqzFKUTy_5W0BUOOAt0caXMaJPeRsX198RUV5CfRnpkcab1Q-BFRNsQgUM9PkkPaMPiX_jUqwxS/w95-h169/PXL_20231225_042644429.MP.jpg" width="95" /></a></div><br />From the Black Gorges National Park Viewpoint it is just 5 km to the Grand Bassin, commonly known as Ganga Talao. The infrastructure and the road leading to the Grand Bassin is excellent. On the approach to the main temples are huge statues of Shiva and Goddess Durga that are a real marvel. The Shiva statues is the third tallest in the world at 108 feet.<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uvcD71eDDC9Lf-re0bf4RBMRDCK1pFufeAbNIh63Z0gQw1doL5XSJvnT4cx1UtZQa5VeVW4MYkgUGio9JhrghJNev_JiNkM3F2-9CjQTSRVy2BuFkfWZ8PaPVXEd2SoMqZvMs72HfFB8ML_7510TVevbJTZ8Yj_lV5IRpGcQVCAp4Nb92yVxnVZTV-NK/s4032/PXL_20231225_045930279.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4uvcD71eDDC9Lf-re0bf4RBMRDCK1pFufeAbNIh63Z0gQw1doL5XSJvnT4cx1UtZQa5VeVW4MYkgUGio9JhrghJNev_JiNkM3F2-9CjQTSRVy2BuFkfWZ8PaPVXEd2SoMqZvMs72HfFB8ML_7510TVevbJTZ8Yj_lV5IRpGcQVCAp4Nb92yVxnVZTV-NK/s320/PXL_20231225_045930279.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Crater Lake is situated deep in the heart of Mauritius. It is about 550 m above sea level. It is considered the most sacred place for Hindus in Mauritius. The Shiv Mandir is located on the bank of the lake and there are temples dedicated to other Gods including Lord Hanuman, Goddess Ganga, and Lord Ganesh around the Grand Bassin. The Talao was discovered in 1887 by a priest called Pandit Jhummon Giri Gossagne Nepal, who claimed to see the waters of Ganga Talao flowing from the goddess Ganga in a dream. During Shivaratri, around half a million Hindus in Mauritius go on a pilgrimage to the lake, many walking bare feet from their homes.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXJqqze8bqSDlYKGYUqnxDdA5oT0RW-CCtJGFUj3Of9nlI-dZ408KACvTg8zn5AbIdtWc0biSMUD2XDpyHQSqZ8uf2gYsFH5C6-93tAxVa9w4_qWNLK_X8mIeYb0q2oAKPq7SaNoZXtIgsGt0PgAYL5B0jRxxhgliZj-nTYuqlxAzqFDAqoIFtebO3APz/s4032/PXL_20231225_071341407.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXJqqze8bqSDlYKGYUqnxDdA5oT0RW-CCtJGFUj3Of9nlI-dZ408KACvTg8zn5AbIdtWc0biSMUD2XDpyHQSqZ8uf2gYsFH5C6-93tAxVa9w4_qWNLK_X8mIeYb0q2oAKPq7SaNoZXtIgsGt0PgAYL5B0jRxxhgliZj-nTYuqlxAzqFDAqoIFtebO3APz/s320/PXL_20231225_071341407.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Flic-en-Flac beach is about 35 km from Grand Bassin; it was one of the longest unbroken stretch I drove in Mauritius. At a junction point on the route, Riviere du Rempart, is the signage that one is driving to the western part of Mauritius, moving on from the north east. Every tourist site and every recommendation for a Mauritian holiday has reference to the Flic-en-Flac beach, which is possibly the most popular in the whole of Mauritius and is the longest sandy beach on the island.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FO4wfLUxWZJmAF4ofUiPHDpkfGG55XIthVa7NxnFkdpQxOofTE-FmoFNNIDSOseVb789yQub4Hko9PQVr8N0O9NqYMKHEicoisk5MYxQM5Pt4pyttUxZdLCtOfaCv6EAJeJYjuAU_VHeT67eQJY0a7wOGHRL4gJRaXtYJ5y-4jzZTyi-FLYKyFl_XYRR/s4032/PXL_20231225_072328157.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5FO4wfLUxWZJmAF4ofUiPHDpkfGG55XIthVa7NxnFkdpQxOofTE-FmoFNNIDSOseVb789yQub4Hko9PQVr8N0O9NqYMKHEicoisk5MYxQM5Pt4pyttUxZdLCtOfaCv6EAJeJYjuAU_VHeT67eQJY0a7wOGHRL4gJRaXtYJ5y-4jzZTyi-FLYKyFl_XYRR/w200-h113/PXL_20231225_072328157.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Flic-en-Flac offers a lively atmosphere both during day and night. Visitors try the delicious local street food during the day from the many food trucks that ring the beach. The bleak weather, brought on by overnight rain, did not deter families from pouring on to the beach on Christmas day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4G-6Q_Oni6v2qg8u3c3zUaMBIkXYNi4utbgMRWGQYE794mlNtHng2cTXegpRCA2OOgavoMZqHEOD8hBoxO2JT9c5KkofjVAqh9WTcTcbXuS6UB8lu6flkAaYiZWCSInS64v_KzjigrAXaP1zRM9jvqKcPRYg6ItWSvnWmth_11WygMGM3dLHCOk8T28Y/s4032/PXL_20231225_111345257.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw4G-6Q_Oni6v2qg8u3c3zUaMBIkXYNi4utbgMRWGQYE794mlNtHng2cTXegpRCA2OOgavoMZqHEOD8hBoxO2JT9c5KkofjVAqh9WTcTcbXuS6UB8lu6flkAaYiZWCSInS64v_KzjigrAXaP1zRM9jvqKcPRYg6ItWSvnWmth_11WygMGM3dLHCOk8T28Y/s320/PXL_20231225_111345257.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Thanks to the cancellation of the two Airbnb accommodations I had initially booked to visit Port Louis and the neighbourhood I managed an excellent apartment in the heart of the city, near China Town. The hosts were waiting for me and gave me precise direction to reach the complex. I was hesitant to park in the street, but the host assured me that everyone parks in the street and it si safe to do so. Anyways, with the full cover, I had little to risk! The apartment was exceptionally well laid out with a kitchenette, a cosy living room and two bedrooms, very tastefully done up and maintained. From the hosts I could make out that the place is busy and I was lucky to get the three days there.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIJ1cOuHvl3ivpdN3EnhEJuzQI1aboQkWoSxHmw4X97oOmT97P4hP6ASGdQioBGRi4Mi8204yzB2W7D8-xo1K4uRTY1_Fjef3RpjL_hCK3PwT9ftdyKT2IHJrOyX8rbOMOo9wGB0NZgeZwQAk1uJK6TnGUczOyTIBj4ZNSyFt7plLVq0I16jx2tm6X4mF/s4032/PXL_20231225_111228229.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIJ1cOuHvl3ivpdN3EnhEJuzQI1aboQkWoSxHmw4X97oOmT97P4hP6ASGdQioBGRi4Mi8204yzB2W7D8-xo1K4uRTY1_Fjef3RpjL_hCK3PwT9ftdyKT2IHJrOyX8rbOMOo9wGB0NZgeZwQAk1uJK6TnGUczOyTIBj4ZNSyFt7plLVq0I16jx2tm6X4mF/s320/PXL_20231225_111228229.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> After settling in and unpacking the bags I decided to take an evening stroll in Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. Port Louis is the country's financial and political centre, and its most populous city. The French occupied Mauritius between 1715 and 1810 and the British from 1810 to 1968. Prior to the opening of the Suez Canal, Port Louis was a major reprovisioning location for French and British ships trading between Europe and Asia.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hBmjTwDBKyv6LvLfc8Epe5NpuYe60ceLp8M6_HPWbK_9ljjO7noQrN9WRp8V3U7aqW3Zf5T0SIV1sfserT-xVFJv1JTttpi6TZQvpM6adHdR9mo_A-KwxhOgpbp4cqUV_s0kNtU_XvefYjhqPv4eeB5r_5FNoScJxbEn5WioDDIzp9e93H9Kv4YJmud2/s4032/PXL_20231225_111945283.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hBmjTwDBKyv6LvLfc8Epe5NpuYe60ceLp8M6_HPWbK_9ljjO7noQrN9WRp8V3U7aqW3Zf5T0SIV1sfserT-xVFJv1JTttpi6TZQvpM6adHdR9mo_A-KwxhOgpbp4cqUV_s0kNtU_XvefYjhqPv4eeB5r_5FNoScJxbEn5WioDDIzp9e93H9Kv4YJmud2/s320/PXL_20231225_111945283.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From my accommodation, near China Town, most of the attractions were easily explored by foot. Magnificent street art and quaint buildings pointed to a flourishing Chinese community in time past. The Jumma Mosque is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the capital city. The Mosque was built in 1852 as an initiative of Muslim traders who could not leave their shops for extended periods of time for prayers. It is written outside the mosque, “Beyond the porch of the Jumma Mosque, the time for man stops and the time for God begins”.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn_kmwDqE1WbcqUwjA5orkNkOwrAC4V3yCd0z3DlP9CeFLyZxGq_c1TxxdOZuMWAQ4Jh1-S_I7o5m9ao1aVrpLHVtiagl9SOdGMWfyULjvWy_4h0YNQg7igI9T7rrbyidGRLBRUjOoWrsSBtbUmCVWEAsfqToErQ747GXBkO_UPB7bo57fcz_xamU_a03/s4032/PXL_20231225_111411558.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn_kmwDqE1WbcqUwjA5orkNkOwrAC4V3yCd0z3DlP9CeFLyZxGq_c1TxxdOZuMWAQ4Jh1-S_I7o5m9ao1aVrpLHVtiagl9SOdGMWfyULjvWy_4h0YNQg7igI9T7rrbyidGRLBRUjOoWrsSBtbUmCVWEAsfqToErQ747GXBkO_UPB7bo57fcz_xamU_a03/s320/PXL_20231225_111411558.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Amicale Gambling House was at the heart of the erstwhile China Town. Prior to the 1950s, when it was converted into a flourishing Casino, the place was at the centre of spice trade in the city for about 100 years. The Casino became the epicentre of nightlife of the city. Sadly, the building was set on fire by rioters following a football match, resulting in many casualties. The place was demolished and has been converted into a parking lot with only memories remaining of the Chinese spirit of enterprise and their fondness for gambling.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSdmbajwaVZ8a3PgrCE6NfUQPUzgypmnX7t05bxIDhH5mSLqnzzVWIqgYL1X9LQvinQMyp0nKukm2cq-ikBN6DpDmMT4Ol56bE6SUR81nA1uPK1ESTJG27gL6YHPpNV5UAWMceNt41y9Pg54qthFbXpXtTpmsaCNFLsRbdFAVAD6yF8C-ruyi0YdwnHoT/s4032/PXL_20231225_114442674.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSdmbajwaVZ8a3PgrCE6NfUQPUzgypmnX7t05bxIDhH5mSLqnzzVWIqgYL1X9LQvinQMyp0nKukm2cq-ikBN6DpDmMT4Ol56bE6SUR81nA1uPK1ESTJG27gL6YHPpNV5UAWMceNt41y9Pg54qthFbXpXtTpmsaCNFLsRbdFAVAD6yF8C-ruyi0YdwnHoT/s320/PXL_20231225_114442674.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Between 1834 and 1920, almost half a million indentured labourers arrived from India at Aapravasi Ghat to work in the sugar plantations of Mauritius or to be transferred to Reunion Island, Australia, southern and eastern Africa or the Caribbean. This was the first site of the British Government’s ‘great experiment’ in the use of ‘free’ labour to replace slaves. The buildings of Aapravasi Ghat stand witness to what became a global economic system facilitating one of the greatest migrations in history.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbNP55coQy-amVes7QyBgw9NhUT6EsS7gH35YOEG2E0d0tRmOuBz8T6LoTuCUjq6QIIg_ERmoX3CgGO7szoEqf6WMhyphenhyphen6BMp98xILA5Zin-UBAL74iY5IeuXsvvDYkVPOY7VcGqqj-6nIlny6R9gTI9atp9Stu7assgd4755tWz5g_oU1RSYJBlyJsVD22/s4032/PXL_20231225_114710674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbNP55coQy-amVes7QyBgw9NhUT6EsS7gH35YOEG2E0d0tRmOuBz8T6LoTuCUjq6QIIg_ERmoX3CgGO7szoEqf6WMhyphenhyphen6BMp98xILA5Zin-UBAL74iY5IeuXsvvDYkVPOY7VcGqqj-6nIlny6R9gTI9atp9Stu7assgd4755tWz5g_oU1RSYJBlyJsVD22/s320/PXL_20231225_114710674.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the time of my visit the Ghat was closed due to Christmas. The guard asked me my nationality and immediately opened up about the significance of the site. He told me how the immigrants were housed there, documentation done, basic facilities provided and transported off to their work locations after about two days. In the early days malnutrition and disease was common amongst the immigrants.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tvIqQMlxXSgVXnZdreO2h4HtOr8WM-CafSKUMAe1G2MSevMX0UPWIhI6wMKZvajnR4H0mCk7Z8a3I6txQkSjagEdXPcwSpRFKe7Z0MqLdiJTNoyfKTE5GE6Xh3HHmXHeB9gSJaaL0fdp44iG90brYJ8_Dn3ARzZaswOuAxcNicqCcaAEfwjoX1StE8aD/s4032/PXL_20231225_115149599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7tvIqQMlxXSgVXnZdreO2h4HtOr8WM-CafSKUMAe1G2MSevMX0UPWIhI6wMKZvajnR4H0mCk7Z8a3I6txQkSjagEdXPcwSpRFKe7Z0MqLdiJTNoyfKTE5GE6Xh3HHmXHeB9gSJaaL0fdp44iG90brYJ8_Dn3ARzZaswOuAxcNicqCcaAEfwjoX1StE8aD/s320/PXL_20231225_115149599.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In close proximity to the Aaparvasi Ghat is the Intercontinental Slavery Museum (ISM), which provides a unique experience of human tragedy, resistance, and survival by breaking the chains of the slavery legacy. The ISM was one of the key recommendations of the Truth and Justice Commission of Mauritius set up in 2009 to investigate the legacy of slavery and indentured labor from colonial times. As part of the recommendations the erstwhile Labourdonnais military hospital, the oldest building in Port Louis built in 1740, was restored and refurbished to house the Museum. It too was closed on the day of my visit.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPYL7QNiFsGTqmfKDP6y_XoQ2W56-i06AUw8NYGvGhHLDqIK47I9savwpxolRCP2qw0TPTmwO5KphK5mMQY8YOFIv7cmZkMawQekDF-N0jtwOrXHX7Ew23wDoRBbH9E9I_KXXETNzqiyLDlHwTYYIPcAgC4PnPa6nbOJ42fTQ8cnLgBe9sY8okzG0lurc/s4032/PXL_20231225_115427798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPYL7QNiFsGTqmfKDP6y_XoQ2W56-i06AUw8NYGvGhHLDqIK47I9savwpxolRCP2qw0TPTmwO5KphK5mMQY8YOFIv7cmZkMawQekDF-N0jtwOrXHX7Ew23wDoRBbH9E9I_KXXETNzqiyLDlHwTYYIPcAgC4PnPa6nbOJ42fTQ8cnLgBe9sY8okzG0lurc/s320/PXL_20231225_115427798.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On the walk to the Caudan waterfront I came across the massive red brick building, The Granary, built between 1927 and 1931, was a precautionary measure against food scarcity. It stored cereals and dry grass. It remains the largest brick building in the Indian Ocean, reportedly. The warehouse could store 300,000 sacks of food, the requirement for the entire population of Mauritius for four months. It was equipped with mechanical conveyors and elevators to unload sacks from the seafront and store within the warehouse.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvajntIyyPamyecZPEdC_uYDAZ_QiZEFZB-O6sKe94WSx0-LeVp-LBJ8vu_s7c3HbspPpIiNqVwik7vC_9kSPp9JFx-th1PLstRbd-oydWt76T2SYopPBaKI49kb_wOuifGK08q-7XC_9WLbkHU8yEQq17BmnRO_9vTq5zcCxePRYqvfPOES9RoasYA0Pw/s4032/PXL_20231225_115732259.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvajntIyyPamyecZPEdC_uYDAZ_QiZEFZB-O6sKe94WSx0-LeVp-LBJ8vu_s7c3HbspPpIiNqVwik7vC_9kSPp9JFx-th1PLstRbd-oydWt76T2SYopPBaKI49kb_wOuifGK08q-7XC_9WLbkHU8yEQq17BmnRO_9vTq5zcCxePRYqvfPOES9RoasYA0Pw/s320/PXL_20231225_115732259.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This huge building now serves many purposes like storage, offices, logistics centre, car park and a tourist site. Seen from the harbour side, this building dominates the whole area. A signboard outside includes an old photo where you can see the building from the seaside, including information about it. Two acres over three levels says something about the size.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLO5YNOAyJ2wEwfWQRfFLItRnIYVzGmwLoFDr2yCa7Stsw8lx_Adbrs7_z8FulBl6ccLP2pW3ag_WEgWHkfEdhcDHW-xGxibzV9IM9wXGTc1ZLbTT4Ju7mdyUefACTt6b0A34968_YsKU4iLOnAU5fzcz-VvapIvOQwe6sv36Uf2ayuU_7yAmcAGkL5N8/s4032/PXL_20231225_120543056.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLO5YNOAyJ2wEwfWQRfFLItRnIYVzGmwLoFDr2yCa7Stsw8lx_Adbrs7_z8FulBl6ccLP2pW3ag_WEgWHkfEdhcDHW-xGxibzV9IM9wXGTc1ZLbTT4Ju7mdyUefACTt6b0A34968_YsKU4iLOnAU5fzcz-VvapIvOQwe6sv36Uf2ayuU_7yAmcAGkL5N8/s320/PXL_20231225_120543056.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The headquarters of Mauritius Post as well as the quaint Postal Museum which has a plaque commemorating 140 years of the establishment of the postal system in Mauritius (1868-2008) is near the Caudan waterfront. The building is a good example of Victorian architecture of public colonial buildings. Very close to it is the Customs Building and the National Coast Guards office. A sight that strikes the eye is a windmill that was constructed in the 1900s to grind wheat for supply to the bakeries to make bread for free supply to the citizens of the city.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGX62hKtIM7xq6RjfDelSq_ESfgLsoiVeFdg4isBemZLLXUscUflTl0lKCVmMACOvEs_xtTSGg6nhbmaotLkEw0uePVDRAtZym2QmKPKEfJdD5E4mPC_waT-rgA-K1-qHtseDpXWmR5-_ceZwYY7HmulpplsVfvaGeOXaCg4KYxOAtjij25kUNsAaMhPw/s4032/PXL_20231225_123523159.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGX62hKtIM7xq6RjfDelSq_ESfgLsoiVeFdg4isBemZLLXUscUflTl0lKCVmMACOvEs_xtTSGg6nhbmaotLkEw0uePVDRAtZym2QmKPKEfJdD5E4mPC_waT-rgA-K1-qHtseDpXWmR5-_ceZwYY7HmulpplsVfvaGeOXaCg4KYxOAtjij25kUNsAaMhPw/s320/PXL_20231225_123523159.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Caudan waterfront is a modern waterfront in Port Louis. It has a large selection of outlets for shopping an array of eating joints and restaurants, and corporate space for offices, meetings and events. There are cinemas and entertainment centres. The cultural attractions include the Caudan Arts Centre, Blue Penny Museum, the Artists Corner and the Casino.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjumR8hf5mV2wiWN499-Ytkhs-5T50bhmirISC7Q16cOet3BPFvaWyPpChRVNrldvBuGUUOm_h3KY3RGotYQ_bPzEE6PpC8_G9zj0f9WIiTGM7aBVtmo34BaJipMLS9LgNg12DhAnoXjdkWq2fJqCJYCuCiy7yue00Bf6y_fEECKTEzbF8I7gu18scXBsM/s4032/PXL_20231225_124536819.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjumR8hf5mV2wiWN499-Ytkhs-5T50bhmirISC7Q16cOet3BPFvaWyPpChRVNrldvBuGUUOm_h3KY3RGotYQ_bPzEE6PpC8_G9zj0f9WIiTGM7aBVtmo34BaJipMLS9LgNg12DhAnoXjdkWq2fJqCJYCuCiy7yue00Bf6y_fEECKTEzbF8I7gu18scXBsM/s320/PXL_20231225_124536819.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Odysseo is the first oceanarium in the country and is approached by a swinging bridge, the operation of which is another attraction. There are many pricey accommodations ringing the waterfront with opulence written all over. The waterfront was extremely active, possibly because all other attractions were closed for the day.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCybdCpB_53jxYTYDfwK5iWyt9Prp7lVWdZJQU2ecgarWXFoBERU1xw06tgO3b7yzFtTXgQq5cOe7bmRAaED4a7UMS6ybTVniuzrS2J2dYAxXUOnB31MhAAGM1JgK1ToeI84BkPcvwgyu4834xT6kv1YzKk7c4y8QH0XSv0fgoztROUzjuwLlzFDVReCt/s4032/PXL_20231225_132221546.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCybdCpB_53jxYTYDfwK5iWyt9Prp7lVWdZJQU2ecgarWXFoBERU1xw06tgO3b7yzFtTXgQq5cOe7bmRAaED4a7UMS6ybTVniuzrS2J2dYAxXUOnB31MhAAGM1JgK1ToeI84BkPcvwgyu4834xT6kv1YzKk7c4y8QH0XSv0fgoztROUzjuwLlzFDVReCt/w90-h159/PXL_20231225_132221546.MP.jpg" width="90" /></a></div><br />I had dinner in one of the restaurants on the waterfront – local draught beer and a plate of Bol Renverse, with a liberal dose of chicken, prawn and egg with rice, a local delicacy known as Magic Bowl.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULhZabL0y88Uq0bsk5E1NxfhfUCkCusL9e3NPLlZIvtiB-IY49oSao82yXp2cmXwS5lw7uhEakXYRRFVLI_paIc4IK5APIrvDT8qedptck4VivZoUy5Q3qSpxYFu_iTgYFMyYwFoASswS7D7EkARG5o-viWNEETihFOp5SFjSMLHQj_bcswnWkbdE2CoC/s4032/PXL_20231225_135926845.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULhZabL0y88Uq0bsk5E1NxfhfUCkCusL9e3NPLlZIvtiB-IY49oSao82yXp2cmXwS5lw7uhEakXYRRFVLI_paIc4IK5APIrvDT8qedptck4VivZoUy5Q3qSpxYFu_iTgYFMyYwFoASswS7D7EkARG5o-viWNEETihFOp5SFjSMLHQj_bcswnWkbdE2CoC/s320/PXL_20231225_135926845.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Place d'Armes, which stretches from the Caudan waterfront to the Government House is the historic core of the modern Port Louis. This was the location where the French Naval Base was established in 1725. The place is emblematic of the seat of power over time and a memorial to the great men who impacted the history of the nation, as the many statues on the route tell us. Truly a packed day, full of enjoyment.<p></p></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-20403511724610134282024-02-10T06:08:00.002+05:302024-02-11T22:11:09.425+05:3024 December 2023 – Day 2 – Souillac, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc5KvovTjoH2kn6eAhgjCvejsP0oiXYyYYXVxQA1jlS3wHHnpaAWvujxKjBMRomWRtUmzOQWxjt8MhzLFDjlqFCnyPE1KuzKryhrac86Ywpziv5FEKe20Db39gcebobNj7Zbdr4-MvfIYjqNusr0-XpelprdtI7zlo7R4fs2zu0trVakdI-kdtYOkyh5t/s4032/PXL_20231224_042930971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsc5KvovTjoH2kn6eAhgjCvejsP0oiXYyYYXVxQA1jlS3wHHnpaAWvujxKjBMRomWRtUmzOQWxjt8MhzLFDjlqFCnyPE1KuzKryhrac86Ywpziv5FEKe20Db39gcebobNj7Zbdr4-MvfIYjqNusr0-XpelprdtI7zlo7R4fs2zu0trVakdI-kdtYOkyh5t/w200-h113/PXL_20231224_042930971.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Nature created Paradise on earth, which homo sapiens systematically laid waste and destroyed. Despite their best efforts many slices of Paradise still remain for those who are fortunate to visit there, marvel in them and enjoy the bounty. On this visit to Mauritius I have the opportunity to savour some of the delights that Nature created and man has nourished.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jlp86ZWM0jextE6rHwDRR7jtATtY2TPi6vqCt6jVE8hAt1dnnJiVPhjVBOR1fUaPeSv0hMGZl1wzrNt0E-IMljz03K8dMnbb5ifZZzupSyieBDq8xh4OHMXgLG_e4V6LdRCYzmAc00PTMQTxw-1W8VY0hEhjxGe7QZ2AWxhPy5gF0aZBNjDAMKoKpyQC/s4032/PXL_20231224_044934306.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Jlp86ZWM0jextE6rHwDRR7jtATtY2TPi6vqCt6jVE8hAt1dnnJiVPhjVBOR1fUaPeSv0hMGZl1wzrNt0E-IMljz03K8dMnbb5ifZZzupSyieBDq8xh4OHMXgLG_e4V6LdRCYzmAc00PTMQTxw-1W8VY0hEhjxGe7QZ2AWxhPy5gF0aZBNjDAMKoKpyQC/s320/PXL_20231224_044934306.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had planned a day full of activity and wished that the weather would be a staunch aide – it panned out as planned. The Macondé Viewpoint at Baie du Cap, undoubtedly the most popular viewpoint in Mauritius, is ranked among the 10 most beautiful roads in the world. It provides unparalleled views of deep green forests, lines of palm trees, the turquoise waters of the southwest coast and Le Morne Brabant Mountain. Every turn and every few meters one is tempted to stop for photos and to enjoy majestic sights. The route is a narrow dual carriageway from Souillac to the Maconde Viewpoint. Baie Du Cap is a small, quaint village en route to Le Morne. The region is known for its natural beauty and rugged coastlines.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAOcSmpg2RB_ynOnkNptxmoCs7q43NRnN5xL0g9ID2OERyQ2iCdObBvlOJM2mYjlpV96U179g4AAANmo0OKxtXOqyJIk6YTA21BY5ZIKq_IvbI5xz9ev_EaumROcT7954KVy0S-cSx9lZVYk2lmKLCBUE4uuS9ydbswrmcdY101wCdZQQyq3RmRTQWyn5/s4032/PXL_20231224_045444364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAOcSmpg2RB_ynOnkNptxmoCs7q43NRnN5xL0g9ID2OERyQ2iCdObBvlOJM2mYjlpV96U179g4AAANmo0OKxtXOqyJIk6YTA21BY5ZIKq_IvbI5xz9ev_EaumROcT7954KVy0S-cSx9lZVYk2lmKLCBUE4uuS9ydbswrmcdY101wCdZQQyq3RmRTQWyn5/s320/PXL_20231224_045444364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Maconde Viewpoint is set on a curved portion of the coastal road, on the peak of a small rocky cliff where I enjoyed breath-taking views of the Indian Ocean and the coastal village landscape around it .It is believed that the name ‘Maconde’ originates from the slavery period, where runaway slaves from the Makonde tribe of Mozambique came to seek refuge here. Others believe that is was named after the governor Jean Baptiste Henri Conde, who built an outlook on the cliff. The winding road along the basalt cliffs with the ocean lapping against the rocks, make for quite a sight and is a popular spot for those interested in watching the ocean swells. The viewpoint is accessed by a set of narrow stairs. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-jdvZ1OasioSD2FaRr5Etyo0_U_YQWxOaSkOvrdN5V9HjlrS0ezx7d8AXQ1bRXaz0NuAv-8P8X0_VgXlBzm_SRzHkAtIAvl_-uyAY8_xZuSoWUbxWN6yK0PnI6GxYeAQIeCIP6dVrsjia2TivbCQcYemJSf8UW3YesZ3849UACkKwJ7bLLqrRvxqyKmY/s4032/PXL_20231224_051500014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT-jdvZ1OasioSD2FaRr5Etyo0_U_YQWxOaSkOvrdN5V9HjlrS0ezx7d8AXQ1bRXaz0NuAv-8P8X0_VgXlBzm_SRzHkAtIAvl_-uyAY8_xZuSoWUbxWN6yK0PnI6GxYeAQIeCIP6dVrsjia2TivbCQcYemJSf8UW3YesZ3849UACkKwJ7bLLqrRvxqyKmY/s320/PXL_20231224_051500014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While driving along the magnificent coastal road to Baie du Cap it is difficult to miss the small beach of La Prairie. The place owes its name to the short grass that grows right up to the water's edge, adding to the beauty of the place. The huge lagoon is a delight for the eyes, and there are many charming little spots to get away from the crowds. One of the features of the beaches, even if they are small, is that there are comfort stations at almost all of them. They are reasonably decently maintained with attendants at their post most of the time. Due to the salty water the fixtures do get rusty and there is a peculiar smell associated with it. Despite all that, it is adequate to meet an emergency, as I discovered at the La Prairie beach.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3huo6q6rQcrUXRswVslv3e68Xc-IyFkV_NsQez6v29Y5JuRy5V9VtoY1DV8Nh2G2gGN5rz9lK4-VhC-0P7cYnQibf89U6HvRpZO4gxm06N5WXSTRdUR7v7aiy3rPJD9p_tYMXvkkZkoJU2CzrAHGkA7gqIBQlYgrKn8ukkKdVVXnhTYfJeLenJvdY-kFm/s4032/PXL_20231224_054910029.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3huo6q6rQcrUXRswVslv3e68Xc-IyFkV_NsQez6v29Y5JuRy5V9VtoY1DV8Nh2G2gGN5rz9lK4-VhC-0P7cYnQibf89U6HvRpZO4gxm06N5WXSTRdUR7v7aiy3rPJD9p_tYMXvkkZkoJU2CzrAHGkA7gqIBQlYgrKn8ukkKdVVXnhTYfJeLenJvdY-kFm/s320/PXL_20231224_054910029.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I parked in the Le Morne public beach I asked a taxi driver what there was to see in the area. He said, "Why Sir, the beach is the most beautiful in the whole of Mauritius." In a short while I realised the truth of what he said. Paradise? Heaven? Stunning and jaw dropping, I didn't know whether to film the experience or grant the eyes that benefit. An incredible beach with crystal clear waters and the most beautiful backdrop of Le Morne Brabant, which is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Surfing, dolphin watching and swimming are popular here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBVRAHTeQ-3sLa9QDas1FUOqd65VVQv6Q6s6VFUxgvqiJN38g0rJBZIRTEFfjZ0j6haHjxnufojrjpoZC9VyLVYUfsmBzjf0QgjmxI7QaFhqxoNQLAREXvfBRW-duGeFKaiR4ZhCFPpNA9Zezf3uyd1D8Hqp7w_xDDbq9R5p8oBnVDEYPe5qQrC_unja2/s4032/PXL_20231224_055109351.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBVRAHTeQ-3sLa9QDas1FUOqd65VVQv6Q6s6VFUxgvqiJN38g0rJBZIRTEFfjZ0j6haHjxnufojrjpoZC9VyLVYUfsmBzjf0QgjmxI7QaFhqxoNQLAREXvfBRW-duGeFKaiR4ZhCFPpNA9Zezf3uyd1D8Hqp7w_xDDbq9R5p8oBnVDEYPe5qQrC_unja2/s320/PXL_20231224_055109351.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Le Morne beach has miles of white sand fringed by large casuarina trees. While nudism is prohibited, topless sunbathing is permitted in the beach. The water is crystal clear, which offers excellent visibility for scuba diving. It is also known as one of the best kite surfing and windsurfing spots in Mauritius. Many competitions are held annually, like the Kiteival, which brings scores of international participants to La Morne. There are classy and pricey accommodations in the vicinity of the beach – with the beach crowded at the time of my visit, it was only natural that these hotels were fully booked. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOTbqtZ9N8dniY-H4mYpuTfMdIzf40WmuKgABREgnWd0XVB-j1Rxlg5wdGemVGJvoWtiY7aRXwP_aWVWyz7yB_LtLT7A5ANhbNklQy2NsvpcMowPBc3o9sGwpd4p-K094xJ6s5c_ihUk5rvFL7-_OfiDjBhjECsZrQeyBFYbN98KEFR97R4i4R6uWn0X4/s4032/PXL_20231224_064200117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOTbqtZ9N8dniY-H4mYpuTfMdIzf40WmuKgABREgnWd0XVB-j1Rxlg5wdGemVGJvoWtiY7aRXwP_aWVWyz7yB_LtLT7A5ANhbNklQy2NsvpcMowPBc3o9sGwpd4p-K094xJ6s5c_ihUk5rvFL7-_OfiDjBhjECsZrQeyBFYbN98KEFR97R4i4R6uWn0X4/s320/PXL_20231224_064200117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>La Gaulette is a village in Mauritius and is rated as a must visit place on the western coast of Mauritius. It is essentially a fishing village where one can experience typical village life in the coastal areas of the country. I found the place a bit over-rated and certainly feel that it can be given a miss. The same was the case with Case Noyale. On the way there I stopped at a picturesque place with a rock bund with pristine waters and a rock bund to walk down the lagoon with an amazing backdrop of the La Morne Mountain. A Frenchman was assessing the wind required to do kite surfing in the Benitiers island. The village area of Case Noyale comprises most of the slopes of the Black River mountain range down to the coastline. The area is known for Sisal aloe cultivation, its value addition into jute bags and processing of Chamarel coffee. On its coastline, Case Noyale has evolved from a small fishing village into a more residential development. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp8F81S5vnLpfUGcROPlwD1u6YvLfvY0aSB-LGb5UszJt-S6jxnWU4jjacLaVaZxYGRNQVXLmUH047pD_b1MbJgSDSQOhRZB6e6Yc-vsmQwQcGpo_9oH_GKDApKcO7Z4jot4bjpBe5A7o_bx5Q-gegAATzwZlHPY0qnlD5RAw9enLCq00uSeHfP_-9zaM/s4032/PXL_20231224_072341681.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjp8F81S5vnLpfUGcROPlwD1u6YvLfvY0aSB-LGb5UszJt-S6jxnWU4jjacLaVaZxYGRNQVXLmUH047pD_b1MbJgSDSQOhRZB6e6Yc-vsmQwQcGpo_9oH_GKDApKcO7Z4jot4bjpBe5A7o_bx5Q-gegAATzwZlHPY0qnlD5RAw9enLCq00uSeHfP_-9zaM/s320/PXL_20231224_072341681.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I chanced upon the La Preneuse public beach, which is awesomeness redefined. It is located in the Black River. The Martello Tower, located next to the parking lot, and the old cannons on the waterfront are the main attractions. They transport you back to the era of piracy and invasions. The white sandy La Preneuse beach is away from the bustle and mass tourism. The beach is surrounded by clear blue waters and coral reef with stunning views of Le Morne Brabant as a backdrop. The views are so unbelievable that I stood there for a while to make reality sink in. For those seeking tranquillity, the beach of La Preneuse is a superb opportunity with vast expanse of sand and lush vegetation. The beach, reportedly, is famous for its spectacular sunsets and family swimming outings. Excursions to swim with the dolphins, catamaran tours, speed boat thrills and kayaking are available from the beach.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_6fFPRM72rTE7TJ8J-VWkxNoPrIyAzd79TiVj1sU0YaAJ8bujFDO0RvYGslC_ovwogAd2Tusqu857kYXc2_9CDtNIzp2ek7IWEnk4IptIrPMZCdZ4oh_bVfRsDZiwRddfn_AW3lr-9rTiR7dd2AIuJIH8d-XRhzwng7_zwBC9VZJi_nQFLwCeEeosbnR/s4032/PXL_20231224_075534065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_6fFPRM72rTE7TJ8J-VWkxNoPrIyAzd79TiVj1sU0YaAJ8bujFDO0RvYGslC_ovwogAd2Tusqu857kYXc2_9CDtNIzp2ek7IWEnk4IptIrPMZCdZ4oh_bVfRsDZiwRddfn_AW3lr-9rTiR7dd2AIuJIH8d-XRhzwng7_zwBC9VZJi_nQFLwCeEeosbnR/s320/PXL_20231224_075534065.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On the way to the Tamarin village I stopped at what looked like abandoned salt pans. Tamarin is the main salt pan in Mauritius. Its hot and dry environment provides ideal conditions for salt making. The pans can be seen from the main coastal road. Salt production dates back to the French period and the tradition of its making is almost unchanged after nearly two centuries. Water is pumped directly from the nearby sea and allowed to evaporate in shallow basins. Cheap imports, mainly from India, resulted in the closure of the main salt pans. However, the niche, high value fleur de sel, a high end salt used in food flavouring and garnishing, continues to be harvested.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1_cwkcgWXGnofiXakpueFByk4LxQmG2gGpDWf_FBytMD-1NRV6pZxPEnJ_VxfEjcmqYEBq72bMXxM7rqs7I00o4BaepgEs99NNiY7Z1IGUjAnGyanXgDMzrow6GRaq_IpUihFrsO4FiDpICqX7sigYbGZOA_aONpXK0NuHkvuiIm85aEf1MpXxSWSM1O/s4032/PXL_20231224_081813282.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1_cwkcgWXGnofiXakpueFByk4LxQmG2gGpDWf_FBytMD-1NRV6pZxPEnJ_VxfEjcmqYEBq72bMXxM7rqs7I00o4BaepgEs99NNiY7Z1IGUjAnGyanXgDMzrow6GRaq_IpUihFrsO4FiDpICqX7sigYbGZOA_aONpXK0NuHkvuiIm85aEf1MpXxSWSM1O/s320/PXL_20231224_081813282.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Tamarin Beach is situated along Tamarin Bay, approximately 11 km from Black River Gorges National Park. It is a scenic public beach with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the neighbouring peaks. The beach is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts due to its strong currents. The beach is surrounded by a coral reef that begins at Tamarin Bay. Set in a picturesque environment, surrounded with trees and mountains, the small fishing village of Tamarin has transformed itself over the years, according to locals. The Tamarin public beach is known for its authenticity, the waves and grey sand beach and its incredible sunset. One can have some great traditional Mauritian food from the many kiosks and carts that stud the roadside. I fell prey to the smells and slurps at one of the stalls and had Dimsums and fried noodles in a mouth-watering broth.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYbAU3nYWsnbnx90x7OFYjzP_tOnZi-_GczmGsDIcZmS2eKzQroEMOgOaMo1fdM6ty_Dw05gmeKtTKQYA50OXzCX-kIfijdp4aRwGBUQYsx0oA6dRiDNkslxl2JU76oLEhmKHp3zxrtVhlvZdcit-cyZ7BDX3BqpyYBjmBYALNB-7r21vGo7ZkUJcUFxk/s4032/PXL_20231224_092042594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYbAU3nYWsnbnx90x7OFYjzP_tOnZi-_GczmGsDIcZmS2eKzQroEMOgOaMo1fdM6ty_Dw05gmeKtTKQYA50OXzCX-kIfijdp4aRwGBUQYsx0oA6dRiDNkslxl2JU76oLEhmKHp3zxrtVhlvZdcit-cyZ7BDX3BqpyYBjmBYALNB-7r21vGo7ZkUJcUFxk/s320/PXL_20231224_092042594.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The last stop for the day was the Chamarel seven coloured Geopark. It is a 7500 sq meter area of sand dunes comprising seven distinct colours, red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow. These are deposits of iron and aluminium oxides, each repelling the other and forming distinctive ridges. The Chamarel waterfall is the highest waterfall in the whole of Mauritius, falling at least 100 meters. This is another example of volcanic activity in the region ranging from over 10 million years ago.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwJOSpv-vFYWVuNJcinrVdSAK0vqNnTagSr-8nXjc230URU2o1_UZp4LTgYNnt0BvQ_9M56COn-C_ee5HRFbSUAddEQebe7SoipuraS1Oqyg8dc5dAPnxC9rzlCDbBIR1F6G_OZBThKpI5XtZQab36REAUrmi0i7_78SRJGHrea0xoficVGcTMuKgVtCa/s4032/PXL_20231224_043601546.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidwJOSpv-vFYWVuNJcinrVdSAK0vqNnTagSr-8nXjc230URU2o1_UZp4LTgYNnt0BvQ_9M56COn-C_ee5HRFbSUAddEQebe7SoipuraS1Oqyg8dc5dAPnxC9rzlCDbBIR1F6G_OZBThKpI5XtZQab36REAUrmi0i7_78SRJGHrea0xoficVGcTMuKgVtCa/s320/PXL_20231224_043601546.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Christmas is also a Season for miracles. This afternoon, as I was parking the Swift in the Chamarel Geopark, the fuel indicator for immediate topping up lit up, with the last bar blinking feverishly. I thought that there would be a fuel station within close proximity of Chamarel and I did not think twice about it as I spent over an hour marvelling at another one of Nature's art. When I embarked on the return trip to my accommodation in Souillac, through dense forest, I realised that I may be lucky to get to a fuel station soon. In Bel Ombre, at a signal, the car stopped and what I feared came to pass. A couple of cars behind me honked and moved on. I was stranded, not knowing what to do. I got out of the car, said a short prayer, got back into the car and tried the ignition in hope rather than any real belief. But, hope is what HE gives and makes you believe that the impossible is possible. The engine started, the fuel indicator showed a full bar of fuel and I drove confidently to the Indian Oil fuel station in Souillac. Miracle, or is there any other explanation? I think the former.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskA5jAdoZsZgdM8U1l-Rsf2Qwu-mBnhWlIjzqh9wGKRagcFsDsAQzCLdRR_LHFSLjKFRkBl2Ff-WVN7iqsK2GdS5LzcV7GBAICkfSHBcPEKuOiF82bhv3zT5mpKr_ov5dKFbRlVeNTdpnBm8bf2_MpkPAZLaUFMcSBNdnMNEYgEawet1zGAXzdxhggY4b/s4032/PXL_20231224_152112518.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskA5jAdoZsZgdM8U1l-Rsf2Qwu-mBnhWlIjzqh9wGKRagcFsDsAQzCLdRR_LHFSLjKFRkBl2Ff-WVN7iqsK2GdS5LzcV7GBAICkfSHBcPEKuOiF82bhv3zT5mpKr_ov5dKFbRlVeNTdpnBm8bf2_MpkPAZLaUFMcSBNdnMNEYgEawet1zGAXzdxhggY4b/s320/PXL_20231224_152112518.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After freshening up in the accommodation I was back in the St Jacques Catholic Church that I had chanced upon the previous evening. The Christmas Eve service I attended this evening was pure holiness and joy. The service was participative and I immersed myself completely in it, even though the service was in French. The choir was out of the world with all those present participating, singing and clapping and moving their feet. What a wonderful experience! All because of that elderly lady yesterday. She beamed from ear to ear when she saw me in church today and said, "You came!" Another miracle. Whether we believe in it or not, miracles happen in our lives every day. <p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-15855964419649313512024-02-10T05:46:00.003+05:302024-02-11T22:11:02.931+05:3023 December 2023 – Day 1 – Souillac, Mauritius<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNVzgDkABZFotxk7jZJrb60eFokewaXKg8o6psInt3CmYJrew7dEW0puBQt06usGNSFtwhGAZHHx_OwUXLDLsqnPqgk2d5yHIXoJg_jQFSVSXnPr_84noG7pxKLFG39UsUCt4sSFKzmgjcTFbsKwyLVXHMP3JQ72-TCz1zOIOH8IC4WwDA3oCtKdGhc4U/s4032/PXL_20231223_041859194.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNVzgDkABZFotxk7jZJrb60eFokewaXKg8o6psInt3CmYJrew7dEW0puBQt06usGNSFtwhGAZHHx_OwUXLDLsqnPqgk2d5yHIXoJg_jQFSVSXnPr_84noG7pxKLFG39UsUCt4sSFKzmgjcTFbsKwyLVXHMP3JQ72-TCz1zOIOH8IC4WwDA3oCtKdGhc4U/s320/PXL_20231223_041859194.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I was researching options for rental cars in Mauritius I was able to source a reasonably priced economy car through VIP cars. To confirm the booking I got calls from a person in Gurgaon to make advance payment online through a payment link. I was sceptical of the online payment call and thought it to be a scammer. When I got a call from the service provider in Mauritius to confirm my itinerary I was convinced that that the payment link was genuine. However, the payment link had expired and the service provider informed me that the booking had been cancelled and that they do not have a similar vehicle for the dates I wanted it for. I became desperate as the departure date from India loomed. At the very last minute I pre-booked an automatic Suzuki Swift for the 9 day Mauritius tour with full cover through Discover Cars. The late booking cost me extra.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lbevE2RK8E18dyDOC1FiEr3Ml7gMCvibF208JgTNaIxS_cb00ishUulGjDDZC5fPTNpTQGzskmqyJnNnFigA9CaTTBs3NjFl1xZ0RVr6oLb2DRo8VQXw40YyHlMWhDbR6KG0kyVMc6xlSk7FL0MTNnrkCGc18Z7pDufrOqfHfYsfltNkjmeCoXUfoEam/s4032/PXL_20231223_044641917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lbevE2RK8E18dyDOC1FiEr3Ml7gMCvibF208JgTNaIxS_cb00ishUulGjDDZC5fPTNpTQGzskmqyJnNnFigA9CaTTBs3NjFl1xZ0RVr6oLb2DRo8VQXw40YyHlMWhDbR6KG0kyVMc6xlSk7FL0MTNnrkCGc18Z7pDufrOqfHfYsfltNkjmeCoXUfoEam/s320/PXL_20231223_044641917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I located the person carrying the Mauriconnect Car Rental placard. In a while I was taken to the Mauriconnect parking location where the paper work was done by Brian. He explained what was missing in the full cover offered by Discover Cars. He offered to provide me full cover, in all respects, including theft, and waived the deposit. The last minute booking and the full cover cost me the equivalent of INR 26,000. Brian said that I could try my luck with Discover Cars to get a refund of the full cover. He guided me regarding the refund process and I filed for the refund. I was quite amazed when the refund came through in a couple of days; of course, a minor administrative fee was deducted.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi1dJkDUN_TOdJN5OtCD_bxPVffWN75PlrINm6olXLsNLHz3qUzO_AIhce0CL17nBamtL7LR0X6Gc0xZp9p5h57R4VbgeC0TKlomZwBL2lKeL-uzJLg50FrJQeQOravwdixYloRQvrl1ufsEaJCZuDEj25iaei9xXHXe9aTI9026OTkFpfvFdW0Q2s6JF/s4032/PXL_20231223_045137056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi1dJkDUN_TOdJN5OtCD_bxPVffWN75PlrINm6olXLsNLHz3qUzO_AIhce0CL17nBamtL7LR0X6Gc0xZp9p5h57R4VbgeC0TKlomZwBL2lKeL-uzJLg50FrJQeQOravwdixYloRQvrl1ufsEaJCZuDEj25iaei9xXHXe9aTI9026OTkFpfvFdW0Q2s6JF/s320/PXL_20231223_045137056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Brian got me a white automatic Swift that had done just over 14k kms as per the odometer. There was 4 bars of fuel in the tank, which Brian said would last me to Lanka! He explained the formalities to be completed in case of any accident, incident or assistance for requirement. He also told me how to plan the return of the car on 1 January 2024. Thus, I got my hands on to a Maruti Swift after nearly a decade, but an automatic version of it for the first time. I was also beefed about the hazards to be anticipated on the road – rash and negligent driving, animals and poor road conditions. Brian told me that I should never miss a speed restriction, for the fines are quite steep. Depending on the classification of roads the permitted top speeds are 110, 80 and 60 kph besides a lower one for villages. Apart from the airport toll the country does not levy any other user fee road tolls.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvj2RvmNiydccbobXlS-D1EXep6RgNs9sEVYC9WI6B4GtAUqioy6-miwsL1A40Rq7QE-goGjWWngTGEAVQ_1JvRAhLltc6KjJ87FAai5DRqJqGgBFdINPZ8WAKzey6o8Ms2wNXQjpN-xEmN-BZ78nsOGK_8P-3tdPFk2yf0uJ1zzqqVTuWoz3Uw2nN-uM/s4032/PXL_20231223_053848711.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvj2RvmNiydccbobXlS-D1EXep6RgNs9sEVYC9WI6B4GtAUqioy6-miwsL1A40Rq7QE-goGjWWngTGEAVQ_1JvRAhLltc6KjJ87FAai5DRqJqGgBFdINPZ8WAKzey6o8Ms2wNXQjpN-xEmN-BZ78nsOGK_8P-3tdPFk2yf0uJ1zzqqVTuWoz3Uw2nN-uM/s320/PXL_20231223_053848711.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I drove out from the airport and took the road to Seven Pyramids I hit a pot-holed stretch with sugarcane plantation on both sides of the narrow road. Thereafter came massive trucks with Onmicane prominently painted on them. In a short while I passed a huge factory, which was evidently an Omnicane sugar factory. Mauritius is a major producer of sugar and the sugar industry has been a key part of the country's economy for many centuries. They are closely linked to the country's history and culture. Sugarcane was the first cash crop introduced in Mauritius by the Dutch in the 16th century, who initially used it to make the alcoholic beverage “arrack.” It was under French colonization from 1737 to 1745 that the sugar industry took off, with the import of new technology to build new mills. Since 2010, all the sugarcane harvested in the south of Mauritius is processed by just one sugar mill - Omnicane's fully integrated flexi-factory at La Baraque. Dark Muscovado is the dark brown and moist unrefined special sugar produced in the Mauritian sugar mills.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsteugdM61HJ7BRHiTPbh6U4VnIecthCxgV-iZfJq6mjIU5wqDwZKRhqZ9VMloJlgZBlHWgItgZ6dbo3vjhsoE1fuMEJZNcfOIGDm3tHHHH48WfRIOftg5N2y9Z1MdV1JAKwlYJrAjfIDJYNFtwfkVsg9p3Ngpa57rh3YcF5X4BGQBS5ovvxjsr4wGZBrO/s3840/PXL_20231223_050052486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsteugdM61HJ7BRHiTPbh6U4VnIecthCxgV-iZfJq6mjIU5wqDwZKRhqZ9VMloJlgZBlHWgItgZ6dbo3vjhsoE1fuMEJZNcfOIGDm3tHHHH48WfRIOftg5N2y9Z1MdV1JAKwlYJrAjfIDJYNFtwfkVsg9p3Ngpa57rh3YcF5X4BGQBS5ovvxjsr4wGZBrO/s320/PXL_20231223_050052486.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Seven Pyramids is an enigma in Plaine Magnien. A series of ten-metre-high volcanic rock piles rise majestically from the rolling green fields of sugar cane that surround the area. Stories and myths abound about how the Pyramids got there. Some talk of plantation labour placing hewn black volcanic rocks in terraced steps to serve as watch towers. There are no bonding materials like mortar to hold the rocks together but they have been standing for centuries. It is also believed that Gods used the pyramids to channelize special energies from a faraway sacred mountain. The approach to the Seven Pyramids is through barely identifiable and waterlogged vehicle tracks. Against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and rolling green sugarcane fields, the pyramids looked divine.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsR6a1izfjatwk3R3UC6c-uDPizUIjrI3hB0W3Oy0ifQMehYR4QxIHCLYAdcp2WpFg_iqwCtj0jME9klFn3ZxzZvq6mFs5AWHYPLndrsPtv3ygPDUXT9UCDfE5wH3kfwgAdMLWX5bcyhKmO-nEi2GtZcnG27XpTD9vDqNfnXU3CNxEN4trSVBMigvbv9Y/s4032/PXL_20231223_071731504.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsR6a1izfjatwk3R3UC6c-uDPizUIjrI3hB0W3Oy0ifQMehYR4QxIHCLYAdcp2WpFg_iqwCtj0jME9klFn3ZxzZvq6mFs5AWHYPLndrsPtv3ygPDUXT9UCDfE5wH3kfwgAdMLWX5bcyhKmO-nEi2GtZcnG27XpTD9vDqNfnXU3CNxEN4trSVBMigvbv9Y/s320/PXL_20231223_071731504.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had some difficulty finding Affa Tourist Residence, the accommodation I had booked in Souillac, about 25 km from the airport. The accommodation turned out to be very basic, but the location was good. Besides, my room was on the newly added second floor, which was big and clean with an attached bath. It had a kitchenette with fridge, microwave, water dispenser, basic utensils, crockery and cutlery and an old electric cooking top. I was not happy about the cleanliness of the Residence, especially the washing machine. Parking was on the street, but I was assured that it is cent percent safe. Loud Hindi music played from hairdressers downstairs. After freshening up I shopped in a nearby store for cereals, biscuits, coffee, milk and sugar.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORu9dL2dV44-TtL9wi8B6whrwOvFvLsyZrAYohq_v787onunwCNeWRwO6_aSVDgTdeqqYDcoA9gT3qwl51qzzMb8P-shn4g9MBNw2Z_smP4tJ-12pOj6t84mthiYjvurYl-D53_UgvL3dHxwfB99OCQJwjH1jMn6ADrJ_WJXGxOzOit-h4m6GdLXEM7kO/s4032/PXL_20231223_073437758.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgORu9dL2dV44-TtL9wi8B6whrwOvFvLsyZrAYohq_v787onunwCNeWRwO6_aSVDgTdeqqYDcoA9gT3qwl51qzzMb8P-shn4g9MBNw2Z_smP4tJ-12pOj6t84mthiYjvurYl-D53_UgvL3dHxwfB99OCQJwjH1jMn6ADrJ_WJXGxOzOit-h4m6GdLXEM7kO/s320/PXL_20231223_073437758.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flat and wide Rochester Falls was just a ten minute drive from the Souillac village centre and is a major tourist attraction. The car had to be parked away from the Falls and the final stretch is a ten minute walk with tall wild grass and sugarcane on the side of the road. Enthusiasts wade through the cold pool and enjoy the 10 metre fall, sipping tender coconut water. The attraction is the rectangular wide flanks of the Falls, which is considered the widest in Mauritius. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsXrJKTDMEUHtX2-u30hHUX3rTY7KZ-0yEU7t-Wq3tHaTaByuPr3NVdYBGjMRHUls-pg7FcnjjmtnxnJ7LKowH75s4O6Ag25QcCNEMsCZtpaimK4XGidj1xN-wDvtZ6Xf4EqonF4bZphXjtQX7xjGywkm1A6Aw22CQ76goTtuuxUJL03YIint7ffe-rZQ/s4032/PXL_20231223_082541295.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsXrJKTDMEUHtX2-u30hHUX3rTY7KZ-0yEU7t-Wq3tHaTaByuPr3NVdYBGjMRHUls-pg7FcnjjmtnxnJ7LKowH75s4O6Ag25QcCNEMsCZtpaimK4XGidj1xN-wDvtZ6Xf4EqonF4bZphXjtQX7xjGywkm1A6Aw22CQ76goTtuuxUJL03YIint7ffe-rZQ/s320/PXL_20231223_082541295.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Just 10 km from Souillac on the scenic Bel Ombe route is Riviere des Galets. It is a beach fronted by thousands of small black pebbles and plenty of dead coral reef. This unique beach is a hit with tourists, especially the small jagged outcrop across a short channel. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the ‘music’ it makes while retreating so soothing that it is just the thing you would want to listen to on a holiday. The cool wind caresses the face and the relaxation it provides is matchless. The views of the south mountain range from the beach is spectacular. I was quite tempted to ‘pocket’ a few rocks and broken corals. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdCGvxWg-2Yw4d43xqJHboFlzVC2CqCHWISSXIyM4EqABNQHWcQAfyQzDOWa6Jf4Lf2N2BGQWRn98d2tV6p8jrKstNBvgZ2Ib8-qIKgmu3xDXpmbLw_GTY44HlDMT0kiL94YK7u1I2f1CfbH_Q08__qSM6skj-nMtrpMvquFTA4RnU2E6EmBNqEhvpPYj/s4032/PXL_20231223_090145213.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdCGvxWg-2Yw4d43xqJHboFlzVC2CqCHWISSXIyM4EqABNQHWcQAfyQzDOWa6Jf4Lf2N2BGQWRn98d2tV6p8jrKstNBvgZ2Ib8-qIKgmu3xDXpmbLw_GTY44HlDMT0kiL94YK7u1I2f1CfbH_Q08__qSM6skj-nMtrpMvquFTA4RnU2E6EmBNqEhvpPYj/s320/PXL_20231223_090145213.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Quite close to the Riviere des Galets is the beautiful beach of St. Felix which offers a turquoise sea, white sand and is considered by many as the most beautiful beach in the south of Mauritius. There was music, food and drinks with lots of fun all over; it was picnic time with families and groups having a great time. A particular group was having so much fun with music and food that I stopped by and, with their permission, took a couple of videos. I had fritters, biscuits and coffee for lunch. I was forced back to the accommodation due to heavy rain brought on by the humidity.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX9i3aIAAL4Yat6PypadADQZiCSldZfMFctx3D3Zc0-wVgwxQi9cD3qFe9SP6a1GgKq13bwp5BNTBncmFgRWKlfahlWAmj4qSiL3yFu-OU_9To2Os4Zxdl9wUWZ1GMl__FjCsTopLG2SrRpQy6Loc7Su8IMd7gKRa3X66h_lnSpReBq3T6OtxBuU1-nzU/s4032/PXL_20231223_124536987.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX9i3aIAAL4Yat6PypadADQZiCSldZfMFctx3D3Zc0-wVgwxQi9cD3qFe9SP6a1GgKq13bwp5BNTBncmFgRWKlfahlWAmj4qSiL3yFu-OU_9To2Os4Zxdl9wUWZ1GMl__FjCsTopLG2SrRpQy6Loc7Su8IMd7gKRa3X66h_lnSpReBq3T6OtxBuU1-nzU/s320/PXL_20231223_124536987.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After a short rest and the rain taking a break, I started for the La Roche qui pleure, which is known as the weeping rock. Famous for its majestic waves, the waters of the Indian Ocean crash against the cliffs, giving the impression that the rocks are literally tearing, creating a mystic atmosphere. The huge sprays are a joy to behold, but one must be careful not to get too close to the slippery and jagged edges. The absence of a coral barrier, the presence of huge basaltic origin rocks and the incessant and strong battering of massive waves have created weird figures on the cliff.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoKwT23BOj1opDx0JZRnvophIXcJWhyphenhyphen3zovGJYtOw9cMjkxTMhacT-kuXZOpb7KzQJ-A48GlQieJgcEIsMNTEg8-m4ePnzk5vMdXdWnxhS2EjqgaDYy5JjmYkjze0jWWg74agzkcna-Yd5GhUhZhj64Ku1RyGsMwN6C4jo-_m86_BmkQ9o6zGhbe_ONsQ/s4032/PXL_20231223_130312060.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoKwT23BOj1opDx0JZRnvophIXcJWhyphenhyphen3zovGJYtOw9cMjkxTMhacT-kuXZOpb7KzQJ-A48GlQieJgcEIsMNTEg8-m4ePnzk5vMdXdWnxhS2EjqgaDYy5JjmYkjze0jWWg74agzkcna-Yd5GhUhZhj64Ku1RyGsMwN6C4jo-_m86_BmkQ9o6zGhbe_ONsQ/s320/PXL_20231223_130312060.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Gris-Gris cliff and beach is a short walk away from the La Roche qui pleure. A rock shaped like a praying nun lies between the cliffs and the barrier reefs. Gris Gris is the only place in Mauritius where swimming is strongly discouraged for amateurs and professionals, as strong currents and huge waves breaking on this part of the island makes it totally impractical. One may get fooled by the beautiful golden beach and deep blue sea, but Gris Gris is designated an extremely dangerous beach. At the entrance to the Gris Gris cliff complex is the Auberge restaurant. It is a popular watering hole and food joint for those who live in the vicinity and visitors to Gris Gris. I bought veg fried rice for dinner from the restaurant to be had in the Residence.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB3HliBItr4Muhl8GoD8C5krhyphenhyphen_eCqklrPV7UkSktpBPnZMiaqndA_N2Ug8iKnT4yCbMAMMtnTwE5k3uv7ObLqiLCYyTKEPRyyshHufyFNBTuuTT4zSQcPnV6iwoOdqRrde9ErOy7Q5p0gYqy0h_KXGab7jN8ysWa5HrFfmag-gtlwokOAiQCmBEywbfs/s4032/PXL_20231223_134806795.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsB3HliBItr4Muhl8GoD8C5krhyphenhyphen_eCqklrPV7UkSktpBPnZMiaqndA_N2Ug8iKnT4yCbMAMMtnTwE5k3uv7ObLqiLCYyTKEPRyyshHufyFNBTuuTT4zSQcPnV6iwoOdqRrde9ErOy7Q5p0gYqy0h_KXGab7jN8ysWa5HrFfmag-gtlwokOAiQCmBEywbfs/w200-h113/PXL_20231223_134806795.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The last stop for the day was the Telfair Garden, the "Local Greens" The Telfair Garden in the village of Souillac is a favorite among locals as well as tourists coming to the area. Overlooking the blue ocean, this garden was named after naturalist Charles Telfair, a man who was influential in setting up the Bel Ombre sugar estates. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnEdwXlGVCpqiKYAiHUW52WBoAwUiu024_5pgO8wMe08AKNT6OxEY7Jv9DVUCdcMaHKAVTxgymTFI1hDFwrnMixvdydslq6u_f4KTOWRiQOy56RzPn3gVonBdeJq4sjClKe94H9gxQD-5DDz-v58DlvgSfUnPX8ftWydK2-D8Pjd4wcZIM1p85Cxc_bnF/s4032/PXL_20231223_135643056.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnEdwXlGVCpqiKYAiHUW52WBoAwUiu024_5pgO8wMe08AKNT6OxEY7Jv9DVUCdcMaHKAVTxgymTFI1hDFwrnMixvdydslq6u_f4KTOWRiQOy56RzPn3gVonBdeJq4sjClKe94H9gxQD-5DDz-v58DlvgSfUnPX8ftWydK2-D8Pjd4wcZIM1p85Cxc_bnF/w200-h113/PXL_20231223_135643056.MP.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Little known is the fact about the railway line that connected Souillac in the 19th century. The oldest post office is in the village and is now based out of the old railway station.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MGmMYbgF7i1qT0_JwQeToTJXPqFptTnfJmMhmhn7FYV_i76G7z-2D2Q-uc6_j67nIgC03b9uXZKsSSYWLA0D00XpUA4llSnyxJC_b0Rk6SmFMMo6RS-BkO6PrN5YgH-3rcLtpx266CzF3Ao2FkuMlimSeRbfM80sAEALcwXlA-M_gfjzXx8AHKjCM7rl/s4032/PXL_20231223_144107362.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1MGmMYbgF7i1qT0_JwQeToTJXPqFptTnfJmMhmhn7FYV_i76G7z-2D2Q-uc6_j67nIgC03b9uXZKsSSYWLA0D00XpUA4llSnyxJC_b0Rk6SmFMMo6RS-BkO6PrN5YgH-3rcLtpx266CzF3Ao2FkuMlimSeRbfM80sAEALcwXlA-M_gfjzXx8AHKjCM7rl/s320/PXL_20231223_144107362.MP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I was driving back to the Residence I chanced upon the St. Jacques Roman Catholic church, close to the village centre. I could make out that arrangements were on for the Christmas Eve Holy Mass with the choir practicing and the seniors rehearsing the schedule. Afetr a few moments in prayer, as I was leaving the church a kind lady asked me to stay on for the Gospel session. She seemed genuinely upset as I told her that I had to leave. However, having got the details from her, I told her that I would join the Christmas Eve service the next day.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-90399151763343548202023-06-01T15:47:00.000+05:302023-06-01T15:47:24.576+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 20 May 2023 – Memories Land, Hoi An<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqWz9xHQwjwNek62iaPpbpZaXzG7T_Ma87bas2Ah4mUFAiO-_O9hU01nLTak6UnDRAgXblbAQ-YqbFRXiwdRCQ3cF81G2XYPFDiQCfMhAw3craWOtEiuCtwv7J355qNT40pTihfxyJjQOPExKlG5Pg_4iBEJJjhoNMvKRDviXbMrk37wMIfothnAEBQ/s4032/PXL_20230520_021226910~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqWz9xHQwjwNek62iaPpbpZaXzG7T_Ma87bas2Ah4mUFAiO-_O9hU01nLTak6UnDRAgXblbAQ-YqbFRXiwdRCQ3cF81G2XYPFDiQCfMhAw3craWOtEiuCtwv7J355qNT40pTihfxyJjQOPExKlG5Pg_4iBEJJjhoNMvKRDviXbMrk37wMIfothnAEBQ/s320/PXL_20230520_021226910~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The last full day in Vietnam dawned. It has been a wonderful week in the country, despite the searing heat and humidity. The stay was all the more enjoyable because of the hotels I got to stay in. I prefer not to stay in star hotels, but in those that give me a homely feel with hospitable staff. The Little Town Villa is a revelation and I will, unhesitatingly, recommend this place to any budget traveller to Hoi An. They have 13 rooms on two floors, of which two are family rooms. The swimming pool is quite busy, given the weather. Seeing a couple of families in the pool all the time I wondered if they had come for the pool experience or for those in the city.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tnn8z3T9ezFY87JsaLiYbkM5gdTbwzJpvctSuoH_mUhxVFlk6FmheISI5sbh82gUqjIfiSrTvcuOMEIQvkfEEe59f0xq29GZ4bzVMBtiKBfx8_KN9HObePzCTKlns6aNmExWmfgS8V4iYxd2GhJhbwdFPnsUvs_1b6lyazgRyOiw_i5CHCAG5vhi4Q/s4032/PXL_20230520_021614978~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Tnn8z3T9ezFY87JsaLiYbkM5gdTbwzJpvctSuoH_mUhxVFlk6FmheISI5sbh82gUqjIfiSrTvcuOMEIQvkfEEe59f0xq29GZ4bzVMBtiKBfx8_KN9HObePzCTKlns6aNmExWmfgS8V4iYxd2GhJhbwdFPnsUvs_1b6lyazgRyOiw_i5CHCAG5vhi4Q/s320/PXL_20230520_021614978~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After breakfast I took a stroll to the Old Town to take in the sights and smells one more time. At that hour, expectedly, tourists were few and shopkeepers were dusting their wares and displaying them hoping for good sales. The small prayer place every shop has was being filled with offerings and many stood in prayer before them with lit agarbattis in their hands, genuflecting repeatedly in prayer. What a place this area of the city would have been in the centuries past, bustling with trade and politics, Chinese, Japanese and the Vietnamese! The old houses of the aristocracy are heritage places to visit. Vietnamese Communism was established in one of the houses here in 1930 and it too is a marked place of visit.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmzY0xfQINEPb5iPKoNMPFpDMv5fVKTQ4_xHmb622YAa4_0MwU9vILjhSo9BTmtBqWi6I1qbhKP4C47ttALo2GhTy0pkkxKKTbPnbIkEWotIQZW8mP2zWvjaSjr0pFhBfo_5acdOivgIaApzzaYmS0U_UhP0M3bsPC47YaGsCtVy-gzFqBhHyOtLrRA/s3341/PXL_20230520_023349903~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3341" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmzY0xfQINEPb5iPKoNMPFpDMv5fVKTQ4_xHmb622YAa4_0MwU9vILjhSo9BTmtBqWi6I1qbhKP4C47ttALo2GhTy0pkkxKKTbPnbIkEWotIQZW8mP2zWvjaSjr0pFhBfo_5acdOivgIaApzzaYmS0U_UhP0M3bsPC47YaGsCtVy-gzFqBhHyOtLrRA/w136-h200/PXL_20230520_023349903~2.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>The incredible heat soon drove me back to the air-conditioned comfort of my hotel room. The rest of the morning I used to pack the bags for the return travel to Cochin. I had bought a suitcase in Da Nang and leisurely stuffing that took me to lunch. I did not have stomach for a full meal and I gravitated again to the restaurant near the hotel for a ham and cheese sandwich. Interestingly, the sandwich cost me almost double that of a local dish like Cao Lau!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJi-6NF46Mw7scv06yKHQ1TJYA7EetQdpmjR7kF_x1qYtzEiQQB64t_9Y6PsV9RjaCgCs4f4GqWPr5vo1O0qCyijbfEKw0stu8hhAI35bTc8F4eskSRArbCBQvND9kxu6_IKTSWk7KcJMnMEzcC09S8gqTKprmy8LLWxS4rl2Q4qR5eJLMyXrIK99pw/s4032/PXL_20230520_101941524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJi-6NF46Mw7scv06yKHQ1TJYA7EetQdpmjR7kF_x1qYtzEiQQB64t_9Y6PsV9RjaCgCs4f4GqWPr5vo1O0qCyijbfEKw0stu8hhAI35bTc8F4eskSRArbCBQvND9kxu6_IKTSWk7KcJMnMEzcC09S8gqTKprmy8LLWxS4rl2Q4qR5eJLMyXrIK99pw/s320/PXL_20230520_101941524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I only had one more on my plate to be done on this holiday. And, that was the Hoi An Memories Show. I made the reservation for the show from the hotel. The Little Town Villa, the comfortable hotel I was lodged in, is so central that I did not have to hire any transport for visits to the Old Town or the Memories Land Show. The eTicket entitles one to enter the Resort, where the show is held between 8 and 9 pm, at 5 pm. The resort part of the huge complex, reached via an iconic bridge across the Thu Bon River, is closed to the public, except during the show timings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrf9gWxqjWCy4vOnwTTgydrdm73vMUnxKh-wLaSIOjHtl77ROmPXfzTq6dSLQ3g4Vwe-Ro5FoopKkMDZdUG9sXB_b5xvBRqtQAxni5LTJUahb_h7BGGsOON2c2x5qG0sbn8Lyo3jeKrthP3AnO8VK17Cu6mLRhQrzfs0u83FR7hwitppkuw-p4aX73dQ/s4032/PXL_20230520_110444733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrf9gWxqjWCy4vOnwTTgydrdm73vMUnxKh-wLaSIOjHtl77ROmPXfzTq6dSLQ3g4Vwe-Ro5FoopKkMDZdUG9sXB_b5xvBRqtQAxni5LTJUahb_h7BGGsOON2c2x5qG0sbn8Lyo3jeKrthP3AnO8VK17Cu6mLRhQrzfs0u83FR7hwitppkuw-p4aX73dQ/s320/PXL_20230520_110444733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The theme park is divided into four main parts, the Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese Villages and Central Park. From 5 pm to 7 pm there are mini shows in each of these theme locations, showcasing folklore and history. There are plenty of food joints to flavour local cuisine at reasonable prices. There is enough to hold your interest till the main show starts at 8 pm.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV_4IOivnazhE3Fo0vXkhmzd0MP_2Vym_H-fjL93t4H1U9FqcGCP41mLhGh8fndnYv--XaKCkBzzqHNzjSFsT3aRXGm5syw1zivIBlZqLXzru1H-GMgUNE7t_inKqXXQffvSI9ULfL0UFpzRmQzELCx2OdjEPqLve7nhWvSseMIyd-eWfekVYx6-XCA/s4032/PXL_20230520_110921365.NIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV_4IOivnazhE3Fo0vXkhmzd0MP_2Vym_H-fjL93t4H1U9FqcGCP41mLhGh8fndnYv--XaKCkBzzqHNzjSFsT3aRXGm5syw1zivIBlZqLXzru1H-GMgUNE7t_inKqXXQffvSI9ULfL0UFpzRmQzELCx2OdjEPqLve7nhWvSseMIyd-eWfekVYx6-XCA/s320/PXL_20230520_110921365.NIGHT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From a half past 7 people start entering the open air stage in search of the appropriate place to watch the show uninterrupted. When I was handed a poncho at the entrance to the gallery I thought that at some stage the spectators would be asked to where it to avoid the full blast of a water spray. Later I came to realise that the poncho distribution was a promotion of the company and the product!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUmND6rFJxcJM6-4N0pB1_HeIdQC9v868O93Us09V6OVCvQEB0puoTBAor7pkQ6sRB_4oLBoVJIyvbnw4U2Um4v2xlnLOq8cXjjOrO6I1PlGtkDppCLZy1zuvaOsboiMKFhkYGGNpKWHnq7jjVKcGgIh0J-itSpe8OtNvu51SBmTR0YJc6A9SgMQZYg/s4032/PXL_20230520_131747092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUmND6rFJxcJM6-4N0pB1_HeIdQC9v868O93Us09V6OVCvQEB0puoTBAor7pkQ6sRB_4oLBoVJIyvbnw4U2Um4v2xlnLOq8cXjjOrO6I1PlGtkDppCLZy1zuvaOsboiMKFhkYGGNpKWHnq7jjVKcGgIh0J-itSpe8OtNvu51SBmTR0YJc6A9SgMQZYg/s320/PXL_20230520_131747092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The major spectacle, the Memories Show, is recognized as on par with an Olympic Games opening ceremony or a national day celebration. The show’s scale alone is astounding with over 500 actors and dancers taking to Vietnam’s largest outdoor stage, spanning 6 acres (25,000 square meters) on the island in the Thu Bon River. The spectacular show is a throwback on 400 years of Hoi An history made up of 5 segments on a grand scale. The harmonious blend of music, lighting, visual arts and performing arts takes one through an unforgettable experience. Modern staging techniques, lighting technology and audio effects are a feature of the show.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g5glUlcasq8qSoGKA-PUmUtaPKR0-jo_BqSFDYstLmCsBp81lWaPv-loRq8A4lLQb0aCPkRqdSCNcqH793Im2faxz8dbWdNDEMpEMV8JSd0PQb04Uvk069sDL-MovQzy2b6TzdHwZNdrtxgkJS2TRZLbZgvqqRj89FfFsdgZGGreBabEMsodGQsfEw/s4032/PXL_20230520_132850100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5g5glUlcasq8qSoGKA-PUmUtaPKR0-jo_BqSFDYstLmCsBp81lWaPv-loRq8A4lLQb0aCPkRqdSCNcqH793Im2faxz8dbWdNDEMpEMV8JSd0PQb04Uvk069sDL-MovQzy2b6TzdHwZNdrtxgkJS2TRZLbZgvqqRj89FfFsdgZGGreBabEMsodGQsfEw/s320/PXL_20230520_132850100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The five segments of the show start with Hoi An’s memories of the dawn of time, represented by the birth of a child to a couple in a fishing village. The graceful serenade of women in traditional Vietnamese dress and hats is a highlight of this segment. The second segment showcase the diplomatic story of the historical wedding of Princess Huyen Tran and King Che Man. The grand stage in which an elephant comes on stage recreates a golden past.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghATOkiVo-2DhGkDMWTScFAKKTH8htbzS1SqvgmIX_teeTMpKEr7YMlE0CLzok3ALuKh0TSNdp6J5LAwlApmaBhWiFGGuVCPmD0b5QyzYG93eJd1qJtKMD2NtEWsWR6MtG5QEM5z9pvJUiJp1CYUTizaGmMsyoObHJtaDvOgLtHySEi3TgXntb674yqw/s4032/PXL_20230520_135642525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghATOkiVo-2DhGkDMWTScFAKKTH8htbzS1SqvgmIX_teeTMpKEr7YMlE0CLzok3ALuKh0TSNdp6J5LAwlApmaBhWiFGGuVCPmD0b5QyzYG93eJd1qJtKMD2NtEWsWR6MtG5QEM5z9pvJUiJp1CYUTizaGmMsyoObHJtaDvOgLtHySEi3TgXntb674yqw/s320/PXL_20230520_135642525.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The third segment recreates a Hoi An in transition using the ships and the sea. The theme is about the storms the brave sons of Hoi An are willing to face for the prosperous future of the country. Despite braves face all with confidence keeping in mind the immortal love of the faithful Hoi An girls. The next segment is about the transition of Hoi An into a bustling port town with its unique cultural identity in the face of multicultural interfaces. The last segment is about the ups and downs that Hoi An faced over the years and yet remaining a peaceful, poetic and gentle land; as gentle as the Ao Dai (traditional dress that is calf length and hugs the body) of a Vietnamese girl.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-58048117258011828242023-06-01T14:23:00.001+05:302023-06-01T14:24:06.622+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 19 May 2023 – Eco Cooking Tour, Hoi An<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pqh1knyvDsQa-jfhj6lY17odb7ZhkKecC0egekjcGAEYU88d03zhQZrsdZD1z1qC_L35pqUwREXI7VfPybnlUGPkLyACq-TS317TC_haEazQ1bZo3Abrbr6uReg_gEHsWNEfbxf2oun-6X2yiqMB79I78CHJDwQGkzgp_GUZlmSKzRb1braez3Q17g/s4032/PXL_20230519_020143559~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pqh1knyvDsQa-jfhj6lY17odb7ZhkKecC0egekjcGAEYU88d03zhQZrsdZD1z1qC_L35pqUwREXI7VfPybnlUGPkLyACq-TS317TC_haEazQ1bZo3Abrbr6uReg_gEHsWNEfbxf2oun-6X2yiqMB79I78CHJDwQGkzgp_GUZlmSKzRb1braez3Q17g/s320/PXL_20230519_020143559~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Eco Cooking Class and Basket Boat Tour were the activities I had chosen for the morning. This is one of the recommendations while you are in Hoi An. I had booked this tour too through the hotel. The pickup arrived after breakfast and I was transported a short distance to meet the chef and guide, Phuong, near a local market. Our group consisted of seven ladies and self. The guide took us to a local market where she explained the main ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine. She schooled us how to choose fresh ingredients for the cooking class.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWfgiJbkc5sdVOd-0tdLFvbSarKz31z-i9yMD43OBXU9eBDTm5y7Epoj5oB64fP2NLv4g8Lr-5133kvyUZFsIrtXLsvfHHQBbkXZdnJF-9G1b-UoaA5ZoQo96SZDSaXa3avuM19I-RTubSE4wwDFm1YBnE_1WqH0M5YaO3EHjYW95ENnWf5-Q0XL0Sg/s4032/PXL_20230519_020959922~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWfgiJbkc5sdVOd-0tdLFvbSarKz31z-i9yMD43OBXU9eBDTm5y7Epoj5oB64fP2NLv4g8Lr-5133kvyUZFsIrtXLsvfHHQBbkXZdnJF-9G1b-UoaA5ZoQo96SZDSaXa3avuM19I-RTubSE4wwDFm1YBnE_1WqH0M5YaO3EHjYW95ENnWf5-Q0XL0Sg/s320/PXL_20230519_020959922~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the highlights of the tour is that you can gain an insight into Vietnamese herbs and spices. Phuong mentioned that local markets open at 4.30 am and fresh produce is available day after day. She taught us how to select fresh meat and fish and explained the difference between the land and water grown morning glory. While we were in the wet section of the market one of the tour members felt nauseous and dropped out!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ESsIqqJCO7NUkItl1YEszH2itJDe2bzQ0aO5FQ-1F2sI0yAH57MiN2ThPUK0zREj4ABQqEtj3Ex9sWM5fLoiBwe0PBETLLwmwC79ckKytj3gpulJSPRzLn_gicFhpM4Eiiexv4Qlzho97O7mk5sa98Rn92vJo7UPGaGfwzQL6BeaWpL-iN_SlZdFjA/s3839/PXL_20230519_023345142~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2159" data-original-width="3839" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ESsIqqJCO7NUkItl1YEszH2itJDe2bzQ0aO5FQ-1F2sI0yAH57MiN2ThPUK0zREj4ABQqEtj3Ex9sWM5fLoiBwe0PBETLLwmwC79ckKytj3gpulJSPRzLn_gicFhpM4Eiiexv4Qlzho97O7mk5sa98Rn92vJo7UPGaGfwzQL6BeaWpL-iN_SlZdFjA/s320/PXL_20230519_023345142~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After the market trip we were transported to the Cam Thanh, or Bay Mau, Coconut village, about 3 km outside Hoi An. According to locals, Cam Thanh coconut forest has existed for about 200 years. Migrants from the Southwest region are said to have brought nipa palm, or mangrove palm, and planted them in this area. With abundant water and soil, the trees gradually proliferated, growing into a large forest of about 100 hectares.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEEIZX9tleF6oGKiXR692zWPN4dcgZZLZA6tJkJpo5ZA0VNjBwdFdmyfsotJntG2ZOAe51m7NxpSRumEPA2vkuQRZDLFuNEOXwDwz-rKZCT3j-dfm8mCDO09FZYaRCBHXhl6WM2jww7M0/s2811/PXL_20230519_024044048%257E2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2811" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjEEIZX9tleF6oGKiXR692zWPN4dcgZZLZA6tJkJpo5ZA0VNjBwdFdmyfsotJntG2ZOAe51m7NxpSRumEPA2vkuQRZDLFuNEOXwDwz-rKZCT3j-dfm8mCDO09FZYaRCBHXhl6WM2jww7M0/s320/PXL_20230519_024044048%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We transferred to unique circular bamboo basket boats, two to a boat, to explore the beauty of Bay Mau coconut forest, also called the Mekong Delta in the heart of Hoi an. Besides boating and exploring the mangrove biome the boatman taught us how to fish for mud crabs. The 30 minute boat ride ended with the boatman expertly twirling the circular boat as fast as the occupants had the stomach for. Shrieks and shouts rent the air.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMjfeuIA2iB9J-qBRgTYn5IXXdBSg38d2kqIpLpwEb-4dn7rAj23uGOryA1ZupCMw17RNfXPya7vefH3TQ-hM_5Zh3Vm0SUbqkZaogUbxJqPIdhJDMj7NyBzsU4GfCscgwh1LRtvoMAHj6TG3hprXfVu56tyokpV2_qnPiZY-XyGeF5jLdOMCOJxY3Q/s4032/PXL_20230519_033318428~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMjfeuIA2iB9J-qBRgTYn5IXXdBSg38d2kqIpLpwEb-4dn7rAj23uGOryA1ZupCMw17RNfXPya7vefH3TQ-hM_5Zh3Vm0SUbqkZaogUbxJqPIdhJDMj7NyBzsU4GfCscgwh1LRtvoMAHj6TG3hprXfVu56tyokpV2_qnPiZY-XyGeF5jLdOMCOJxY3Q/w113-h200/PXL_20230519_033318428~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>It was now time for the cooking class. We were made to scrub our hands and wear an apron and hat. Phuong first made us skin a tomato to make a rose. I took my own time, but made a decent job of it. We set that away and concentrated on the next task. We were assigned a place each at a long table. Phuong explained the ingredients in the three bowls that were kept in our places. One was for making a salad, another for rice paper rolls and the last for fish curry.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cMDjYN-zp6eoaDLoRX_8SEBixwcvNta5y2Vb_CLqBesgAyWmOozjp61Q9TvKQ_p83FK-bFvteEJyBQ_3lynfH6-hUDZea0ceIGFQeBviQQLjEvcWbhI1zE9Y-vuIMpRx2L0LWNiSGnNq-x1Vcnk5khIdArXEsPLcqUtxW05A5JhXwjyuRkoiS0Z_9Q/s4032/PXL_20230519_031229734~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cMDjYN-zp6eoaDLoRX_8SEBixwcvNta5y2Vb_CLqBesgAyWmOozjp61Q9TvKQ_p83FK-bFvteEJyBQ_3lynfH6-hUDZea0ceIGFQeBviQQLjEvcWbhI1zE9Y-vuIMpRx2L0LWNiSGnNq-x1Vcnk5khIdArXEsPLcqUtxW05A5JhXwjyuRkoiS0Z_9Q/w200-h113/PXL_20230519_031229734~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Following her instructions we plied the bowls with ginger, garlic, spring onion, pepper, fish oil, soy sauce, sugar, chicken powder, etc. her instructions were unique. For instance, if she said one, zero, two for any ingredient it meant that we were to drop one teaspoon of it into the first bowl, zero in the second and two in the third.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtiDFqw3Q-8qg5q0bcjdmRBOOORusY6eRI8Vawu1mJzjGJ2KmVaf2Jm8QOkN4wV0LdRu9zdUHFOuKLVBaiBrQaoSuH49mDkEsmtAurwvm6rD2rjkZi9qN8oMVjgeWVr_J2RshITSzoI-zsu9LdVnEj3d7D93oEhP9qrszqJA6b6dy-u-WyvFq-hKNjA/s4032/PXL_20230519_040053895~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtiDFqw3Q-8qg5q0bcjdmRBOOORusY6eRI8Vawu1mJzjGJ2KmVaf2Jm8QOkN4wV0LdRu9zdUHFOuKLVBaiBrQaoSuH49mDkEsmtAurwvm6rD2rjkZi9qN8oMVjgeWVr_J2RshITSzoI-zsu9LdVnEj3d7D93oEhP9qrszqJA6b6dy-u-WyvFq-hKNjA/s320/PXL_20230519_040053895~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once we had completed adding the herbs and spices into the bowls we were asked to transfer the items in the first bowl to a salad dish. We mixed the salad thoroughly with chopsticks and set it apart. Then Phuong showed us how to roll a rice paper with the stuffing. After the demonstration I took the rice paper and rolled the marinated spring onion, chicken and shrimp as I had seen her doing. I thought I made a pretty decent job of it. Next came the single burner cooking stove; each was given one of the butane fired stove with a pan full of cooking oil.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpW2_1SUPKi9xNJrSyYAONRtB8bgChQvl1_zRqAjSBmYI4aw5pcNGapU5vTlKmTNvHd-m6lhdrV6TC9Lh-BqijquL8sNl95kZQVW9I1nUySGBRzj4QyStZ7KTRFpPq7mLSVoC8IRO1we0NQ7TDSrXRGa0pgsyelx_YKhUdS8apqEU4nWW16z0_d7VJA/s2268/PXL_20230519_050245102~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpW2_1SUPKi9xNJrSyYAONRtB8bgChQvl1_zRqAjSBmYI4aw5pcNGapU5vTlKmTNvHd-m6lhdrV6TC9Lh-BqijquL8sNl95kZQVW9I1nUySGBRzj4QyStZ7KTRFpPq7mLSVoC8IRO1we0NQ7TDSrXRGa0pgsyelx_YKhUdS8apqEU4nWW16z0_d7VJA/w200-h200/PXL_20230519_050245102~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>When the fire was turned on the temperature in the hut went up exponentially. I had to fetch a two litre bottle of chilled water to cool down. By then I had started feeling a bit uneasy with the dehydration. Nevertheless, I deep fried the rolls as Phuong instructed and set them aside. We took up the third bowl with the fish. The ingredients were given a thorough mix, particularly ensuring that the tomatoes were placed beneath the fish so that the fish does not get burnt during cooking. That was left to marinate for about 15 minutes. Then we were given a bowl of rice milk with pork and sprouts. The mix had to be poured evenly in the pan that had hot cooking oil. While spreading the mix evenly was a challenge a bigger one was when Phuong asked us to toss it after one side was done.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobDdjKOmrgdzvTSAhHil8_B-Fom6Gjj_vT8_7HjXU9rDUmqQU_WHvmLMcFC32gxf_A2rODeW5wEgJkFOLJyF2dw5LyeGmK6p3_3z_EnyqIBCQH3jG4rip_sBRVhpJ_6idoyHXNqrlbfK6FpJ3atO7zf7kD6U99QEzxqFKPKEg7F7t0risxN8oBHNKQg/s4032/PXL_20230519_042918670~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhobDdjKOmrgdzvTSAhHil8_B-Fom6Gjj_vT8_7HjXU9rDUmqQU_WHvmLMcFC32gxf_A2rODeW5wEgJkFOLJyF2dw5LyeGmK6p3_3z_EnyqIBCQH3jG4rip_sBRVhpJ_6idoyHXNqrlbfK6FpJ3atO7zf7kD6U99QEzxqFKPKEg7F7t0risxN8oBHNKQg/w113-h200/PXL_20230519_042918670~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>Phuong told us to take our salad, fried rice paper rolls and crispy pancake to the table and start the meal while the fish was cooking on the fire. We went about relishing the meal we had cooked and I thought I had made excellent rice paper rolls. The shrimp and chicken had cooked well and it was very tasty. But, the best was the fish. When that arrived at the table I was taken aback by the texture and the taste. I had beaten my expectations by a mile. It was awesome.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOWBGsNg7e55Epj8UnZFO0T5uJxe3718oo6tQKNfKzmRgpQnqDeOBL5eHT51MBLMS5b2gnabZINAFOGr-DMLU6pz0kB7came-iko-xGbhiychK4OrTNd0b5Nk77PpKery1a1Ff-kz6hlnbDl2XFKmvGf7GwFdLo2eK6Phzgp2pzqk7qfxQnTSXwFCVg/s4032/PXL_20230519_113537843~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOWBGsNg7e55Epj8UnZFO0T5uJxe3718oo6tQKNfKzmRgpQnqDeOBL5eHT51MBLMS5b2gnabZINAFOGr-DMLU6pz0kB7came-iko-xGbhiychK4OrTNd0b5Nk77PpKery1a1Ff-kz6hlnbDl2XFKmvGf7GwFdLo2eK6Phzgp2pzqk7qfxQnTSXwFCVg/w113-h200/PXL_20230519_113537843~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>After the cooking class and lunch was done we were transported back to the accommodation in the pickup. The weather had drained me and I took a short nap after a shower. In the evening I walked down the street of the Old Town and came across a shop where large number of people had queued up for a cool drink. Using Google Lens I ‘discovered’ that what was on sale is Hoi An special herbal water, infused with Lotus, Ginger, Lemongrass, Cinnamon and Lemon. I stood in line and finally got my hands on the ‘elixir’; a very cooling concoction served in a paper cup with a couple of lotus leaves and a bamboo straw.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-733719790413380852023-06-01T13:59:00.000+05:302023-06-01T13:59:15.602+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 18 May 2023 – My Son Sanctuary from Hoi An <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQv4Irsfnj3MbR8FHR0zcFlE9nPy-mdfK4Fz_meaIVoDs_5n1Lf0xMs19qJOhK3xMH8XohtAvwMcIp70Gx4ub1zEQdH4m52-0v2zNzwMF3XL4NNN1wi4rhoSszbfp79y2Kkv5Thp3bw_FybrP-fqx_guyDP5bXCnJxE_n_SUw6VlpaeWji3K6YiuL0A/s4032/PXL_20230518_015417808~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQv4Irsfnj3MbR8FHR0zcFlE9nPy-mdfK4Fz_meaIVoDs_5n1Lf0xMs19qJOhK3xMH8XohtAvwMcIp70Gx4ub1zEQdH4m52-0v2zNzwMF3XL4NNN1wi4rhoSszbfp79y2Kkv5Thp3bw_FybrP-fqx_guyDP5bXCnJxE_n_SUw6VlpaeWji3K6YiuL0A/s320/PXL_20230518_015417808~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The bed was comfortable and the rest was complete. The accommodation provides a buffet breakfast for its residents. There were plenty of fruits – mangoes, dragon fruit and pineapple – local delicacies and eggs and bacon. After feasting heartily I was ready for the group tour to the My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I had arranged the trip through the hotel. I picked up from the hotel at a quarter to eight for the tour.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaNBSvUT7DrYG44darHrY0cBLLMXjd-SD73_PzvfjdUAKnx2mydHtVWhl0e4flVhBvz4DsaM3_4Ydhm8BbKEeNtgF_w9e2dPYY1swf309cRlVJRIDIx4TYjLIX6fbNo7qwxAOtfdYbZys-54N3_Ke2T1i0eWEmJDnGXTovpKMNAq6at2XIOQwhSTK_w/s4032/PXL_20230518_015818021~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaNBSvUT7DrYG44darHrY0cBLLMXjd-SD73_PzvfjdUAKnx2mydHtVWhl0e4flVhBvz4DsaM3_4Ydhm8BbKEeNtgF_w9e2dPYY1swf309cRlVJRIDIx4TYjLIX6fbNo7qwxAOtfdYbZys-54N3_Ke2T1i0eWEmJDnGXTovpKMNAq6at2XIOQwhSTK_w/s320/PXL_20230518_015818021~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The tour guide was the ebullient Youm, who used his stentorian voice to explain the significance of My Son Sanctuary and its ‘rediscovery’ in the 20th century by French explorers. Youm also explained how the hot weather would impact us and that we should constantly hydrate ourselves. The My Son Sanctuary is about an hour's drive from Hoi An, to its South-West. The conservation site is about 1160 hectares.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Z73dhv-Sv5TgsQFf26tSCR0iy1NRFlQvOgwTblHS6C2VW7ObkD8JrpuTtU0TukxHYaSTP3ok3sEY44YVvPvE0Bd638_9FAAYMC69_Yl8cHEL2DI4l6Qw__54NsRYlJETjVILBLp2p43qZcOJmkWqDEX-tUB2bp-GHP8ADNYsO9CR9uI6yKAZtbVGA/s4032/PXL_20230518_023348902~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje-Z73dhv-Sv5TgsQFf26tSCR0iy1NRFlQvOgwTblHS6C2VW7ObkD8JrpuTtU0TukxHYaSTP3ok3sEY44YVvPvE0Bd638_9FAAYMC69_Yl8cHEL2DI4l6Qw__54NsRYlJETjVILBLp2p43qZcOJmkWqDEX-tUB2bp-GHP8ADNYsO9CR9uI6yKAZtbVGA/s320/PXL_20230518_023348902~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once we reached the parking lot of the Sanctuary we had to present our tickets at the entrance and walk a short distance to the battery operated golf cart shelter, from where we were taken a fair distance into the Sanctuary to begin our tour ‘exploration’ by foot. My Son was a place of worship between the 4th and 14th century, built by the the Champa Kings, an Indianised kingdom of the Cham people, whose capital was Tra Kieu, about 10 km from the Sanctuary. The temples were dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the various temples Lord Shiva was venerated under various names, of which the most important was Bhadreshvara.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoR3ApCWY888xro5xVZGxMcXVvUMNr7lkFfuElBiMFprzLxXwOYUiCzVOI43SCvIpyM52EWttVNxfbDH05Grhpf9yORY4E_-99KmLK91B2BqNjp8_3B5MKU234hyAbwMggYANbEENqamUBwzl1Wy7sSk_8rqk0kDYCtbtepTTDfXkpdHgYxaqDCusYQ/s4032/PXL_20230518_024428253~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoR3ApCWY888xro5xVZGxMcXVvUMNr7lkFfuElBiMFprzLxXwOYUiCzVOI43SCvIpyM52EWttVNxfbDH05Grhpf9yORY4E_-99KmLK91B2BqNjp8_3B5MKU234hyAbwMggYANbEENqamUBwzl1Wy7sSk_8rqk0kDYCtbtepTTDfXkpdHgYxaqDCusYQ/s320/PXL_20230518_024428253~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The unmistakable spiritual influence of Indian Hinduism is evident from the ruins of the towers and halls in the Sanctuary, which was lost to civilization for over 400 years before it was rediscovered by the French in the 20th century. Besides being a place of worship it was also a burial place for the Cham Kings. It is believed that the complex had more than 70 temples. The unique construction methods have stunned the best researchers and even to-date the technique of baking the bricks, bonding and weather proofing them have not been uncovered.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bQHmLTB87MLxVvIK_cohzFSoDAhCD74DbgIVIcNwkG7zz-aVoKSGY2Hq5uBvof3ZsaCqCH0C9pmtdmC3zoS4UnaQ0CbyiJlHwjJYBOveTy9oNY3NMbakTcMZ2fbbahIb4MRqX2YtCYKOqEkFWkjIdWP1TMbuomf6qhf1raZMw0QKuUpIDVGL8So46Q/s3272/PXL_20230518_025252669~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1841" data-original-width="3272" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bQHmLTB87MLxVvIK_cohzFSoDAhCD74DbgIVIcNwkG7zz-aVoKSGY2Hq5uBvof3ZsaCqCH0C9pmtdmC3zoS4UnaQ0CbyiJlHwjJYBOveTy9oNY3NMbakTcMZ2fbbahIb4MRqX2YtCYKOqEkFWkjIdWP1TMbuomf6qhf1raZMw0QKuUpIDVGL8So46Q/s320/PXL_20230518_025252669~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The site was extensively bombed by the Americans during the Vietnam War, suspecting it to be a hideout of the Viet Cong rebels. The ruins of the Sanctuary have ample evidence of the scripts, adornments, deities, hairdos, customs and culture of the times as well as the influence of its westerly neighbour, India, which, since 2015, has been involved in the restoration process of the site through the Archaeological Survey of India. My Son is not even half as impressive as Angkor Wat, but remains an important link in the spread of Hinduism in the years gone by. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HgvhRh3DCwQsRXxmU32KlZPdfiSBLed7UdtWn-nwokwcJn8FT6L2wv8MFST63EjLC_rCjdqwuQsqTDfmgqmVkuo4VSgi34ndAhTyBEfhqDeuB6v500xOtLHyURPaGnBz4PI4tMNJBYU_fZVeQKF1qGFbYDJhNSkj5-mmwbzL73tJmt-NQ4CBieqFZg/s2993/PXL_20230518_040831144~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1684" data-original-width="2993" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HgvhRh3DCwQsRXxmU32KlZPdfiSBLed7UdtWn-nwokwcJn8FT6L2wv8MFST63EjLC_rCjdqwuQsqTDfmgqmVkuo4VSgi34ndAhTyBEfhqDeuB6v500xOtLHyURPaGnBz4PI4tMNJBYU_fZVeQKF1qGFbYDJhNSkj5-mmwbzL73tJmt-NQ4CBieqFZg/s320/PXL_20230518_040831144~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A 15 minute cultural show, which showcased traditional Cham folk art, rounded up the visit. The weather was oppressive. However, the excellent infrastructure and the support systems of restaurants, resting places, WCs and paved walkways was a revelation. The promotion of tourism in Vietnam harnesses local entrepreneurship and relies on their innate hospitality, integrity and discipline.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jJIo_acV_zLkoR16tvhAqXwznczA6McvLLOG8Hxv_lN8yxs019O7neXp1TO7Ak2YlondDKUshU5-pDGahh0BKDRGrjN4yZI3DKOEmiuTrOLqtfqQI_geC810CKWFlgtNlNU-rFTjH6ayAKC7bi17hnt2GmQsguV38Y8AevXD1keT5kn1ABq2DqPshQ/s4080/PXL_20230518_043530837~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jJIo_acV_zLkoR16tvhAqXwznczA6McvLLOG8Hxv_lN8yxs019O7neXp1TO7Ak2YlondDKUshU5-pDGahh0BKDRGrjN4yZI3DKOEmiuTrOLqtfqQI_geC810CKWFlgtNlNU-rFTjH6ayAKC7bi17hnt2GmQsguV38Y8AevXD1keT5kn1ABq2DqPshQ/s320/PXL_20230518_043530837~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the exit of the site, near the ticket office, is the My Son Museum, where one can get general information about the My Son relics and culture. Many posters and pictures explain the history of My Son Sanctuary and compare it to the other Indianised archaeological and religious sites in Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. Of particular interest to me was the detailed explanation and description of the scientific principles of temple construction; vastushastra in practice.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWulG_zNg4AvRSLTGpphepubfIRW4peHqxXDPxcqpGCuh05Ym_cL7C627vua91U5HowL8T2CimFeZRM1kG9I4ooDsYzfgycO0iNQ_5E-emwa_ESWM3xfNmQwyROUUC-ZIbWas4e-Wk21tGpa50wM0QrdHx_g0H8wlqUo--iw9w4uF_KKzmW62lQ2s6Q/s4080/PXL_20230518_052638308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3072" data-original-width="4080" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWulG_zNg4AvRSLTGpphepubfIRW4peHqxXDPxcqpGCuh05Ym_cL7C627vua91U5HowL8T2CimFeZRM1kG9I4ooDsYzfgycO0iNQ_5E-emwa_ESWM3xfNmQwyROUUC-ZIbWas4e-Wk21tGpa50wM0QrdHx_g0H8wlqUo--iw9w4uF_KKzmW62lQ2s6Q/s320/PXL_20230518_052638308.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The last stop at the Sanctuary was the restaurant, where the tour operator had arranged lunch. Sitting within the restaurant was a relief from the sweltering, energy sapping weather. The restaurant had many jars of infused wines for sale. Popular amongst them were guava, potato, grapes and beeswax infused wines. After some much needed rest and a meal of noodles, the group was transported to a jetty to continue our journey to Hoi An by boat.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAZgu4_Zu0MauZHXlsxrT189wrJL3NPAbI9VzCaN_XmOWx5X-YbIpbM_2RNmz8YOyaV_58tZBnEVTLSdzkLAqRB2Et8f4Nr5a8fQ_5GdC84DRLXTH5ssMn7XnDni0YqYMGxNNON2ax26GeZ360HcRBMoGLyuqAptQb00WFHxt9YFHBfXMbE6qMj5rMw/s4032/PXL_20230518_104419924~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAZgu4_Zu0MauZHXlsxrT189wrJL3NPAbI9VzCaN_XmOWx5X-YbIpbM_2RNmz8YOyaV_58tZBnEVTLSdzkLAqRB2Et8f4Nr5a8fQ_5GdC84DRLXTH5ssMn7XnDni0YqYMGxNNON2ax26GeZ360HcRBMoGLyuqAptQb00WFHxt9YFHBfXMbE6qMj5rMw/s320/PXL_20230518_104419924~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Thu Bon River is not very imposing, but is one of the major rivers in Vietnam and has played an important role in the history and culture of the region. The river is approximately 124 kilometers long and has a drainage basin of 10,350 square kilometers. It has been an important transportation route for centuries, with boats and barges carrying goods up and down the river. The river has also been an important source of fish and other aquatic resources for the local population.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtGZB1Mz6We-yEL8tLxytJxGXvh8cOTbRUNf3AJDuDiPtanwrzbb4t4HciYBhCz0z_lTW3VO9NYNz9iPO0uYPQRMQQwpTylfALYgS7DFKS_NkqsdvwZI7lvCPAU6-vqwQLjdtBERQzAnidZOrFSYSXzYi4KXRIjn3qdN32KQFzxJmwmcTS9wlC_3n7g/s4032/PXL_20230518_110306108~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtGZB1Mz6We-yEL8tLxytJxGXvh8cOTbRUNf3AJDuDiPtanwrzbb4t4HciYBhCz0z_lTW3VO9NYNz9iPO0uYPQRMQQwpTylfALYgS7DFKS_NkqsdvwZI7lvCPAU6-vqwQLjdtBERQzAnidZOrFSYSXzYi4KXRIjn3qdN32KQFzxJmwmcTS9wlC_3n7g/s320/PXL_20230518_110306108~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>During the Cham dynasty (7th-17th centuries), the Thu Bon River was an important trading hub for goods from China, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The river was also the site of several important battles during the wars between the Cham and the Vietnamese dynasties. In the 17th century, the Thu Bon River became an important center of the Vietnamese silk industry.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3E8ws-5uPwJjXc1kqIIWIkh5YJFBIam14CEDuGJ0lK8uLPjxRywe2KbjXqgyq5DSnVlJikV0T9SV_pfGK9KlsRCgqkR4pB0J2e5MxemqkBw0B5Y9GA6eYiE1upCNDb82LthkMMcm6MidKXNfaSFIPhfav2v1Ygf8s4RpwwZ1xAKeqWNoo-7SmhlDJw/s4032/PXL_20230518_111754758~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3E8ws-5uPwJjXc1kqIIWIkh5YJFBIam14CEDuGJ0lK8uLPjxRywe2KbjXqgyq5DSnVlJikV0T9SV_pfGK9KlsRCgqkR4pB0J2e5MxemqkBw0B5Y9GA6eYiE1upCNDb82LthkMMcm6MidKXNfaSFIPhfav2v1Ygf8s4RpwwZ1xAKeqWNoo-7SmhlDJw/s320/PXL_20230518_111754758~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The river's fertile floodplain provided ideal conditions for growing mulberry trees, the leaves of which were used to feed silkworms. The silk produced in the region was highly prized and exported throughout Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War, the Thu Bon River was an important transportation route for both the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong. The river was also the site of several major battles, including the Battle of Hoi An, which took place in August 1972.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx-5eGwY5GY9rA6FHjYgy4Li3RrQcmAJMKi4JuQk9Ls5s9syl5cyXljKqOjEM8BaBx86nF2c6UhUGBSXaotvvk1Tb23JqGcPv85NzN3EbXl5-jJABvemJ8H1Cc-SHzSQqdDdhYb0QOcBfDlLXeh8Ym4oymRflSLPsG68Qc8LlRaEsJFkpY7h-c4N2LQ/s4032/PXL_20230518_112645249~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx-5eGwY5GY9rA6FHjYgy4Li3RrQcmAJMKi4JuQk9Ls5s9syl5cyXljKqOjEM8BaBx86nF2c6UhUGBSXaotvvk1Tb23JqGcPv85NzN3EbXl5-jJABvemJ8H1Cc-SHzSQqdDdhYb0QOcBfDlLXeh8Ym4oymRflSLPsG68Qc8LlRaEsJFkpY7h-c4N2LQ/s320/PXL_20230518_112645249~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Old Town of Hoi An is like a magnet; I get drawn to the markets, quaint shops and restaurants, the walking street, bright lanterns and the Japanese Bridge. With the weather being hot and humid, business looked dull. After wandering a while I got back to the Hoang Cam Go restaurant for a couple of bottles of chilled Bia Saigon beer. I ordered a portion of Cau Lau, the Hoi An speciality. It typically consists of pork and greens on a bed of rice noodles which is made from rice that has been soaked in lye water, which gives it a very unique taste.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-1138308575337471012023-06-01T13:33:00.000+05:302023-06-01T13:33:18.426+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 17 May 2023 – Da Nang To Hoi An<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqxHcQG7Yibluzc5iWaDTqJb_ZEZUDd9fNMXHdnqTi_FwtgRnN7nPxxFt5YaKxVxfPVrE1Zv3vav_GmBp9Pl2yAbNpYTL9hALs4tzZgdsv-SU_pTNAk0mLuvGbN3I0FSWlFuTZMRX-Wv1K4WrLp5ndSaFGX28PF6zNihJtyUkC2e4SlEdCjOTCYry3A/s4032/PXL_20230517_030907684~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqxHcQG7Yibluzc5iWaDTqJb_ZEZUDd9fNMXHdnqTi_FwtgRnN7nPxxFt5YaKxVxfPVrE1Zv3vav_GmBp9Pl2yAbNpYTL9hALs4tzZgdsv-SU_pTNAk0mLuvGbN3I0FSWlFuTZMRX-Wv1K4WrLp5ndSaFGX28PF6zNihJtyUkC2e4SlEdCjOTCYry3A/w320-h180/PXL_20230517_030907684~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As I had paid the room rent at the time of checking in and the tour fees as and when it was done the checkout was done quickly. The stay in Avora Hotel had been comfortable, but I was not very happy with the room cleaning service. It was always done in a hurry after 3 pm, even when I had left instructions for the room to be done early. The towels were changed every day, but they never made up the bed. Despite all that I must say that the location is unbeatable, the hotel is value for money and the front office staff are helpful and always smiling.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AqKG07eC2Bb8XClwxj6GZUxnRG5Ssoh9Y6OtzgN3gyRcwa5bEbsMH9olartymCrCyaifBEpPR-fPm5zdG0FV0PIg1bzN0nR5px7Uia9f5Fnei0tqM7-SDdTVtQT9kjGQSN-udUGSAHZrKp8Nw0BnPlJMWNPL7ds93PTM-z29j_NYqrAQAjGcY9nueg/s2967/PXL_20230517_030913967~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="2967" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0AqKG07eC2Bb8XClwxj6GZUxnRG5Ssoh9Y6OtzgN3gyRcwa5bEbsMH9olartymCrCyaifBEpPR-fPm5zdG0FV0PIg1bzN0nR5px7Uia9f5Fnei0tqM7-SDdTVtQT9kjGQSN-udUGSAHZrKp8Nw0BnPlJMWNPL7ds93PTM-z29j_NYqrAQAjGcY9nueg/w320-h181/PXL_20230517_030913967~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Grab Taxi I had booked for the journey from Da Nang to Hoi An arrived within five minutes. For the most part of the 40 minute drive to Hoi An the road was parallel to the sea and the new commercial and residential developments on either side of the road told a tale of the growing prosperity of the Vietnamese as well as demand from expats. The coastline looked gorgeous with white sand and blue waters. I am pretty certain that more new beaches will open up for commercial exploitation in the coming years.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPXIJtTht1aTwN-OpRCkP2lB5g_JjoHwNcW6d98TLg0QixYjMOGOtKuTbiMHIfi0P_TR1ym6NgZWbrm8gz0DPMySZoTokYa4gfAuZHIUK52rOCcDVmVfzWHiklbsHOi0PCEC4YGbB6mOuyQH4q3akhYVU6R0akqc6MCiGxv5WD1g0FayUp6apcGZgNQ/s4032/PXL_20230517_110618095~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPXIJtTht1aTwN-OpRCkP2lB5g_JjoHwNcW6d98TLg0QixYjMOGOtKuTbiMHIfi0P_TR1ym6NgZWbrm8gz0DPMySZoTokYa4gfAuZHIUK52rOCcDVmVfzWHiklbsHOi0PCEC4YGbB6mOuyQH4q3akhYVU6R0akqc6MCiGxv5WD1g0FayUp6apcGZgNQ/w320-h182/PXL_20230517_110618095~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As compared to Da Nang, Hoi An seemed just an overgrown village, with narrow streets and rural environment. I normally use booking.com to source during my travels. This has been my practice since 2014, when I made the road trip from Cochin to London. Over the years I have come to rely on the recommendations of booking.com, even though I have had a couple of ‘not so happy’ experiences too. But, they have been few and could be overlooked.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieueSqBiLbwyS7Xnn6Swu4Tyj8MlvvMy8yDI88m8U-_fIwvOx03rTvhHBUJ_8PN9OFtvb6FvOHVE5vN5Bsah-LQhDUP2hlaGRT-gvqdpE8exqYE0JxU-Eot4EZgmZwaO2GxkSELPP7vHfOfN1ZlFEdBnfxRlbR2BUe7Yjeqh5yKuIVZsAJlR-3uL7CFA/s4032/PXL_20230517_030029720~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieueSqBiLbwyS7Xnn6Swu4Tyj8MlvvMy8yDI88m8U-_fIwvOx03rTvhHBUJ_8PN9OFtvb6FvOHVE5vN5Bsah-LQhDUP2hlaGRT-gvqdpE8exqYE0JxU-Eot4EZgmZwaO2GxkSELPP7vHfOfN1ZlFEdBnfxRlbR2BUe7Yjeqh5yKuIVZsAJlR-3uL7CFA/w114-h200/PXL_20230517_030029720~2.jpg" width="114" /></a></div><br />This time too, for the eight nights in Vietnam I relied on booking.com. If I had been pleasantly surprised with the choice in Da Nang the accommodation in Hoi An floored me. Little Town Villa, close to the Old Town, was just what I wanted. Quiet, hospitable, clean and aesthetically pleasing. The location of the accommodation was a big plus. Even though the weather was incredibly hot, even for the locals, the attractions of Old Town and the shopping were just footsteps away.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlLImfMvP-ZpWRNRLqUC17fFyP7FtA7FbdKCljgVFR4NK64QoD0Iamf3JzZCZVLw_vU3QKhlSFcQzpNtDmK1jepTw5w6ZfZesDGEs_2FjiSISJROpZwUL_Wmw-Zbxq_vcOJRKIYLQfCdoU3qgx4Bybp3cmgkKWVYR3CRNQ_VMN60ml2ZzOPcroiVFTA/s4032/PXL_20230517_032248261~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlLImfMvP-ZpWRNRLqUC17fFyP7FtA7FbdKCljgVFR4NK64QoD0Iamf3JzZCZVLw_vU3QKhlSFcQzpNtDmK1jepTw5w6ZfZesDGEs_2FjiSISJROpZwUL_Wmw-Zbxq_vcOJRKIYLQfCdoU3qgx4Bybp3cmgkKWVYR3CRNQ_VMN60ml2ZzOPcroiVFTA/w320-h180/PXL_20230517_032248261~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I completed the formalities for check-in I was told that my room would be ready around noon, which meant I had a couple of hours to kill. The accommodation provided free cycles to its residents if they chose to use them. I borrowed one and went for a long ride despite the heat. One cannot get lost in Hoi An. Despite the unchartered ride, even crossing the Thu Bon River, I got back to the hotel like a homing pigeon, albeit drenched in sweat.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRVzr2wW1i85ruQ_YEWyQbjT_ZS15ynZeQGiYKSFlfmHqSAVVcRg9ppupnRqKBR6x1y75KL9JzlXslo6TBtGDPDEokED2dXMDOgDYAgL_s6z_3siOIWItQW6N2910PWG-PpSjqM9QPD3SgbKW4oOZHFdVbV-8o99jvx-xA2o9qnT8UwQAVuxfpPccvg/s4032/PXL_20230517_040657383~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRVzr2wW1i85ruQ_YEWyQbjT_ZS15ynZeQGiYKSFlfmHqSAVVcRg9ppupnRqKBR6x1y75KL9JzlXslo6TBtGDPDEokED2dXMDOgDYAgL_s6z_3siOIWItQW6N2910PWG-PpSjqM9QPD3SgbKW4oOZHFdVbV-8o99jvx-xA2o9qnT8UwQAVuxfpPccvg/w320-h181/PXL_20230517_040657383~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Hoi An is best explored either by foot or cycle. The large number of tailoring, leather goods, handicrafts, souvenir shops and eating joints amazed me. The entire UNESCO World Heritage Site was swarming with tourists, a tenth of whom I didn't see in Da Nang. The popularity of Hoi An is certainly on the rise.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkbjt22qc3fuO88w4hVoMp3tVmGQUPkvL4HfTzLFltmg8BCQLfRCPLC3p3mTyHWc5eldMpVXqS9ggYPwZrw6gMpAjOctf8kaip_J-5-iMUbvapZJRh7zj6NuVfWJCD6VykgjJK4x6Mazm_57-oJCbAoL-l991-t-QbSb8nCbX9yVqQtbO6TpUKn1n8g/s2268/PXL_20230517_062533886~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="2267" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGkbjt22qc3fuO88w4hVoMp3tVmGQUPkvL4HfTzLFltmg8BCQLfRCPLC3p3mTyHWc5eldMpVXqS9ggYPwZrw6gMpAjOctf8kaip_J-5-iMUbvapZJRh7zj6NuVfWJCD6VykgjJK4x6Mazm_57-oJCbAoL-l991-t-QbSb8nCbX9yVqQtbO6TpUKn1n8g/w152-h152/PXL_20230517_062533886~3.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><p>Back from the cycling trip, energy sapped and sweat dripping from every pore, I dropped the bags in the room on the second floor and took a long shower. That cooled me down temporarily. I was loathe to go any place fancy in the hot weather for lunch. Fortunately, the receptionist told me that a no-frills restaurant was available within three minutes of the hotel.</p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0qoPtXi69p0sw8wRQwe65_hc2nxWUfCEHw6KRNl5Nid1vehgmPe_b-SFy25TUUYEI1CnlGXxLOqSpM3pvo8QilmvF8iHtPoTeO2F2ywL3JaGlLK35-342Z3wKzCALPWLhLZIHcIIe6a9yudrrol0kzDKL05oy6818Iux6STJzly8CZpd8OB2gf1c3A/s2268/PXL_20230517_060421678~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2267" data-original-width="2268" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0qoPtXi69p0sw8wRQwe65_hc2nxWUfCEHw6KRNl5Nid1vehgmPe_b-SFy25TUUYEI1CnlGXxLOqSpM3pvo8QilmvF8iHtPoTeO2F2ywL3JaGlLK35-342Z3wKzCALPWLhLZIHcIIe6a9yudrrol0kzDKL05oy6818Iux6STJzly8CZpd8OB2gf1c3A/w146-h146/PXL_20230517_060421678~2.jpg" width="146" /></a></div><br />The Hoang Com Ga is a small restaurant run by a hospitable couple. They served local food and it had a decent menu, in English. While the wife took down the orders the husband was the chef. I started with a chilled beer, Bia Saigon, a local favourite. I had a full plate of chicken rice with a lot of veggies. When I finished the meal that, like Tre Viet in Da Nang, I would be having most of my meals in Hoi An at this small restaurant.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkUbiVPy1-2iXe8M1UtzshYlFUuUNuXS0iai1FT-vqvaB2H1ERnsMVY85YMYCuduqz-3wyoeMLuADyIko_gl-UlVF0ebvi2s4SB4eUZysk2CJOf2PqNpYZgQqxtBgUToHbuJ27QI7zMGRbxCQI8NSOE5DHifFbufyF0G0-KBKkfTuD2tDGJsXxBdQjw/s4032/PXL_20230517_104711002~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXkUbiVPy1-2iXe8M1UtzshYlFUuUNuXS0iai1FT-vqvaB2H1ERnsMVY85YMYCuduqz-3wyoeMLuADyIko_gl-UlVF0ebvi2s4SB4eUZysk2CJOf2PqNpYZgQqxtBgUToHbuJ27QI7zMGRbxCQI8NSOE5DHifFbufyF0G0-KBKkfTuD2tDGJsXxBdQjw/w320-h180/PXL_20230517_104711002~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, the city was a major trading port between the 16th and 19th centuries, and this history is reflected in its architecture and culture. Hoi An's ancient town is characterized by narrow streets, traditional shophouses, and Chinese-style pagodas. Almost the entire Old Town is only a walking and cycling street. If one gets a ticket for the Old Town entrance to five attractions are free. One can wander at peace, window shop and bargain for what they fancy.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr-sS31VKUiE-0m0VKMJJ7tF0mbIDSjtLVv_VwcCl2VEFEYs9ATfXdDCOjC5-A5QLsu1mDoLaHGx6DlqcH4U6jDMUd5nuwh73uxZfPNs5VJNeNJdU1McvgQqM5Z434qmAB8FxL50NIiP9WzbG5J_mBre2iG5Llap7CSUGgGDoLWHY4yCyx34RjOE_ZQ/s4032/PXL_20230517_110711794~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCr-sS31VKUiE-0m0VKMJJ7tF0mbIDSjtLVv_VwcCl2VEFEYs9ATfXdDCOjC5-A5QLsu1mDoLaHGx6DlqcH4U6jDMUd5nuwh73uxZfPNs5VJNeNJdU1McvgQqM5Z434qmAB8FxL50NIiP9WzbG5J_mBre2iG5Llap7CSUGgGDoLWHY4yCyx34RjOE_ZQ/w320-h180/PXL_20230517_110711794~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Garments, bags, suitcases, lanterns, shoes, lacquered wood and scarves are popular with tourists. After the first purchase I realised how hard one has to bargain. It would be best to start with 50 percent of what the shopkeeper initially quotes. Invariably, the deal can be closed at about 60 percent of the quoted price. Another matter to come to terms with quickly is the Vietnamese Dong and its conversion rate. Every quote is in hundreds of thousands and millions. It is so very easy to miss out on the zeroes and pay more than what one actually should.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFLYBxjNMaKW5Oksnp2vvxTUrWtL3KIPqwmSOtZBNmrNbwmjE2_RknP0RPhlrTG6YpZbjcwQnlnDrfYSG3DgFIoxxzFI-iFoemk6CRGnmYFWr9bRYbDwqCt1PO-XTX7OieHq6NBmhaTPC7k8r41nPqQvsltHczAELTxlVA6-2OP8jhuXCsog9L1fUwg/s1774/PXL_20230517_115849673~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1774" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFLYBxjNMaKW5Oksnp2vvxTUrWtL3KIPqwmSOtZBNmrNbwmjE2_RknP0RPhlrTG6YpZbjcwQnlnDrfYSG3DgFIoxxzFI-iFoemk6CRGnmYFWr9bRYbDwqCt1PO-XTX7OieHq6NBmhaTPC7k8r41nPqQvsltHczAELTxlVA6-2OP8jhuXCsog9L1fUwg/w320-h181/PXL_20230517_115849673~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of the most historic landmarks in Hoi An is the Japanese Covered Bridge, which dates back to the 16th century. This covered bridge was built to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese community and is adorned with intricate carvings and a small temple. The bridge, which spans a small canal, is notable for its unique architectural style, which combines Japanese and Vietnamese design elements.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbVXue5YRCjhD32VyjMWMa58hmx3IKEW4pvt-X4gAybAmzYL0X8HcZm3XXzqivarF3Ipj-LLaHrLKQt_7Y6ceH9QBElnqxFJ2HzCsywjn14XuntoAW4cUyndjyvPusAI46i9p0dtti2KzRWi0nc8QWE31O1mDy3bIjHUIjvZEwAXdmLzvAtBy6fMuJw/s4032/PXL_20230517_120745577~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbVXue5YRCjhD32VyjMWMa58hmx3IKEW4pvt-X4gAybAmzYL0X8HcZm3XXzqivarF3Ipj-LLaHrLKQt_7Y6ceH9QBElnqxFJ2HzCsywjn14XuntoAW4cUyndjyvPusAI46i9p0dtti2KzRWi0nc8QWE31O1mDy3bIjHUIjvZEwAXdmLzvAtBy6fMuJw/w320-h180/PXL_20230517_120745577~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Japanese Covered Bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Hoi An and is considered to be one of the town's most iconic landmarks. It has undergone several renovations over the years, but has retained much of its original charm and character. Tourists aggregate around here late evening for romantic boat rides and to float lanterns, as a mark of offering and good luck, in the canal. The row boats are of different sizes and motorised boats are not permitted in the area close to the Japanese Bridge. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4unQw-pKzZnyT1v2HcPJVltF90rrClNZ9hkd0Pp8lpZAgzzO90A64ik2vYm61LnIDRI2OSDsB7DntQPgU2P93YU6rIeggqj4PDWQK-js-pAxSGDGoUwJbXUC_Xx5jjHUzEaC1SuaY-4Z7xOyJhREsWIApcng0Az8_k78Iih1qQl3cz5F0aMyWP0xIA/s4032/PXL_20230517_132909706~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4unQw-pKzZnyT1v2HcPJVltF90rrClNZ9hkd0Pp8lpZAgzzO90A64ik2vYm61LnIDRI2OSDsB7DntQPgU2P93YU6rIeggqj4PDWQK-js-pAxSGDGoUwJbXUC_Xx5jjHUzEaC1SuaY-4Z7xOyJhREsWIApcng0Az8_k78Iih1qQl3cz5F0aMyWP0xIA/w320-h179/PXL_20230517_132909706~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Hoi An is also famous for its lanterns, which light up the city at night. The number of visitors at the Japanese bridge at night floored me. I took a boat ride along the canal to appreciate the lanterns from a different perspective and capture the sheer beauty of the awesome city.</p><p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-46508254166590256182023-05-31T15:18:00.001+05:302023-05-31T15:18:56.890+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 16 May 2023 – Marble Mountains, Da Nang<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcRWX4BPF9oKx_sXrkqkiwjIuV_8YoUMje8mecUh372IIT_oanjm5xWlqiVFYYgtQ71Q7F2CyrsPfx1UF2_xlXhJ38D28W3vGxUlCmdBh8rJl4EC3kMU1XA302oUFJpXjcEGyOSWJSisPG5o6pXLDWPhXGAIw8gJz1Ol8eAfmcslBBm-mWjJv6RrblQ/s4032/PXL_20230516_022017361~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGcRWX4BPF9oKx_sXrkqkiwjIuV_8YoUMje8mecUh372IIT_oanjm5xWlqiVFYYgtQ71Q7F2CyrsPfx1UF2_xlXhJ38D28W3vGxUlCmdBh8rJl4EC3kMU1XA302oUFJpXjcEGyOSWJSisPG5o6pXLDWPhXGAIw8gJz1Ol8eAfmcslBBm-mWjJv6RrblQ/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_022017361~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I engaged the driver who had taken me to Son Tra Peninsula this day again to go to the Marble Mountains. When I engaged him I did not know that the mountains are less than 5 km away from the Da Nang city centre. That being the case, I could have taken a Grab ride for less than half of what I eventually paid the cab driver! I would put down such instances to poor research on my part.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANJDg_n7a7J_6qyTLlk3nXONSnObal34Dh6yLXpgVv7Zw9Kydyd56Uk69t7DOHKRCdQdy-xiYLjkH1JMN0n_duOfKw0WSNjKC8jj4zWp-9m9XJ9iRHOGkKuheDDCsmNq4o_ugUy-FfYEGYIEV73nsNt13-Ijod3oC0bpq8gTt6-TjT_caxPloik9gUA/s4032/PXL_20230516_023026137~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANJDg_n7a7J_6qyTLlk3nXONSnObal34Dh6yLXpgVv7Zw9Kydyd56Uk69t7DOHKRCdQdy-xiYLjkH1JMN0n_duOfKw0WSNjKC8jj4zWp-9m9XJ9iRHOGkKuheDDCsmNq4o_ugUy-FfYEGYIEV73nsNt13-Ijod3oC0bpq8gTt6-TjT_caxPloik9gUA/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_023026137~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Along the way one can see tens of workshops with large number of marble statues, some of them busy making shipments. The area is known for excellent craftsmanship in stone and marble. Even though rock extractions have been banned from the mountains recently, blocks are transported from the nearby quarries for sculpting and crafts in the workshops near here.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0c3Wq3hzmLgKUd85B9wuvtpQCiuIvF6IBv2uHmq6nyLVnpH7LQomburXEo4Mn6v_s5aZqI26EJOyq51J2n5M6WwqPF_xRbDDH_wuhF8s-rXbrt277e-a5ihAwNUJYRT2wXFR16B83Ko94kcfdStt0gNRixmkhsxGd1xxb5pViwibjbEbMKlwkauZbg/s4032/PXL_20230516_021021493~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0c3Wq3hzmLgKUd85B9wuvtpQCiuIvF6IBv2uHmq6nyLVnpH7LQomburXEo4Mn6v_s5aZqI26EJOyq51J2n5M6WwqPF_xRbDDH_wuhF8s-rXbrt277e-a5ihAwNUJYRT2wXFR16B83Ko94kcfdStt0gNRixmkhsxGd1xxb5pViwibjbEbMKlwkauZbg/w113-h200/PXL_20230516_021021493~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>The Marble Mountains is a cluster of five limestone and marble hills located in the outskirts of Da Nang. Each hill is named after one of the five basic elements of the universe: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Legend has it that a dragon once flew to the Non Nuoc beach and laid an egg there. In time, the egg hatched and a beautiful girl emerged from it. The egg shell shattered into five pieces and those became the five marble mountains that are there today.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcUT9TfhNK6Zda6leC7I2P4_iXHjcUpZV4tMujoPANybkA_AqgkyETQJI2KoKttxM-AqmzqI-L2A363-pGXU-YiCdBLzF6pnpqDOiJqPR-3pq-LeF4_IYiVBxNx8GzhPNcZdmath_-VtRGUe58P-tSPWc7eUQ2eW162bJJpEP40515Tvdm2n78qnqLg/s4032/PXL_20230516_014703967~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcUT9TfhNK6Zda6leC7I2P4_iXHjcUpZV4tMujoPANybkA_AqgkyETQJI2KoKttxM-AqmzqI-L2A363-pGXU-YiCdBLzF6pnpqDOiJqPR-3pq-LeF4_IYiVBxNx8GzhPNcZdmath_-VtRGUe58P-tSPWc7eUQ2eW162bJJpEP40515Tvdm2n78qnqLg/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_014703967~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The mountains have held special significance in the spiritual and cultural significance of the Vietnamese people. The Marble Mountains are an iconic landmark of Da Nang and attract thousands of visitors each year due to their natural beauty and cultural significance. It is possible to climb 156 steps to the summit of Mount Thuy, which is the only Marble Mountain accessible to visitors. The summit allows a wide panoramic view of the neighbouring areas and the other marble mountains. All the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh118EZAkkr8ZLD_XfaIQMuBr1Oe0AUwcV50l2mPTI-6bFA8RdilrGGNkJ33dahxC1CCOJ9PiP_PKLz7nscEDX7Yxy2hgoh6wPu-tQBrSXaRcpzXqbO-3e9zOGUn04btD2RihtGfzTsqimhs7aCIHvNqzcrpW39pvqXTcNzEhPTROfvo9ZuWso7jdfDFA/s4032/PXL_20230516_013617551~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh118EZAkkr8ZLD_XfaIQMuBr1Oe0AUwcV50l2mPTI-6bFA8RdilrGGNkJ33dahxC1CCOJ9PiP_PKLz7nscEDX7Yxy2hgoh6wPu-tQBrSXaRcpzXqbO-3e9zOGUn04btD2RihtGfzTsqimhs7aCIHvNqzcrpW39pvqXTcNzEhPTROfvo9ZuWso7jdfDFA/w98-h174/PXL_20230516_013617551~2.jpg" width="98" /></a></div><p></p><p>Huyen Khong is the largest and most famous of the caves in the group of mountains. The collapsed ceiling permits shafts of light to permeate the dark cavern, creating interesting spotlights within the cave. The size of the entrance belies the space within. The huge cave has a large Buddha statue and a couple of shrines. There is an underground tunnel that has eerie, demon-like sculptures depicting human sacrifice and animals.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmDpik1fkeMWs5KF_faCRRq1HMyXm05T3B-PueTD6vofS3EGSUcRuYbnVwEDCaE60pi3qssMp-2w9BUqdE7vrak_NdeR5pmQdBQQfNv66s2Bqj8rU7Y5fF3xbQWh_t8gbtxFDV9M0VlTzy7FeYPPhsFOCsFT3qwrwI1pwcmfSq3ehR8iaqo9vRunHbw/s4032/PXL_20230516_022327683~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmDpik1fkeMWs5KF_faCRRq1HMyXm05T3B-PueTD6vofS3EGSUcRuYbnVwEDCaE60pi3qssMp-2w9BUqdE7vrak_NdeR5pmQdBQQfNv66s2Bqj8rU7Y5fF3xbQWh_t8gbtxFDV9M0VlTzy7FeYPPhsFOCsFT3qwrwI1pwcmfSq3ehR8iaqo9vRunHbw/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_022327683~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The mountains were used as a hiding place for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, who even operated a hospital inside one of the mountains, despite being very close to the American Air Base. The mountains have also been a place of refuge for locals during natural disasters.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo4qfxEtCczPPWHUS8lfLmWXG-d1faq-aKy9Ei3ZVm0vsM4CiIFi_a_ekWagQ3wRlSExRC318kr-GO2lrMneUVw--pFFcgqpfJgIdA3k_76Hmweh8KDOSHcVf7c9KRG6iKRCafjuFnUEMcMbYZV4GOYxdTRRdfv-AM1gBoLSFEBdS0koJzLw_HL2BUA/s4032/PXL_20230516_022204183~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo4qfxEtCczPPWHUS8lfLmWXG-d1faq-aKy9Ei3ZVm0vsM4CiIFi_a_ekWagQ3wRlSExRC318kr-GO2lrMneUVw--pFFcgqpfJgIdA3k_76Hmweh8KDOSHcVf7c9KRG6iKRCafjuFnUEMcMbYZV4GOYxdTRRdfv-AM1gBoLSFEBdS0koJzLw_HL2BUA/w113-h200/PXL_20230516_022204183~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br />The mountains are also home to several Buddhist and Hindu temples, pagodas, and shrines that have been built into the caves and grottoes on the hillsides. Entrance fee is separate for exploring the Cave and that of the mountain and a ride up the elevator. At the top of the mountain one gets breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Non Nuoc Beach and the city of Da Nang. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP9vh1FhcFfq3Tuc1NJ1Nlz5Cb8tAbi7xW5hdnwlGcuxjVgcXqmuYpEPtF53W_W427IgaDqooGdPfx_BRMH1oG2NH54EKyQeJ-jV9I2WNyaNkfNcpr6sFjZztf0ouBp2NVW9cY6hwAp77RYDaG2W50AHOAVaFPZoM8hgNL1bY5gn--BTRcFVcPRqKNA/s4032/PXL_20230516_111920823~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizP9vh1FhcFfq3Tuc1NJ1Nlz5Cb8tAbi7xW5hdnwlGcuxjVgcXqmuYpEPtF53W_W427IgaDqooGdPfx_BRMH1oG2NH54EKyQeJ-jV9I2WNyaNkfNcpr6sFjZztf0ouBp2NVW9cY6hwAp77RYDaG2W50AHOAVaFPZoM8hgNL1bY5gn--BTRcFVcPRqKNA/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_111920823~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The evening was reserved for a long walk along the riverside. With the sun going down the play of colours of the setting sun on the Han River was a most memorable farewell gift from Da Nang. I walked the 600 metre Dragon Bridge to the right bank of the River. The pedestrian side of the bridge had niches were selfie takers and professional photographers could indulge without causing any harm or disruption.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsc0436WQH6p1ET-biTwNO7mMaWCxOncXwW5zKPa4KYfvmNHgadMB9kKrFeQlTSzz7PGc41T9AO395AO7-2UUuOiIa7F5TTZfptknwM1vryQgM8xHgt_pXcqSaZK0IsArTlAZ1cvRvMs9QG0Puatm1Xt5v_UdqmAz6YxBCpA6wXhGHOdj6-QKI_P_8w/s4032/PXL_20230516_112940589~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsc0436WQH6p1ET-biTwNO7mMaWCxOncXwW5zKPa4KYfvmNHgadMB9kKrFeQlTSzz7PGc41T9AO395AO7-2UUuOiIa7F5TTZfptknwM1vryQgM8xHgt_pXcqSaZK0IsArTlAZ1cvRvMs9QG0Puatm1Xt5v_UdqmAz6YxBCpA6wXhGHOdj6-QKI_P_8w/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_112940589~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The fading light and the last rays of the day's Sun played mesmerising tunes on the Han River. On the right bank of the River I walked along the Tran Hung Dao to Da Nang's own Merlion, the Ho Merlion.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRgz77YjAx3SxFvqB7Tb13vks6_9BKaP5nWhquCxx2Q1YcEXA8yy3gU7T8d-FkX1DMWND5jEKERkgLDhLr-CL26YHTUfpKCTe_s03yXZfn2_dsjMQmvIgWTJmQoUOycWLoH7gZ7gKqB2f4YPhBEmz68EGvI9eC-pmk7SuVhB1LE45S6YXbS8tmla-cg/s4032/PXL_20230516_113408832~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRgz77YjAx3SxFvqB7Tb13vks6_9BKaP5nWhquCxx2Q1YcEXA8yy3gU7T8d-FkX1DMWND5jEKERkgLDhLr-CL26YHTUfpKCTe_s03yXZfn2_dsjMQmvIgWTJmQoUOycWLoH7gZ7gKqB2f4YPhBEmz68EGvI9eC-pmk7SuVhB1LE45S6YXbS8tmla-cg/w113-h200/PXL_20230516_113408832~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br />While it is not an exact replica of the Singapore Merlion, it is a lion-fish hybrid representing the country’s maritime legacy. It is actually a carp-dragon, which is inspired by a popular Vietnamese tale – that of a carp fish that turns into a dragon after swimming upstream against strong currents and passing the Dragon’s gate. The Tran Hung Dao, as compared to the Bach Dang, looked like a poor cousin.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMlu3rFJCPSNRMUV8yiUKLgGsh76VktvwWRvBEQdd6-sDMFwlexSl4EdKvrDcUg7aZiTHPIWCdT_Z-AD06U46pWPOR5s2NLjGvYsWwIFs2omh_2_dLJLTzjeXG3j26qssPvoo_GEWuiS5lmpDcnOBPi494MiIcBhxAW9fs9F-SuERtewpS1n95uyrhw/s4032/PXL_20230516_114854327~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMlu3rFJCPSNRMUV8yiUKLgGsh76VktvwWRvBEQdd6-sDMFwlexSl4EdKvrDcUg7aZiTHPIWCdT_Z-AD06U46pWPOR5s2NLjGvYsWwIFs2omh_2_dLJLTzjeXG3j26qssPvoo_GEWuiS5lmpDcnOBPi494MiIcBhxAW9fs9F-SuERtewpS1n95uyrhw/w113-h200/PXL_20230516_114854327~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>Down the road, past a few diners and souvenir shops is the small, 68 meter Love Lock Bridge. It has an arc shape and in between the Dragon Bridge and the Han River Bridge. From it location, the bridge affords beautiful views of the city’s landscape. The bridge has been in operation since 2015 and has been inspired by the many love bridges across the world. It is a place for couples to express their undying love, mark the place and lock their stories forever. Couples bring their own locks or buy a special heart-shaped lock from one of the shops with their names engraved on them. Once the lock is locked on the bridge the couple throw the keys away to signify their eternal bonding. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoAe-uP2iOcqVFkR69JEDWZvENQqFYjvdMbyx3wn-UGLHCoQBplPpJrBOT1lEuAbnYxMf3J9dKf3-ArBoYwlsTRWwYn-Nd1to_wqH9TuPrhfmvw-4TxBZQpzVWsZgLtD52RC7eoD89nvcM2lbi4SItEtgqFW1UAVdwdhW8PvnE4xpSw7aN8O1Ka37Hw/s4032/PXL_20230516_114203261~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoAe-uP2iOcqVFkR69JEDWZvENQqFYjvdMbyx3wn-UGLHCoQBplPpJrBOT1lEuAbnYxMf3J9dKf3-ArBoYwlsTRWwYn-Nd1to_wqH9TuPrhfmvw-4TxBZQpzVWsZgLtD52RC7eoD89nvcM2lbi4SItEtgqFW1UAVdwdhW8PvnE4xpSw7aN8O1Ka37Hw/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_114203261~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>While I was exploring the Love Lock Bridge I came across a group of women who were dancing at one end of the bridge. A couple of them were jamming so well that I struck up a conversation with them. They were visiting from the Philippines and were fascinated by the country. They, however, bemoaned the fact that language was a barrier in enjoying the country more! Very near the Love Lock Bridge is the Happiness Cruise, which is essentially a food court, from where one can enjoy the beauty of the bridges across the Han River over food and drink.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUsi4GKlYbuTIxrkaqfbitghNRVlMsDpsqw7VjWvYAfYZmsMXLSk3YaSJLNlqaXtkE1-dytmLp2aqoqxiNieJHEdRtgbuf3g16idRoqUz0l_LaQPo7VrlzLhMt92YOZpOtokeVgnrve85itQkqMcAqXnkP5rTfdF3T8SNrXlClYC3iL18pOdicrtBSQ/s4032/PXL_20230516_131548502~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUsi4GKlYbuTIxrkaqfbitghNRVlMsDpsqw7VjWvYAfYZmsMXLSk3YaSJLNlqaXtkE1-dytmLp2aqoqxiNieJHEdRtgbuf3g16idRoqUz0l_LaQPo7VrlzLhMt92YOZpOtokeVgnrve85itQkqMcAqXnkP5rTfdF3T8SNrXlClYC3iL18pOdicrtBSQ/w200-h113/PXL_20230516_131548502~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>By the time I had walked the entire length of the right bank between the Dragon and Han River Bridges, crossed them and reached the Tre Viet restaurant I could have had a full five course meal. So ravenously hungry was I! A couple of Larue beers started the preparation to imbibe a huge meal, which was a superb Sai Gon noodles with pork. A fitting end to the four day stay in the beautiful city of Da Nang.<p></p></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-23423501421709568902023-05-31T14:48:00.000+05:302023-05-31T14:48:08.481+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 15 May 2023 – Ba Na Hills, Da Nang<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOSVKFZJul2kljOgYIo7nr6fpby_c3bD5P1XVMs9FWT3SyH9e6ybff0Q6sPetgdejNe0Wgdkwil7ZH5hSImZw9cqUMwId2pcGKZhjie22orh9Ii_jRL8pBNkKLqbv_AmCCObZHtWVwpUyxEdFLkB31bDb0lzcDEbE9g5VkLkN7JLxM0tTmQ0NkJn5jw/s4032/PXL_20230515_024440487~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOSVKFZJul2kljOgYIo7nr6fpby_c3bD5P1XVMs9FWT3SyH9e6ybff0Q6sPetgdejNe0Wgdkwil7ZH5hSImZw9cqUMwId2pcGKZhjie22orh9Ii_jRL8pBNkKLqbv_AmCCObZHtWVwpUyxEdFLkB31bDb0lzcDEbE9g5VkLkN7JLxM0tTmQ0NkJn5jw/s320/PXL_20230515_024440487~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The hotel reception has been very helpful in planning my schedules. First day it was the river cruise and the next it was the Son Tra Peninsula visit. Hence, I had no hesitation in booking a Ba Na Hills tour also through the hotel reception. I was picked up from the hotel at 8 am to join a tour group to visit Ba Na Hills, a popular tourist destination and theme park located about 30 km out of Da Nang city. The hill resort and amusement park is on a mountain peak in the Truong Son mountain range.<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1hWJEV8IXzVHblqsiUIVjHoxr5x42R2C2EZ9UOhd588vYlyBq1t9ERol2FMvWAz5H5ubzcLw4_zb1QuAEzmb6V6yZJfUv_UXdcHlZnLVmb4Nb6b8ARudXvjUiADSGMyvhuARuKHchfnF-jEeGKfMTZ7n5RItxQ0V0xuOk3UI0M15UCj1hX81Ggp0kA/s4032/PXL_20230515_023932242~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji1hWJEV8IXzVHblqsiUIVjHoxr5x42R2C2EZ9UOhd588vYlyBq1t9ERol2FMvWAz5H5ubzcLw4_zb1QuAEzmb6V6yZJfUv_UXdcHlZnLVmb4Nb6b8ARudXvjUiADSGMyvhuARuKHchfnF-jEeGKfMTZ7n5RItxQ0V0xuOk3UI0M15UCj1hX81Ggp0kA/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_023932242~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The French, during their occupation till 1945, had developed the vacation spot, replete with villas and a resort, to escape the heat of Hue, their capital city. With their departure the locals destroyed much of their heritage to display their animosity of the occupiers. In 2000 the Vietnamese government decided to rebuilt the place and add attractions to market it as a tourist destination. They have more than succeeded, going by the footfalls the Hills receive throughout the year.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor6Pt4O6p1ET9AscYnJqdYDuwOYPL-4LRFYS8b8RFdW6W9_mFOuC4ViGlWLqWd1r-X9QuzYtQNToVhQqYZQR_N3hM06P3CmhtJcabzGzrsrfmUc2inik2NShCEJH2JXvTMclbbkKIocZH67uwJsVA4NqawKSChsbFBXzURlwpWCaLEFYHwou6PK-TWg/s4032/PXL_20230515_083607448~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor6Pt4O6p1ET9AscYnJqdYDuwOYPL-4LRFYS8b8RFdW6W9_mFOuC4ViGlWLqWd1r-X9QuzYtQNToVhQqYZQR_N3hM06P3CmhtJcabzGzrsrfmUc2inik2NShCEJH2JXvTMclbbkKIocZH67uwJsVA4NqawKSChsbFBXzURlwpWCaLEFYHwou6PK-TWg/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_083607448~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The attraction is known for its beautiful scenery, French-style architecture, and diverse entertainment options, including a cable car ride, indoor and outdoor games, and cultural performances. Visitors can also enjoy various activities such as hiking, visiting the flower gardens, or taking a panoramic view from the Golden Bridge, which is a 150-meter long pedestrian bridge that appears to be held up by two giant stone hands.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQIdzQ_qHcFyCE_L1Kpsh2BNozrJBViX1hTPGWwHeELAkkh0-7_zqeUiSWfcBk7RoMYh2MT_3fm3WJ7UlRJkJMRxDrMZNdZeEsNxzwNVcQe6VO_OD2e_tRGhbWbOqMXIzKvoPvzNp0E-_SeaMBd9EVOTWLfZNyRAokuwNF8ImdXiuqf7r6LSACN1YEg/s4032/PXL_20230515_084143296~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQIdzQ_qHcFyCE_L1Kpsh2BNozrJBViX1hTPGWwHeELAkkh0-7_zqeUiSWfcBk7RoMYh2MT_3fm3WJ7UlRJkJMRxDrMZNdZeEsNxzwNVcQe6VO_OD2e_tRGhbWbOqMXIzKvoPvzNp0E-_SeaMBd9EVOTWLfZNyRAokuwNF8ImdXiuqf7r6LSACN1YEg/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_084143296~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>All tourist brochures highlight the Golden Bridge when they promote a visit to the Ba Na Hills. The bridge provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. It is a stunning architectural masterpiece with a unique design that gives visitors the illusion of walking on a ribbon of gold floating above the lush green landscape. The bridge has quickly became a popular attraction, drawing in visitors from all over the world.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcfh1NLW5HuVCdtz3O3682Dh7afjG95lhCXBy3w9JawAEnFFWgeZKOEXDVDKPmkhct89trUr92yKIMwLDplZ8cIhSdTUa6bHQKRX1iBSoYs43E4MopmEv3mqBgAU1GhL3i0wsJ9bSvhrClECBzytQdmQtfeHhyLpeX0uRIYMbjSwt0oENRUF49trnAQ/s4032/PXL_20230515_072404621~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRcfh1NLW5HuVCdtz3O3682Dh7afjG95lhCXBy3w9JawAEnFFWgeZKOEXDVDKPmkhct89trUr92yKIMwLDplZ8cIhSdTUa6bHQKRX1iBSoYs43E4MopmEv3mqBgAU1GhL3i0wsJ9bSvhrClECBzytQdmQtfeHhyLpeX0uRIYMbjSwt0oENRUF49trnAQ/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_072404621~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>At the top of the Hill one can wander along the French Village with photo opportunities in plenty. Every turn captures your attention, be it archways, balconies, vintage cars and bikes. Cobble stone streets with French music wafting in the air, cafes, fountains, statues, town square and many such transport you to a medieval European ambience.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjXlwS2I2Dg-Y1mMkRcXeEq27sul9LMwni6H_Oe0Ot-3-nH4o6RmoljbGBwkfYz8WArWIZPwXhOojIMwqW8RE3KISi41N_N9KFZLX8R5VilE6JOTFVoyGX2XjWPpjEfYqzBrKVHQpiKSJLKxmiVU_hElbVjysgecZ1zN-hExQKHdu87oV92dHWxrL2Q/s4032/PXL_20230515_042157218~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjXlwS2I2Dg-Y1mMkRcXeEq27sul9LMwni6H_Oe0Ot-3-nH4o6RmoljbGBwkfYz8WArWIZPwXhOojIMwqW8RE3KISi41N_N9KFZLX8R5VilE6JOTFVoyGX2XjWPpjEfYqzBrKVHQpiKSJLKxmiVU_hElbVjysgecZ1zN-hExQKHdu87oV92dHWxrL2Q/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_042157218~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The landscaped garden, the Le Jardin d’amour, has nine different gardens designed in different styles such as a garden maze, a giant chessboard, a peacock showing off and a ceramic lady in a fluid dance pose. There are hundreds of hedges, balustrades and blooms to test one’s photography skills.<p></p><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYp1MjT7jhKp2BF5hDMadujDcWk9mCVAgk5RDryJLOQtF6EbQ901x_2_hw_g_CQppqE3UW3VECfqePXTo7LJfjpGbqwGgJqOn2MUwhT09JJspXU6nukt7jqqlR2NvK-wDqj41FHyVgXI_hnkr8FlqPvvV7_sytD0rvJ7dFccr_7A7aKwVS39PBnJ8zA/s3548/PXL_20230515_035433899~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="3548" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKYp1MjT7jhKp2BF5hDMadujDcWk9mCVAgk5RDryJLOQtF6EbQ901x_2_hw_g_CQppqE3UW3VECfqePXTo7LJfjpGbqwGgJqOn2MUwhT09JJspXU6nukt7jqqlR2NvK-wDqj41FHyVgXI_hnkr8FlqPvvV7_sytD0rvJ7dFccr_7A7aKwVS39PBnJ8zA/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_035433899~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As can be expected in a theme park there are many thrills and rides in the Fantasy Park entertainment area. There are video arcades, mirror maze and bumper cars on one level, cinemas on another and a 3D 360 degree immersive experience in the mega cinema on the third level.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tsJ_YUnn_TIpVWImbwf9iXxw86tfzQgEDd4FQfbbUkyE_aPd_-IQ06KTClXhC2U7hwCNZ7fRE0LF3FrgrYxzQu21hqYPxtVdcqfrpiBYT1vDV_jDaYWWo0C-Hvnf0VcyYUhwpB65cc4nrZ2xEffqQub24Fil-fFWu1BRWcSr68Esff_RR4lv6hpWBg/s4032/PXL_20230515_071629395~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tsJ_YUnn_TIpVWImbwf9iXxw86tfzQgEDd4FQfbbUkyE_aPd_-IQ06KTClXhC2U7hwCNZ7fRE0LF3FrgrYxzQu21hqYPxtVdcqfrpiBYT1vDV_jDaYWWo0C-Hvnf0VcyYUhwpB65cc4nrZ2xEffqQub24Fil-fFWu1BRWcSr68Esff_RR4lv6hpWBg/w113-h200/PXL_20230515_071629395~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br />Most of these are not covered by the entry ticket and have to be paid for separately. But, the biggest adventures are the 30 metre twist and drop tower – not for the faint of heart – and the Alpine Coaster, a roller coaster ride. Besides these, there is a wax museum, in which 48 real life wax statues of famous personalities are on display, and the Debay Wine Cellar, where one can taste wine. The Wine Cellar is the only true remnant of the erstwhile French resort. The cellar, being deep into the mountain, could store wine between 16 and 20 degree Celsius. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU4FCKKTrCwlc0dNyQhQhUowWXl0FSedlq08rOXJmrzVQa2uIMkAJZR7ayAOhw18sZo1c8TYnWtqBTTfpLpZuYwwWbu2wILwsLhVL3ikH-j6AGnGHQQFLeQKc2kpFUj4G1XFgwMVMIjkWSDP_pszcJQnU2t3iLbITQp15eD1EJIO73Xa2vxKAx6nT1A/s4032/PXL_20230515_072649961~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguU4FCKKTrCwlc0dNyQhQhUowWXl0FSedlq08rOXJmrzVQa2uIMkAJZR7ayAOhw18sZo1c8TYnWtqBTTfpLpZuYwwWbu2wILwsLhVL3ikH-j6AGnGHQQFLeQKc2kpFUj4G1XFgwMVMIjkWSDP_pszcJQnU2t3iLbITQp15eD1EJIO73Xa2vxKAx6nT1A/w200-h113/PXL_20230515_072649961~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Vietnam has many spiritual structures on mountain tops, such as in Son Tra Peninsula, and the Ba Na Hills is no exception. The Linh Ung Pagoda at 1500 metres above the sea level offers panoramic views of the entire complex and the hills surrounding it. The pagoda also boats one of the biggest Buddha statues in the country, the Zen Monastery and the Holy Mother Shrine. Thus, there is something for any kind of visitor, be it the spiritualist, the adventurer, the romantic, the gastronome or the explorer.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sBR2_H25BWupiKJhQBibflJbwV1GXBHbf3Bto13QREkPkT-LnAenXlhqYE6StT9wTWqjNQovEWSHBbrTIPZ4_HzSfdgxchqqG_DiMYdGQXqQ9V6LsT2EjeBloXyoWMioq-TAjSAk1SGBnsFLp-0bE7IZMgOQAy7FhOATpWLm4ralgqwcbVX8fxyxCg/s4032/PXL_20230515_063138182~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2sBR2_H25BWupiKJhQBibflJbwV1GXBHbf3Bto13QREkPkT-LnAenXlhqYE6StT9wTWqjNQovEWSHBbrTIPZ4_HzSfdgxchqqG_DiMYdGQXqQ9V6LsT2EjeBloXyoWMioq-TAjSAk1SGBnsFLp-0bE7IZMgOQAy7FhOATpWLm4ralgqwcbVX8fxyxCg/s320/PXL_20230515_063138182~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The only way up to the Ba Na Hills is via the cable cars and, for this reason, the entry ticket also includes the cable car round trip rides. The cable car infrastructure in Ba Na Hills is considered to be among the most impressive in the world. There are four different cable car systems supporting the Ba Na Hills attractions depending on where you want to go. A fifth cable system as well as other attractions are under development. The cable cars are also a way to appreciate the incredible beauty of the surrounding hills and eco system. It is said that, on a clear day, one can see as far as Da Nang and the shoreline.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhExHtHTqXHK9jRD7yadGNPCXw14MyerMmu6CDI8fr2XO0VKg0zjFEL1DFE4PhbafvGMliADwt3jiq_ifEn_LrGkHo4QaYeXCr8V75roMg9VE-OJrBpi6GNsLfPiG2nxQ4Tk3y3Gx_rxCFzuPekODiUT7W82obpCmU0hKdCO-P3sS_qiAI0wTIZuerlg/s4032/PXL_20230515_075416869~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhExHtHTqXHK9jRD7yadGNPCXw14MyerMmu6CDI8fr2XO0VKg0zjFEL1DFE4PhbafvGMliADwt3jiq_ifEn_LrGkHo4QaYeXCr8V75roMg9VE-OJrBpi6GNsLfPiG2nxQ4Tk3y3Gx_rxCFzuPekODiUT7W82obpCmU0hKdCO-P3sS_qiAI0wTIZuerlg/s320/PXL_20230515_075416869~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What amazed me was the superb infrastructure, great industry and discipline, clockwork precision and hospitality of the staff. There were zillions of smiles all around. Besides the numerous options for food everywhere, those in tour groups are served a buffet lunch of the most amazing variety. Thousands are served on two levels without any confusion or jostling. The entry and exit to cable cars and entertainment areas are well regulated too, ensuring that untoward incidents are avoided. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE6oCx_qXaMs-u7vsjARsKdWTmemELxbV4mhsPmWOE9_hvhh8DS6I1YJpu4zRC8j6MNUV7y4RDpmJENmAhpkEel52DMvoVeAyAwu_8dNmdcnqLczV2B9JS9AcNoOvHeWTr4NxbJUQjBbOUN2Hqo5YmTlmS0cbZldSOy2D1naDMt5Mf1LPLezySxaF0Q/s8428/PXL_20230515_074520375.PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="8428" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoE6oCx_qXaMs-u7vsjARsKdWTmemELxbV4mhsPmWOE9_hvhh8DS6I1YJpu4zRC8j6MNUV7y4RDpmJENmAhpkEel52DMvoVeAyAwu_8dNmdcnqLczV2B9JS9AcNoOvHeWTr4NxbJUQjBbOUN2Hqo5YmTlmS0cbZldSOy2D1naDMt5Mf1LPLezySxaF0Q/w400-h75/PXL_20230515_074520375.PANO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It had become a bit dark when it was time to return to the base station. There were rumblings in the air, with a sliver of lightning or two and a touch of rain. When we were all back in the tourist van the guide told us that the cable cars had to be stopped for a while due to the thunder.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-37019094650293229912023-05-31T12:19:00.000+05:302023-05-31T12:19:17.706+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 14 May 2023 – Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUe9q_7ncr3iaPPPrZ-bC_mPpNvH4YImUXCTWld6qwPIo0K6XLI_IILSRqXfPrhJFsdK3D-j2qr10sKt-AmwijIFl9MzcsWAKpI7Xd_pYWTMQDyT5HyhBbpLV2hBzRXKKVBq0V9SESBA6hCrg_gY4F1h4dmkZLgxjdLVCuLDQAzYujWrgroN5Um8HrA/s4032/PXL_20230513_235525602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUe9q_7ncr3iaPPPrZ-bC_mPpNvH4YImUXCTWld6qwPIo0K6XLI_IILSRqXfPrhJFsdK3D-j2qr10sKt-AmwijIFl9MzcsWAKpI7Xd_pYWTMQDyT5HyhBbpLV2hBzRXKKVBq0V9SESBA6hCrg_gY4F1h4dmkZLgxjdLVCuLDQAzYujWrgroN5Um8HrA/s320/PXL_20230513_235525602.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It being a Sunday, as well as my birthday, I thought it appropriate to visit the Pink Church, also known as the Da Nang Cathedral early in the morning. I checked over the internet and confirmed a church service at 6.30 am. The church was just behind the hotel, barely a five minute walk. I was stopped at the gate by the watchman saying that tourists are permitted to enter the premise only after the service. When I told him that I was there to attend the service he let me in without further ado.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNEwk7jLBNp3AcYZM2jqh5rKerRv24dLZ-49mOmzBaL99MP1Wz2-jnjfEfxQJkCmVw0Mlgnw9Yik2WpeOpnShcA2DhfmxE48MtILpOPM33kXk7KjjcX5klgKQfO0tAMjlQYNVtiHMl61SdiheoijLNpFoG8iaW6iTVcUvWSCU5TNB4B3r18NDz3E05g/s4032/PXL_20230513_235254268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNEwk7jLBNp3AcYZM2jqh5rKerRv24dLZ-49mOmzBaL99MP1Wz2-jnjfEfxQJkCmVw0Mlgnw9Yik2WpeOpnShcA2DhfmxE48MtILpOPM33kXk7KjjcX5klgKQfO0tAMjlQYNVtiHMl61SdiheoijLNpFoG8iaW6iTVcUvWSCU5TNB4B3r18NDz3E05g/s320/PXL_20230513_235254268.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>An example of French architecture, the church was consecrated in 1924. The 70 metre tall cathedral has a rooster atop the cross as a weathercock. Locals even refer to the church as the Rooster Church. Inside the church, as is common in western churches, there are stained glass panes depicting saints, events from the Bible represented by statues, pictures and drawings. By the side of the church there is a Marian Cave resembling the Lourdes Cave. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUdbtg9c9uwvYe8gzVgmtpbo38INqGv8kDSz9qMjiS8EgJA6QGJgyAaEhotU9pGCSL_dPl59BafZpTjFWgfimQUtPwXUda37DvOgCualT3O67VjncS3bk3LO2cclzfDSvZCfzl1-jrlAoh5kZMFE8hkpHoqVaSkMFumEis55WHvuEs7kGBJLdL80gew/s4032/PXL_20230514_001810055~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUdbtg9c9uwvYe8gzVgmtpbo38INqGv8kDSz9qMjiS8EgJA6QGJgyAaEhotU9pGCSL_dPl59BafZpTjFWgfimQUtPwXUda37DvOgCualT3O67VjncS3bk3LO2cclzfDSvZCfzl1-jrlAoh5kZMFE8hkpHoqVaSkMFumEis55WHvuEs7kGBJLdL80gew/w113-h200/PXL_20230514_001810055~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>Back in the hotel after the church service, I went to the restaurant for breakfast, where I was treated to a birthday cake and a special bouquet. The breakfast was not elaborate but was adequate to fill up for a full day I was looking forward to. Toasts and omelette with bacon and spring rolls and plenty of fruits washed down with cold lemon tea and coffee was just the right start to the day. I engaged a cab, courtesy the hotel reception, for a full tour of the Son Tra Peninsula, which is a stunningly beautiful area located about 10 km from the bustling city of Da Nang. It is known for its natural beauty, stunning beaches, and rich history. The peninsula is also home to the red-shanked douc langur, a rare species of monkey, which can only be found in this area. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgakE4GW9e3Qa5-nRKXV7Cp2qtAPWvLvQZlRPRfCh8l5WyJxt_4QyXPp9Gy-8Dt9R_mwuafEJtKuzcql4q2QZM9-bZG9DS_p0PUZsrByzSB7lUrf6p96HTOGHe8K4rHgMuSFtayAfu7j1s9XpIsVrMCFvrSisG8sT6_GwacLzu6mx1oEDZwUSxFbyBw/s4032/PXL_20230514_014746358~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgakE4GW9e3Qa5-nRKXV7Cp2qtAPWvLvQZlRPRfCh8l5WyJxt_4QyXPp9Gy-8Dt9R_mwuafEJtKuzcql4q2QZM9-bZG9DS_p0PUZsrByzSB7lUrf6p96HTOGHe8K4rHgMuSFtayAfu7j1s9XpIsVrMCFvrSisG8sT6_GwacLzu6mx1oEDZwUSxFbyBw/w73-h129/PXL_20230514_014746358~2.jpg" width="73" /></a></div><br />As we started negotiating the steep and curvy roads to the top of the mountain I could see swathes of fog hugging the mountainside. Past the checkpoint the fog became increasingly thicker and then I knew that the panoramic views I was looking forward to would be a pipedream. That came to pass.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT45Yx3ri8YUd0tcUmsfwiGZOf7UfW3-0bs25_MBzUFhlB0HZq_R0YRYvIi711jVWej8dmTYcrQcmB7pP8d09u_Vhfb7pChq8mNkzQrv_t1YtV7t0r5vgrfK_ZUsUlpFZPMr_zGqxO0w_LbwFJiLNQRstY1YJc1XcPcu5v08-RfdKfT6QDpaMoFDEk5w/s4032/PXL_20230514_015322093~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT45Yx3ri8YUd0tcUmsfwiGZOf7UfW3-0bs25_MBzUFhlB0HZq_R0YRYvIi711jVWej8dmTYcrQcmB7pP8d09u_Vhfb7pChq8mNkzQrv_t1YtV7t0r5vgrfK_ZUsUlpFZPMr_zGqxO0w_LbwFJiLNQRstY1YJc1XcPcu5v08-RfdKfT6QDpaMoFDEk5w/s320/PXL_20230514_015322093~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When we reached the Nha Vong Canh, from where I was to savour white sands, blue seas, and a distant view of the Hai Van Pass, the visibility had dropped alarmingly. The other visitors to the view point expressed anguish too. One of the major heritage attraction on the Peninsula is the Son Tra Giant Banyan Tree, which the locals believe to be over 1000 years old. Due to landslips, there are indications of many such on the way, the attraction was closed<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCxSNbA_-NDodWwTUXaO_hPGsPQ-oxfV8Oi39IWV3rr-uEwW0HuwLKM62BPQj89lO0oxkazMMAaM8kSjlSKqhBZT2T_EsHalExKtvTIKHc2qSRBi9bJ49iJNCTrSz5LJmtsxwAtvzFPWgLi2UiFbqPporGlc_gfJGQx_liiFNIPlGZqvw9y0GkM4FHA/s4032/PXL_20230514_021326893~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKCxSNbA_-NDodWwTUXaO_hPGsPQ-oxfV8Oi39IWV3rr-uEwW0HuwLKM62BPQj89lO0oxkazMMAaM8kSjlSKqhBZT2T_EsHalExKtvTIKHc2qSRBi9bJ49iJNCTrSz5LJmtsxwAtvzFPWgLi2UiFbqPporGlc_gfJGQx_liiFNIPlGZqvw9y0GkM4FHA/s320/PXL_20230514_021326893~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Ban Co Peak is the highest point on the Son Tra Peninsula. The popular legend relating to the Peak mentions an old fairy who came across Son Tra, realized the beauty of the land, sat down on a large and flat rock at a mountain top to enjoy the scenery. While sightseeing, he created a Chinese chess board on the rock. Soon De Thich, a famous chess player, came there and asked to join the game.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPiZsUkFeQoqdpg4IMtnQEVgSjQPUsg_OfV3GGevsfxaBciiG3oARSrdwUBh0Abgh0ex_D-JoYfLOHp9ffZ8MHSFEIssgPrgmtU_ylqkyTlnLuwLgEeihTFdHjtcYaznLQOy8BI3bzgNtdvtXzvDCO2oY8TdQiFu91_xjXIWw7Oywk0vF5T4SEm6ISQ/s4032/PXL_20230514_021517293~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPiZsUkFeQoqdpg4IMtnQEVgSjQPUsg_OfV3GGevsfxaBciiG3oARSrdwUBh0Abgh0ex_D-JoYfLOHp9ffZ8MHSFEIssgPrgmtU_ylqkyTlnLuwLgEeihTFdHjtcYaznLQOy8BI3bzgNtdvtXzvDCO2oY8TdQiFu91_xjXIWw7Oywk0vF5T4SEm6ISQ/s320/PXL_20230514_021517293~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So immersed were they in the game that many days went by and the game continued. One day, a few beautiful fairies came to a nearby beach and chanced upon the game between De Thich and the fairy. Laughter of the fairies distracted De Thich and he made a wrong move. Winning the chess game, the fairy came back to heaven, leaving De Thich alone. In commemoration of this legend, the local residents carved a Chinese chess board on a flat rock on the Ban Co Peak. All other viewpoints, from where I could have got views of the city and the surrounding areas were all fogged up. Left with no option I told the driver to take me to the Linh Ung Pagoda.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c62USWnRnNGRsMezIErbIgVbdXr89CVfpz1G48OUFf_qxJDyvYeSPoOmRQxJwP_feaLxapOL4d9qMCKARpAUChUjHOqs-OJkDNUtK4tWim-V8dAFdQbQhlUyct9ov7VvozvXTNlJW2YbarJPDBt1MwRKAYiAJqXt-BdVydDL5tzachTZFrHdpaj3yQ/s4032/PXL_20230514_023555314~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c62USWnRnNGRsMezIErbIgVbdXr89CVfpz1G48OUFf_qxJDyvYeSPoOmRQxJwP_feaLxapOL4d9qMCKARpAUChUjHOqs-OJkDNUtK4tWim-V8dAFdQbQhlUyct9ov7VvozvXTNlJW2YbarJPDBt1MwRKAYiAJqXt-BdVydDL5tzachTZFrHdpaj3yQ/s320/PXL_20230514_023555314~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Linh Ung Pagoda is set against the backdrop of breath-taking natural beauty, with panoramic views of the East Sea and the surrounding mountains. Its architecture is a stunning blend of traditional Vietnamese and modern styles, with intricate carvings, colorful mosaics, and ornate statues adorning its walls and rooftops.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dA7k9ZxUMzlR8oOKOebb2ZDtrNh8Ld3A0ULSfw8dZcb94sg6TY3ifMY4oJcptNWEG5CeOc_CT7I3mshhDuJWd06vBDt3ZtZ4lMYkuSsWgg6a3Dm7sJWYDBUq7GS23lXM_mB66uwnA8b6_6wJ1Co-iC4gJDjUGQOMHOrWtQebVGPAQxMAbqHWgRigyQ/s4032/PXL_20230514_033106745~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dA7k9ZxUMzlR8oOKOebb2ZDtrNh8Ld3A0ULSfw8dZcb94sg6TY3ifMY4oJcptNWEG5CeOc_CT7I3mshhDuJWd06vBDt3ZtZ4lMYkuSsWgg6a3Dm7sJWYDBUq7GS23lXM_mB66uwnA8b6_6wJ1Co-iC4gJDjUGQOMHOrWtQebVGPAQxMAbqHWgRigyQ/s320/PXL_20230514_033106745~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the center of the pagoda is a towering white statue of the Goddess of Mercy, standing at a height of 67 meters. This statue is one of the tallest of its kind in Southeast Asia, and a symbol of peace and compassion for the Vietnamese people. Visitors to the pagoda can explore its many shrines and meditation halls, each offering a unique and tranquil space for reflection and prayer. The grounds are also home to a peaceful garden filled with blooming flowers and lush greenery, as well as a serene lotus pond.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j74J2BCYUyWfdvDrUo9Hy2EktfgAOjobKbl-Lg-vO5RRZbDu3j9ieqwD4m_yxWs6aavW--GavRs1b6tD-RtxY427BRa7qediUl5A8DejDfMniwIXVlDfljApLvyCCx0I8Wig1r_mcXRpUxV6atR8h2IcPRaDzzIx84s7_xRh2lnOlOVW92qUzCnyog/s4032/PXL_20230514_035152751~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-j74J2BCYUyWfdvDrUo9Hy2EktfgAOjobKbl-Lg-vO5RRZbDu3j9ieqwD4m_yxWs6aavW--GavRs1b6tD-RtxY427BRa7qediUl5A8DejDfMniwIXVlDfljApLvyCCx0I8Wig1r_mcXRpUxV6atR8h2IcPRaDzzIx84s7_xRh2lnOlOVW92qUzCnyog/s320/PXL_20230514_035152751~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>On the way back to the hotel in Da Nang I dropped by at the My Khe beach, which is considered to be one of the best in Vietnam. I am not much of a beach person myself, having had a surfeit of exposure to seas, rivers and streams through childhood and adolescence. However, My Khe being a tourist attraction I thought it justified to check it out.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8W9hXJq3U_bYxmZrt3wA46VgrvjrErTHlcrNqMt8mZBRl92kpbh3GErrxVtlnNAa27__jP12tMU6v6eZMxdn0LxvsBUYJu5ofQ03Cac7-UrHiT7OkOf6WW66XLThc7pNSjIyRUmURc3eTaKWM8SjPc4zmWVfBEtQTEJQygYjg2-6SWXZU50LDsMH9Q/s4032/PXL_20230514_043827627~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8W9hXJq3U_bYxmZrt3wA46VgrvjrErTHlcrNqMt8mZBRl92kpbh3GErrxVtlnNAa27__jP12tMU6v6eZMxdn0LxvsBUYJu5ofQ03Cac7-UrHiT7OkOf6WW66XLThc7pNSjIyRUmURc3eTaKWM8SjPc4zmWVfBEtQTEJQygYjg2-6SWXZU50LDsMH9Q/s320/PXL_20230514_043827627~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The coconut palm fringed beach is known for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning natural scenery. At a distance I could see the tranquil marble statue of the Goddess of Mercy. The beach is a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, and water sports. With calm waters, shallow waves and warm water the year around, My Khe beach is one of the safest beaches in the world. The beach is dotted with cafes and bars, where one can enjoy local cuisine and drink.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4yO_C7IJ5IMXp_YQvNbF8Z9U5RJw0k5JZ6GhOpsqKfu9kX5VsTTv9N1nWZMLpWHl54Jb7FzTif1mxbrtcbX-qNdnDTPTvPq4l2dBh_qOt04owh614FPdU3weXE_gxzhGJPB1eZ5jfGuH35XVTjX7TaP-2pC1G1TRJjyIhunRB7PHhmOPRXza-myxlg/s4032/PXL_20230514_110408931~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4yO_C7IJ5IMXp_YQvNbF8Z9U5RJw0k5JZ6GhOpsqKfu9kX5VsTTv9N1nWZMLpWHl54Jb7FzTif1mxbrtcbX-qNdnDTPTvPq4l2dBh_qOt04owh614FPdU3weXE_gxzhGJPB1eZ5jfGuH35XVTjX7TaP-2pC1G1TRJjyIhunRB7PHhmOPRXza-myxlg/s320/PXL_20230514_110408931~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the evening I decided to explore the Con Market, which was recommended by the hotel reception. The central location of the Avora Hotel meant that the Con Market was just a pleasant walk from the accommodation. One of the features I have noticed in Vietnam is the proliferation of local entrepreneurship; in fact, that is a feature of almost all South-East Asian countries. Most important is the role women play in that feature. Most shops and establishments are manned and managed by women. Men seem to provide logistics support.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAd997p96PnstySWNzIDzvDMN3gBHmCrvPWcn-7ia3DReclYO8HoG-ep8nAMsr2vuNiGk3b2JGRV3ylcyY0xSB0pUHsklbeS5YenZgNe0i-IZnvy56Jj2sBHyvh3fIKppTsMowawbBYbcZgch66ftLOcmWhH72aKbIjWkuUgIfipnh0he4QUsKnCwDA/s4032/PXL_20230514_105340322~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAd997p96PnstySWNzIDzvDMN3gBHmCrvPWcn-7ia3DReclYO8HoG-ep8nAMsr2vuNiGk3b2JGRV3ylcyY0xSB0pUHsklbeS5YenZgNe0i-IZnvy56Jj2sBHyvh3fIKppTsMowawbBYbcZgch66ftLOcmWhH72aKbIjWkuUgIfipnh0he4QUsKnCwDA/s320/PXL_20230514_105340322~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At the entrance to the Con Market were small kiosks selling snails, mussels and the like. There was this one lady with a large basket of small snails using a small pin, extracting the snails and shovelling it into her mouth. That was an astonishing sight. What was even more astonishing was the fact that she was still at it when I passed her in another hour on the way back from the market.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqnhNlCFcJiUBtpS69f5vLuxCU6IJRtYlHsyBj6IMiew7K6AKIFDyAFZ-7RISvzd8_QDbtSIKDDxBABWTniwUvaPUiL9l5k7Evr2re73GthFjOcg4MYctPYjDrZaukLdTQ5MQBLOzUJESIWRtsXkiT3pyfFim6Ckv41CvzRQYZZuIU28c7kpwq_JjXw/s4032/PXL_20230514_110813313~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqnhNlCFcJiUBtpS69f5vLuxCU6IJRtYlHsyBj6IMiew7K6AKIFDyAFZ-7RISvzd8_QDbtSIKDDxBABWTniwUvaPUiL9l5k7Evr2re73GthFjOcg4MYctPYjDrZaukLdTQ5MQBLOzUJESIWRtsXkiT3pyfFim6Ckv41CvzRQYZZuIU28c7kpwq_JjXw/s320/PXL_20230514_110813313~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Con Market is the place to go to if one wants to delve into the heart of the local community. The market has street food, fresh vegetables and fruits, a thriving wet market, shops selling garments, fabric, watches, bags, suitcases, footwear and traditional bamboo crafts. It can get a bit stuffy with so many people milling around. A glass of sweet sugarcane juice lined with a squeeze of Kalamansi lime and cooled with a few cubes of ice was the right salve for the parched throat.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjK7bsCIhWBkqD72hTEEXntqvEZlrIcYH5IRFwzmmzoZt01WVFy_-K954ACexPGHPOZKX44BbKxWoW2JIRvDtuRgQLMdADLHRZD_59GA24R_HUdYRm0Q3s7mwqJGOUAAOuXXpEOEddCcNpgN6Y028pS0Xm6RoFMxQd6bhORIeQKeIsrFfk-wfXAi51A/s4032/PXL_20230514_125847651~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjK7bsCIhWBkqD72hTEEXntqvEZlrIcYH5IRFwzmmzoZt01WVFy_-K954ACexPGHPOZKX44BbKxWoW2JIRvDtuRgQLMdADLHRZD_59GA24R_HUdYRm0Q3s7mwqJGOUAAOuXXpEOEddCcNpgN6Y028pS0Xm6RoFMxQd6bhORIeQKeIsrFfk-wfXAi51A/w113-h200/PXL_20230514_125847651~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div><br />Back from the market, I bought a couple of beers and sat on the riverfront, reminiscing. 65 years in flashback, happy with the balanced life, with no regrets. A light rain embellished the ambience. With the beers done I gravitated to the nearby Tre Viet hotel and ordered the traditional chicken pancake. What a feast that turned out to be. While at dinner, just after 9 pm, the Dragon spat fire and water. This is a show for which the cruise boats had line up and the people aggregate at vantage points on the bridge to watch the spectacle. An appropriate end to a birthday celebration.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-8236588139134859062023-05-31T11:51:00.001+05:302023-05-31T11:51:54.082+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 13 May 2023 – Han River Boat Ride, Da Nang<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxMrEjTAmibTlel_0Nd_zT6g-pBlem7soAXy-yj8ODvmpIpnmFPrVsUQ8a_j_GiOv36vjvI92RaUT2G_6tTmmdyeh4y51thbndroLGIy9WROgJ4bdGaZaiploc0q-6w8-QhLBOQAlMUiNmB9-aNHt6niM8K4mZF1kT6aar_-Ek5dowKLvra-39y1xcw/s4032/PXL_20230513_035422392~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxMrEjTAmibTlel_0Nd_zT6g-pBlem7soAXy-yj8ODvmpIpnmFPrVsUQ8a_j_GiOv36vjvI92RaUT2G_6tTmmdyeh4y51thbndroLGIy9WROgJ4bdGaZaiploc0q-6w8-QhLBOQAlMUiNmB9-aNHt6niM8K4mZF1kT6aar_-Ek5dowKLvra-39y1xcw/s320/PXL_20230513_035422392~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Avora Hotel is situated bang on one of the banks of the Han River, the Bach Dang Street, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful streets of Da Nang. Like most riverside roads in Vietnam, this one way boulevard is also named after a victorious battle against the Chinese. In Da Nang this street is popular for its vibrant nightlife. Just a few hundred metres away from the hotel is the iconic Dragon Bridge. The first sights took my breath away.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiHzdzh32kKRtovagERTJwPrukNOvLNNKEjIeS3YBlJRiqQn_yIanGyLMNhTUnTTQLuby3CfRQH3fLAkhTDAwiU85LV7qb3dDT9ruQe-lYVTZ7MYYkcUD5ssXD3p9tn21w6ns0G24wsy4SXXt4ImneUYjRgiCPZH2MDtb14IsLIPdn2YcijZYTapUUw/s4032/PXL_20230513_104207363~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBiHzdzh32kKRtovagERTJwPrukNOvLNNKEjIeS3YBlJRiqQn_yIanGyLMNhTUnTTQLuby3CfRQH3fLAkhTDAwiU85LV7qb3dDT9ruQe-lYVTZ7MYYkcUD5ssXD3p9tn21w6ns0G24wsy4SXXt4ImneUYjRgiCPZH2MDtb14IsLIPdn2YcijZYTapUUw/s320/PXL_20230513_104207363~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While the formalities for check-in were being completed the receptionist told me politely that I would have to wait a while to occupy the room reserved for me on the 8th floor. She said that the room would be ready in a couple of hours, by which time I could take a stroll along the Riverwalk and possibly have lunch. The receptionist told me a few options for food within close proximity.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUqJkQ868qOhk_UD_sHheE9TmFnWfwxJ5tzJzWoMxtQORFiksYajlTpt37iyUv4U_SuI6GPhTuSuGoLxdvyBh0MNKQBuS64o0x1DGaqnNbasS4LDGy11I7UxO5-d7K-rx21OKWC4SNzYbTAoyUaYOatInjexVkcwYniZPXqGHGUZaugjfjOA7ig3NQw/s4032/PXL_20230513_102506380~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUqJkQ868qOhk_UD_sHheE9TmFnWfwxJ5tzJzWoMxtQORFiksYajlTpt37iyUv4U_SuI6GPhTuSuGoLxdvyBh0MNKQBuS64o0x1DGaqnNbasS4LDGy11I7UxO5-d7K-rx21OKWC4SNzYbTAoyUaYOatInjexVkcwYniZPXqGHGUZaugjfjOA7ig3NQw/s320/PXL_20230513_102506380~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The streets were not that busy with the sun beating down quite relentlessly. The broad Riverwalk is paved from end to end with lovely marble statues placed at intermediate locations. The statues looked so lifelike and the workmanship was exquisite. There were many coffee shops, restaurants, and bars, some overflowing with people as it was so close to the lunch hour and many taking solace in chilled beers and other beverages. The grand French architecture of several of the political buildings dotted along the street have stood since the colonial times and some are now flourishing hotels and restaurants. The Hilton, Novotel and Wink are modern high rise buildings.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsr372bamwvtf2V5ZecPhN2dW7x6EAN_eyy2D23mdGXWUQXZNv9kSQRn3ag4RJN0bKL_TNOjgIK13r3IFTCHzBG-p5LYeBL1TfOt_XoiTjgDyBchJJLKFSbrvsCtHvRUwTMvNDdYMNVbRc2aioomjNejDuaVu3gHvPx2dz0mPZuKYQr-k99Y2G9Dv2w/s4032/PXL_20230513_094254870~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsr372bamwvtf2V5ZecPhN2dW7x6EAN_eyy2D23mdGXWUQXZNv9kSQRn3ag4RJN0bKL_TNOjgIK13r3IFTCHzBG-p5LYeBL1TfOt_XoiTjgDyBchJJLKFSbrvsCtHvRUwTMvNDdYMNVbRc2aioomjNejDuaVu3gHvPx2dz0mPZuKYQr-k99Y2G9Dv2w/s320/PXL_20230513_094254870~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I briefly walked into the historic Han Market, located close to the renowned Han River Bridge. The Han Market was first established in the 17th century as a spontaneous trading area. In the 19th century, the French constructed a formal business centre. It was rebuilt in 1990 with two spacious floors of 28,000 square meters with 576 stalls and 36 kiosks to serve the needs of the local citizens and foreign tourists.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RT4ZKsfB7KGYP-SrIL2IA1L82WPGIo9nK8P94NP-qUeAd20JQ4ATA43RU5N6mr32upVHE0xJ173Aju7xmdfaq5jPAm--r9qV4kl4c4jw2Gl8oMcdgsHaDSeUN-NMBVeqKe_cG7i_dKCeg_4z0dZAWNV-IXNJNg7risShMwhgf9UhZ5rJcak1hZqSOw/s3423/PXL_20230513_095308264~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="3423" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RT4ZKsfB7KGYP-SrIL2IA1L82WPGIo9nK8P94NP-qUeAd20JQ4ATA43RU5N6mr32upVHE0xJ173Aju7xmdfaq5jPAm--r9qV4kl4c4jw2Gl8oMcdgsHaDSeUN-NMBVeqKe_cG7i_dKCeg_4z0dZAWNV-IXNJNg7risShMwhgf9UhZ5rJcak1hZqSOw/s320/PXL_20230513_095308264~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The market is a popular tourist attraction in Da Nang and has etched a deep cultural and economic mark. It is a paradise for shopaholics who can find not only Da Nang specialties but is also an ideal place to shop for souvenirs. This is normally part of every tourist’s schedule because of the bargains available for garments, footwear, souvenirs, bamboo works, condiments, spices, Vietnamese specialities, etc. It is also a great place to explore local cuisine. Unfortunately, in the food court I got checkmated by the language; the vendors do not speak English and I cannot speak Vietnamese to save my life.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn0NsqDMp_Z_bIrIamMS58C2aG19IS7xKYYffAd_wxobtsOCcG_7wFuJDDR2ZBgy5cDbrh6OZWRZPCIEViANiwAh7xxUAMHU7P5tJv1IqV0Boyi6DO6jWG5Hcb82qi6R9Kz4hnFTRkeJBER77dvOU_nDfqnNTU0dYXN0ZTiQazU14WHLTe_QnGrZ-TA/s4032/PXL_20230513_040451893~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGn0NsqDMp_Z_bIrIamMS58C2aG19IS7xKYYffAd_wxobtsOCcG_7wFuJDDR2ZBgy5cDbrh6OZWRZPCIEViANiwAh7xxUAMHU7P5tJv1IqV0Boyi6DO6jWG5Hcb82qi6R9Kz4hnFTRkeJBER77dvOU_nDfqnNTU0dYXN0ZTiQazU14WHLTe_QnGrZ-TA/w320-h181/PXL_20230513_040451893~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When the hunger pangs began I started looking into restaurants that featured Vietnamese cuisine. Almost all of them had the menu in the local language and the waiters did not speak English. Thus, it was a long trudge along the Bach Dang Street before I walked into the Tre Viet restaurant, decked up aesthetically in local style and with staff who understood English. They produced a menu which described the dishes in English. While sipping on a chilled Larue beer I ordered grilled pork with broke rice. The passion fruit juice they served with the main meal was superb to taste. The pork was a bit tough, but tasty.<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdF0KYBMUwPVzCJpMYXSQ34AytMfHkLMU06oR9Q00J-4mV4Yl195Ads6_m5f0FcZE5aUaom0LQAEI7va1Xcl01OI6HCkANpi30kSc3CB9qnkv4cU2BdRizIPb72d--KqYS7MqNBGTD7A5OqoOQKB-hbi2tJVIBx5EMwlcXQx2pq3SI2KcPg2UkJXtmw/s4032/PXL_20230513_105408064~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdF0KYBMUwPVzCJpMYXSQ34AytMfHkLMU06oR9Q00J-4mV4Yl195Ads6_m5f0FcZE5aUaom0LQAEI7va1Xcl01OI6HCkANpi30kSc3CB9qnkv4cU2BdRizIPb72d--KqYS7MqNBGTD7A5OqoOQKB-hbi2tJVIBx5EMwlcXQx2pq3SI2KcPg2UkJXtmw/s320/PXL_20230513_105408064~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After resting the weary limbs, baked by the hot sun and overnight flights, I booked a river cruise, which is one of the must do things in Da Nang. The Han River flows right through the city centre and empties into the Da Nang Bay. It is about 7 kms in length and is over 1 km at its widest. I booked the cruise at the hotel reception, which also booked a Grab cab for me to get to the Song Han Port from where the boat rides originate.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtfXUwoWJo3X5pxOucz-_UT01UNJaUToxMM4dLDVZuJdK5rjRejljQkw3L-78YLj1Xii3QA2RksWSOyU9j3-v_ILG9w9WC_iwLVqsvjy-zNXW0nIiNu2CUerrl1nk_iA2TrOnt8hwIT_Dc_vpb0liwWEyi2fGX_mDr4veGOtqjPmlEFQ2nPeI2DFDaQ/s3722/PXL_20230513_115104130~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="3722" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtfXUwoWJo3X5pxOucz-_UT01UNJaUToxMM4dLDVZuJdK5rjRejljQkw3L-78YLj1Xii3QA2RksWSOyU9j3-v_ILG9w9WC_iwLVqsvjy-zNXW0nIiNu2CUerrl1nk_iA2TrOnt8hwIT_Dc_vpb0liwWEyi2fGX_mDr4veGOtqjPmlEFQ2nPeI2DFDaQ/s320/PXL_20230513_115104130~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I got there by a quarter to 7 pm I realised I could have walked there along the river front. The boats were all brightly decked up and there were quite a few of them. The most popular rides are the dinner cruises that takes visitors close to the Dragon Bridge on weekends when the Dragon breaths fire and water at 9 pm. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvGTDaSdVR_jYANXLUtLOQlZbOz2OyMAM0ZH5g-pJfbhYNiLNmyz3xPUZIStj4YWX_YA_Hj2nbJPUYCfMwyCODhE0RcC8bvcPLMqcttbZD_J6GVlI7IOKlRcn97FuFshowSt9eCnnapqHVK3TPeXzjhCM9Pqava_WRJTWO8YxFuferZpWY8bRBSdpTQ/s4032/PXL_20230513_122631072~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDvGTDaSdVR_jYANXLUtLOQlZbOz2OyMAM0ZH5g-pJfbhYNiLNmyz3xPUZIStj4YWX_YA_Hj2nbJPUYCfMwyCODhE0RcC8bvcPLMqcttbZD_J6GVlI7IOKlRcn97FuFshowSt9eCnnapqHVK3TPeXzjhCM9Pqava_WRJTWO8YxFuferZpWY8bRBSdpTQ/s320/PXL_20230513_122631072~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The upper deck is most sought after for the boat rides. The first few rows were already taken by the time I got on. Therefore, the frontal view was restricted. Before the cruise began I was served a plateful of watermelon and mango with a bottle of chilled water. I sipped on a can of chilled Larue when a comely girl gave a couple performances of the Cham dance, which is a special kind of art of the Cham ethnic group of Vietnam. The traditional Cham dance is a part of the cultural and religious life of the people. Through dances, they express reverence to gods, kings or people who have made contributions to the country.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsShauacel_b-2LdwLnmQFl_Mue0WVvJQkG22xNM4kgtQkwshs1ugrkhzCTHSF5vF4WkzzLqH8mukEJHKSK4EikI1qCR84sygtqqAmVGEizRbeXay4MXIJsnDP7VK-n5wRsUyO9HtrFax4zeXBY1Fluk3LJPmqwVUf9SXUOYrE_o64ObzHoEnmqUMnQ/s4032/PXL_20230513_115154957~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsShauacel_b-2LdwLnmQFl_Mue0WVvJQkG22xNM4kgtQkwshs1ugrkhzCTHSF5vF4WkzzLqH8mukEJHKSK4EikI1qCR84sygtqqAmVGEizRbeXay4MXIJsnDP7VK-n5wRsUyO9HtrFax4zeXBY1Fluk3LJPmqwVUf9SXUOYrE_o64ObzHoEnmqUMnQ/s320/PXL_20230513_115154957~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The boat cruise is a wonderful way to appreciate the lit up skyline, high rises and four landmark bridges that span the Han River. The Han River Bridge is a cable-stayed, swing bridge, where traffic is stopped at 11 pm to allow ships to pass when the centre portion of the bridge swings on its axis. The suspension cables of the Tran Thi Ly Bridge, named after a heroic revolutionary, is in the shape of an inverted Y and is intended to look like sails of a ship. The Dragon Bridge, the icon of Da Nang, is in the shape of a Golden Dragon stretching itself across the river from one bank to the other. The Thuan Phuoc Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Vietnam at 1.85 kms, transport men and material from Da Nang to the Son Tra Pensinsula and Hue, the former capital city.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34VZ6EYG0ndfS71a_6RSlRrdFEAhp3Cre3js55lkyikhSJy5sfXdlbnQ-AEIlTBWI8A9f6AuwewH2-4m2k9MySwaHMrD_WiQd2iCYH9W4Fwrzx48v_o5XYg2EwYNECxPOmmNYPpbBSPWRwt7l_85I-hy9a35FIDbM4qH2UdWbYEmau2uBMZFmhgOGJA/s4032/PXL_20230513_131246652~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj34VZ6EYG0ndfS71a_6RSlRrdFEAhp3Cre3js55lkyikhSJy5sfXdlbnQ-AEIlTBWI8A9f6AuwewH2-4m2k9MySwaHMrD_WiQd2iCYH9W4Fwrzx48v_o5XYg2EwYNECxPOmmNYPpbBSPWRwt7l_85I-hy9a35FIDbM4qH2UdWbYEmau2uBMZFmhgOGJA/s320/PXL_20230513_131246652~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The one hour boat cruise was quite enjoyable and by the time I disembarked the entire port area was filled with tourists for the 8 and 9 pm dinner cruises. I walked leisurely along the beautiful river bank, taking in the sculptures and neat gardens on the way back to the hotel. On the way I had dinner at the Tre Viet consisting of Pho, a beef noodle soup, the national dish of Vietnam. It is extremely nutritious and filling. Near to the diner were many shops selling coconut based sweet dishes. I succumbed to the temptation and had one before seeking the air-conditioned comfort of the hotel room.</div></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-15374714118415528292023-05-31T11:07:00.000+05:302023-05-31T11:07:30.391+05:30Exploring Central Vietnam - 12 May 2023 – Cochin to Da Nang<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkFVnwQtsQpeKPbyv-CyPn5in3XvtRU6hZzguIw5ZvhzdJny8CcDp91xfQP_x-DHjNhFB4_dcfs30hoKoWn7WiXyNCd10p6xq9ew8asn_0WcvYiHk6womcAvNZHf6qoXCAK7DrEgZPkYsW2bTfBJmzjp5ifBjN6NApuysK3DpVbZ8p7pS7hSEFwF--w/s4032/PXL_20230513_001648321~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkFVnwQtsQpeKPbyv-CyPn5in3XvtRU6hZzguIw5ZvhzdJny8CcDp91xfQP_x-DHjNhFB4_dcfs30hoKoWn7WiXyNCd10p6xq9ew8asn_0WcvYiHk6womcAvNZHf6qoXCAK7DrEgZPkYsW2bTfBJmzjp5ifBjN6NApuysK3DpVbZ8p7pS7hSEFwF--w/s320/PXL_20230513_001648321~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As anticipated, the traffic from my residence to Cochin International Airport (CIAL) was heavy; it just wouldn't move at Idapally and Aluva. Siraj, the Ola driver, wasn't perturbed. He kept up a lively conversation and 'made time pass', taking my mind off the frustrating snarls. I had plenty of time to complete the check-in, immigration and security, having reached the airport three hours ahead of the departure time of 11 pm. I was taking the Air-Asia flight to Bangkok, en route to Da Nang, Vietnam for a short holiday. The Air-Asia flight, including meals and 20 kg baggage, to and fro, between Cochin and Da Nang cost me a bit short of Rs. 59,000 and the online visa, through the official site, cost $62.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeHdwO0DCqnwNSSjdaj-46VIRK-SwQiUWBrz5eHWpzMFOh9KiGpc5TgGrkPxQY8hq5rjAu_QbNx3SolS0BC3LoN8ajLGANcLcAdawNLDHZooDPibi24YB862eOKyYY4qDYejhy5OcgemJIih_HKGq06MNwKXS-R4MoFD0TC68LXKpLZI18GkRXTvbcw/s4032/PXL_20230512_151144150~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeHdwO0DCqnwNSSjdaj-46VIRK-SwQiUWBrz5eHWpzMFOh9KiGpc5TgGrkPxQY8hq5rjAu_QbNx3SolS0BC3LoN8ajLGANcLcAdawNLDHZooDPibi24YB862eOKyYY4qDYejhy5OcgemJIih_HKGq06MNwKXS-R4MoFD0TC68LXKpLZI18GkRXTvbcw/s320/PXL_20230512_151144150~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Though not ostentatious like some of the other international airports in India, CIAL is functional, neat and spotlessly clean. I spent a couple of hours in the food court enjoying a Burger King meal and a vanilla softie. Frequent announcements to wear face masks, maintain social distancing and adopt Covid appropriate behaviour seemed to be just a routine exercise of government instructions. Que sera, sera was in the air - whatever will be, will be!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFWVgI_dZUxgKcKFR1QWnxfFRFgo0JFXHn8L_Pcj7RvBhxFOpsnAPS_ppXQdvTzjej_7LYkSnCQwhrwMYdlLVoWFaqDgPrnp3h-gsQBzuug2e0WHi_h3Q94VxG0zGokLrMPi0nxngSvhxZ-ZK5dMSk91rzYx_Ez7VXI0jIOmQfwBK81hQ7aeRtYdXNg/s4032/PXL_20230513_002751058~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFWVgI_dZUxgKcKFR1QWnxfFRFgo0JFXHn8L_Pcj7RvBhxFOpsnAPS_ppXQdvTzjej_7LYkSnCQwhrwMYdlLVoWFaqDgPrnp3h-gsQBzuug2e0WHi_h3Q94VxG0zGokLrMPi0nxngSvhxZ-ZK5dMSk91rzYx_Ez7VXI0jIOmQfwBK81hQ7aeRtYdXNg/s320/PXL_20230513_002751058~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Air-Asia flight to Bangkok was full and kept the 11 pm departure time. I was served teriaki chicken and rice with a small bottle of water for the meal platter I had booked. I slept tight till the landing announcements were made and the hostess came around to check appropriate seating and clear waste. The smooth landing at the Don Mueang airport in Bangkok was ahead of the scheduled time. There were not many passengers by the flight for international transfer. The transfer desk was adequately handled by the Air-Asia staff.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiBapgRCvFepFy9HaruZw50D1Xo09f67ESh-72fVnS6EIKJ4L-psbaW5OfLXin4iu6jSX6ausM8qL8sOq-pWYYKuorCUVMoJiWSIhqs0utBdSdV7knGd4y3yMgVwzZWGO8shWIqi_Q2otuYMtpFwbkGyFPYlyOOvcBS-lbv6C_tWBDC96B6QOVjuxQg/s4032/PXL_20230512_215103122~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHiBapgRCvFepFy9HaruZw50D1Xo09f67ESh-72fVnS6EIKJ4L-psbaW5OfLXin4iu6jSX6ausM8qL8sOq-pWYYKuorCUVMoJiWSIhqs0utBdSdV7knGd4y3yMgVwzZWGO8shWIqi_Q2otuYMtpFwbkGyFPYlyOOvcBS-lbv6C_tWBDC96B6QOVjuxQg/s320/PXL_20230512_215103122~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Don Mueang airport was the primary international airport of Bangkok till the Suvarnabhumi airport came into operation in 2006. The owner of the airport is the Royal Thai Airforce and is Asia's oldest operating airport, having commenced operations in 1914 for defence purposes. Commercial flights began in 1924, almost a 100 years ago, staking claim as one of the oldest commercial airports in the world. Now it is a regional hub, serviced by low cost airlines. Air-Asia hubs out of this airport and I changed over from the Cochin-Bangkok flight to the Bangkok-Da Nang flight out of Don Mueang airport.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tTjaPDP-aeRdwCmaOxUmC3oYJPpe9YBZ_-qI7NJZzSl_Wr4bs1NTQvGbqIcQ46mO8PvPuQwPukgsVGOa7rWkp_NEbJzYE7GJZZoc-LhWYwoVg6qlkmXJWG75QPgRmI1DQBtPmVOvvM-vHzeCRhtT838P1yGftqO_S57XcGSLDXzPtzZ6PeMkEN4siw/s4032/PXL_20230512_232900077~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tTjaPDP-aeRdwCmaOxUmC3oYJPpe9YBZ_-qI7NJZzSl_Wr4bs1NTQvGbqIcQ46mO8PvPuQwPukgsVGOa7rWkp_NEbJzYE7GJZZoc-LhWYwoVg6qlkmXJWG75QPgRmI1DQBtPmVOvvM-vHzeCRhtT838P1yGftqO_S57XcGSLDXzPtzZ6PeMkEN4siw/w113-h200/PXL_20230512_232900077~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>I had some time to kill before the 6.45 am boarding to Da Nang. I took advantage of the 1 hour free airport WiFi network to check emails and browse the net. The shops near the gates started getting active as the minutes ticked by and I was tempted to have a hot cup of coffee. I spotted the Au We White Coffee shop and ordered a cup of Cappuccino. When I presented the credit card the young man at the counter pointed out a worn out warning that no cards are accepted at the shop. I didn't have currency to break, except INR which naturally was not accepted. Finally, the young man told me to go ahead and have the coffee without any charge. I felt wretched. He consoled me saying that I am like his 'Baba' and that the free cuppa was not a problem!<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE8b2q9yv80HS-Ip4D1__R2l35tzj7FZMuX1zXFiXrU60S_5d1mHz-Ohx3IAli5J3Lm1I99VkRRQxNR7bBKGmay22LOtUBv9_blmSmYLrFuQRGqfN8IW0SUyFRfuzNyIgklsJRGGlzCAWpf_Vo2FRmusLyyONTa1DRs7GC5xPoJRs4rBVVuZtZvA2-w/s4032/PXL_20230513_023243771~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE8b2q9yv80HS-Ip4D1__R2l35tzj7FZMuX1zXFiXrU60S_5d1mHz-Ohx3IAli5J3Lm1I99VkRRQxNR7bBKGmay22LOtUBv9_blmSmYLrFuQRGqfN8IW0SUyFRfuzNyIgklsJRGGlzCAWpf_Vo2FRmusLyyONTa1DRs7GC5xPoJRs4rBVVuZtZvA2-w/s320/PXL_20230513_023243771~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Air Asia Airline is owned by Malaysian entrepreneurs through Tune Group Pvt. Ltd. Their primary objective was to provide customers affordability and accessibility. Therefore, it is no wonder that the tag line of the airline is “Now everyone can fly”. The budget airline has come a long way in the past two decades providing affordable air travel in Asia. It has had a huge role to play in increasing travel from India to South East Asian destinations. The services are basic – their fares are normally minus luggage and meals. You can choose what you want from a bouquet and pay for it.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMzXCDDhkpoEGI3M87JiFA4WPAONLVB8ezbmMCevAr3_w07mFNFTvOrqd-10JztLyYHau-RbO95SmZFfSuwut_AkYXCFkPwuVm8TjdrB-x8iV0b2salxLjV5nwqnjrqZrCISPFWz5jO_HEIeOSxQA2JioM2jhFtJyQ58tMDiL-KnfRlyvOGIC7cGjQg/s4032/PXL_20230513_034715105~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMzXCDDhkpoEGI3M87JiFA4WPAONLVB8ezbmMCevAr3_w07mFNFTvOrqd-10JztLyYHau-RbO95SmZFfSuwut_AkYXCFkPwuVm8TjdrB-x8iV0b2salxLjV5nwqnjrqZrCISPFWz5jO_HEIeOSxQA2JioM2jhFtJyQ58tMDiL-KnfRlyvOGIC7cGjQg/s320/PXL_20230513_034715105~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flight landed on time in the Da Nang International Airport. Da Nang being quite a popular tourist destination it was but natural to expect a crowded airport. Within about 20 minutes of landing I was through the immigration and waited a while for baggage. My first task to obtain a local sim card. There were many kiosks near the baggage carousals that beckoned visitors. I went to one of them and asked for a Vinaphone sim card, as I had read that that company had the best connectivity within Vietnam. As my requirement was limited to data I sought out a plan that gave me 30 GB data with limited SMS and free local calls.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOPXWe8Zq0A1qePUn-b_neRPtqOJeMjRGtqqY-_8Oh_WDN_t7-Z9tisYGl5ZaA9dTDuW4WiMimWfXWUuHqhzlFz7XsHcsbUUUphenZnU6JdOaK9mtqKDQJFfbmUbJvg5XMjR8qtXEmW28K3fG-PQhNaZ_DFgk4DiGpJWNv0DQYolWuEEj5aBWNwmP9Q/s3139/PXL_20230513_032355234~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1765" data-original-width="3139" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOPXWe8Zq0A1qePUn-b_neRPtqOJeMjRGtqqY-_8Oh_WDN_t7-Z9tisYGl5ZaA9dTDuW4WiMimWfXWUuHqhzlFz7XsHcsbUUUphenZnU6JdOaK9mtqKDQJFfbmUbJvg5XMjR8qtXEmW28K3fG-PQhNaZ_DFgk4DiGpJWNv0DQYolWuEEj5aBWNwmP9Q/s320/PXL_20230513_032355234~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The kiosk did not accept USD. Hence, after collecting the baggage I had to go to a money changer within the airport complex to change USD to Vietnamese Dong. The going rate was 23,447 VND to a USD, but what I got was 22,990, a fair enough rate at the airport, I thought. After paying for the sim card I got them to download the Grab App and booked a cab to the Avora Hotel, where I was booked to stay for three nights. Grab is the best way to go around in Vietnam; their bikes and cars offer the most economical transportation as compared to the Green and Vinasun taxis.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-79175995397619229802022-12-26T17:28:00.003+05:302022-12-26T17:28:38.981+05:30A PHILLIPPINE FAIRYTALE - Back To Base, Chennai To Cebu - 16 December 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrBBu-lk1G88Z4p9xnCJMIisSgQc2Cl9Ztrggaqj4qq9j_9tgFULmzBR1IPrcjtcZsxdiKfUYUMi0Xu9NthnwgpIDDcYcTCE3EeqmYz-UGOD4nLdsxEPjDeZ-Em8P9kSAVS11XI4qCUfq78Us4AYQ6wSckPNcvjg0kNNXIfxgsApvGlGl2Ejy50I-KQ/s4032/PXL_20221216_003950585~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrBBu-lk1G88Z4p9xnCJMIisSgQc2Cl9Ztrggaqj4qq9j_9tgFULmzBR1IPrcjtcZsxdiKfUYUMi0Xu9NthnwgpIDDcYcTCE3EeqmYz-UGOD4nLdsxEPjDeZ-Em8P9kSAVS11XI4qCUfq78Us4AYQ6wSckPNcvjg0kNNXIfxgsApvGlGl2Ejy50I-KQ/s320/PXL_20221216_003950585~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>4.30 am was the time agreed with Jonathan for airport drop from the Marco Polo Residences. I was at the reception well in time, but there was no news of Jonathan. I called him up and was told that he had been to a morning mass, it being the first day of the 9 day novena leading to Christmas. 16 December is a very special day for Filipinos, inherited from the Spanish times.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQR_tR5XjFA0JeHWUpj4_YShc_kRYdlHi-lgeM_kJ81X-SAbzeqxMKcBh4tV45KLMHAaG_5nttE6cs0qpzY2vNde4_YSfBrG5ty6WpMzjqENPLmij0oDI4b24tzJHfQvjfAichR0bAjo2XJvcz9WDwJ_XmQ5ZIVPJ31nw63gtlP8jWVG9vG-JmxI9og/s3252/PXL_20221215_212346889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1829" data-original-width="3252" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQR_tR5XjFA0JeHWUpj4_YShc_kRYdlHi-lgeM_kJ81X-SAbzeqxMKcBh4tV45KLMHAaG_5nttE6cs0qpzY2vNde4_YSfBrG5ty6WpMzjqENPLmij0oDI4b24tzJHfQvjfAichR0bAjo2XJvcz9WDwJ_XmQ5ZIVPJ31nw63gtlP8jWVG9vG-JmxI9og/s320/PXL_20221215_212346889.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jonathan arrived at a quarter to 5 am and I was sweating under my collar not knowing when I would get to the airport. He added steam to it by saying that roads are crowded everywhere with people attending the 4 am mass. Evidence could be seen in the way to the airport. Jonathan drove fast, but safety was his primary concern. He told me that the nine day novena, signifying the search for lodgings by Joseph and the pregnant mother of Jesus, would culminate in the Misa del Gallo, the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. He said that people would go back from the mass and feast as if there would be no tomorrow.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkoiYFXlo-XrVKM-oEp7luzzB3X3Gd6QmZ5q8wlpWQdULb3CKUD868XiuUYgcJi-VsVnCVZFi7FsmHLl_M6bQm97laGiKp3OOMWxLsByxbGJuG_I_NkwAlpf3ObnrPJ29bnN1AJF5EueEdSiVO5hJLuS43q_tMiRDJX1M81t0n6VFW3FcTp6HAXgMAA/s4032/PXL_20221215_212318776~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxkoiYFXlo-XrVKM-oEp7luzzB3X3Gd6QmZ5q8wlpWQdULb3CKUD868XiuUYgcJi-VsVnCVZFi7FsmHLl_M6bQm97laGiKp3OOMWxLsByxbGJuG_I_NkwAlpf3ObnrPJ29bnN1AJF5EueEdSiVO5hJLuS43q_tMiRDJX1M81t0n6VFW3FcTp6HAXgMAA/s320/PXL_20221215_212318776~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jonathan got me to the airport within 20 minutes and I proceeded to complete check-in smoothly. Since the flight from Cebu to Manila was a domestic flight I would have to retrieve the baggage in Manila. Fortunately, there was enough lay over time in Manila. Another stroke of luck was that from this day the Air Asia flight from Cebu to Manila lands in Manila International Terminal 3, instead of Terminal 4, avoiding any terminal transfer.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2dAEU0TSdea1MGQnbt4zSifTD1btW4QDHpYP1937SjlwGwm9kqZDJ5OONYtqKoSDDBjEF58gPvMobzgrKpGwWP7imdUKy9c5xBglikmBQZCEAndzyjKyl-39B_fjEJOC0J76LaCvrXZRhR7qsHKFwh59-Hs9CldK3BWgBUq6RgAgBtBi6n8O5dkeAw/s1503/PXL_20221216_032912037~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="1503" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2dAEU0TSdea1MGQnbt4zSifTD1btW4QDHpYP1937SjlwGwm9kqZDJ5OONYtqKoSDDBjEF58gPvMobzgrKpGwWP7imdUKy9c5xBglikmBQZCEAndzyjKyl-39B_fjEJOC0J76LaCvrXZRhR7qsHKFwh59-Hs9CldK3BWgBUq6RgAgBtBi6n8O5dkeAw/s320/PXL_20221216_032912037~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flight took off on time and I recapped a few learnings from the Philippines tour. Fuel prices almost doubled due to the Ukraine war, from 38 PHP to 72 PHP a litre. Interestingly, fuel prices are revised every Tuesday. The upward or downward revision is announced in advance so that people can act prudently. There has been a downward trend over the past couple of weeks. Traffic enforcers are used effectively at traffic points to regulate and smoothen traffic flows. Unauthorized parking and crowding are thus avoided.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8shf4R7cPG48arQm1RngiPrw5T3yGWy_wbSVGHu_P093GWpsugbC47u93XospkSJchwIrPssCmwSpq4jtf25Z_mH7DOyWHULmJxjpDJDaUAlFbaEFOVyJD1MhNEVGD3_WJK7pbqKNCCumG4FpkPU7yXdznDPKAWW6qPgDcM7tX3bVDMvEMcmM1Ec3w/s4032/PXL_20221216_032937467~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2094" data-original-width="4032" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8shf4R7cPG48arQm1RngiPrw5T3yGWy_wbSVGHu_P093GWpsugbC47u93XospkSJchwIrPssCmwSpq4jtf25Z_mH7DOyWHULmJxjpDJDaUAlFbaEFOVyJD1MhNEVGD3_WJK7pbqKNCCumG4FpkPU7yXdznDPKAWW6qPgDcM7tX3bVDMvEMcmM1Ec3w/s320/PXL_20221216_032937467~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A variety of transport is available for the common man. Tricycle, e-bikes, jeepneys, buses and taxis. In Cebu there were three types of taxis, white, black and yellow, ranging basic to premium. An additional month's compensation is mandated by law for every 12 months' work. This is valid for private and public sector employees. The additional salary, with bonus, if any, has to be paid before 24 December every year.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguovcWzR4p_vv0xsRoHZSfkuMRfCgYhwtw-Y1RqV4o20kN1nNy1ISFdnCrSKfPjKLjWPlwCNUlx-wHm9Ax5wRBWyu4_Zmnpdno0v5vi5M97mDNBNHQWNC7UDeYKPQH96EaVGXB-crTMWPVc4tgcOi2zfSxjGmPIFh0iWp1thYjhJhACLhV_QnJAZcr3Q/s1962/PXL_20221216_032951287~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1962" data-original-width="1962" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguovcWzR4p_vv0xsRoHZSfkuMRfCgYhwtw-Y1RqV4o20kN1nNy1ISFdnCrSKfPjKLjWPlwCNUlx-wHm9Ax5wRBWyu4_Zmnpdno0v5vi5M97mDNBNHQWNC7UDeYKPQH96EaVGXB-crTMWPVc4tgcOi2zfSxjGmPIFh0iWp1thYjhJhACLhV_QnJAZcr3Q/s320/PXL_20221216_032951287~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Nowhere did I find anything even remotely resembling eve teasing. The dignity women enjoy in Philippines society is incredible. This is not to say that there is no crime against women. But, the abiding value system in South East Asian countries of treating women with respect can be seen here too. Road side Romeos and the men who strut around thinking they are God's gift to womenkind are happily absent. Pedestrians also are similarly treated with respect and they are given the right of way at pedestrian crossings.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgI7B4b7d1QhAFQXE0Yig_rQy3zDIelIAqIdE_PzRvdMGjycVhnoxQYmwA-4-MvlXUEHD3xvZQ_IWvr9EHR3phVP8_uVqT4bHrA4307bGbO6OYlPo3lHozdWjbPa1Cw2u3X0IdFKgXifc4wvKSTmaVYBaBmHTj3maZjdELstfw60uW1uV84K7O0CXhA/s3932/PXL_20221216_033407481~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3932" data-original-width="2212" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgI7B4b7d1QhAFQXE0Yig_rQy3zDIelIAqIdE_PzRvdMGjycVhnoxQYmwA-4-MvlXUEHD3xvZQ_IWvr9EHR3phVP8_uVqT4bHrA4307bGbO6OYlPo3lHozdWjbPa1Cw2u3X0IdFKgXifc4wvKSTmaVYBaBmHTj3maZjdELstfw60uW1uV84K7O0CXhA/w113-h200/PXL_20221216_033407481~2.jpg" width="113" /></a></div>The profusion of Carendieras ensure cheap, healthy and hygienic food at wayside eateries. That is the place to try out local foods, a kind of a laid out buffet from which one can choose. Filipinos are generally a happy lot, smiling and respectful. They are invariably unhurried and patient. There is not even an iota of aggression in their daily lives. They are honest, trusting and truthful. They deliver what they undertake to.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jPERhPHKfQX8mtyOPR3zoDPsocpfrONVrgZfE7PTAvOynn3OaBp_bsIe0qauyMQ9XLTKt845Al6AaQnQk4DrfHiV2ouxQ6o8bHVP5AzOyLPkjgKDp99x0yJ51PMoqbkk5XsMkbow3KtZdq5tRz73Vd4iw3yEG_KhMeKDVdnO9gTDmpxcIAup--kcXw/s4032/PXL_20221216_015039963~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jPERhPHKfQX8mtyOPR3zoDPsocpfrONVrgZfE7PTAvOynn3OaBp_bsIe0qauyMQ9XLTKt845Al6AaQnQk4DrfHiV2ouxQ6o8bHVP5AzOyLPkjgKDp99x0yJ51PMoqbkk5XsMkbow3KtZdq5tRz73Vd4iw3yEG_KhMeKDVdnO9gTDmpxcIAup--kcXw/w181-h320/PXL_20221216_015039963~2.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>The flight landed in Manila a half hour before time. I rang up Alex, my nephew, after retrieving baggage. He suggested that we go out for breakfast after checking in the baggage for the Manila-Kuala Lumpur-Chennai flights. At the check-in counter I was told to wait another hour. Hence, I went with Alex for breakfast to Marriott, close to the airport. The hotel restaurant was choc a bloc.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80FAQ8jZFmbKpqanPZPMq_p1tcyZS57AD7ONlP7u3c-jW7QNwIFB8ZqYeSrwF2aUYMidpCVgxHkmsNRLvkHirXFkf_gHrM7HGwhn0LTaGr7_akL6A3SZZhAR5-HSQCf9gJksdTD1V553GdPfJaGM54fYwpCbyGQUxtTUKikDphvWOEPfJsXDeWduRQQ/s4032/PXL_20221216_014556989~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80FAQ8jZFmbKpqanPZPMq_p1tcyZS57AD7ONlP7u3c-jW7QNwIFB8ZqYeSrwF2aUYMidpCVgxHkmsNRLvkHirXFkf_gHrM7HGwhn0LTaGr7_akL6A3SZZhAR5-HSQCf9gJksdTD1V553GdPfJaGM54fYwpCbyGQUxtTUKikDphvWOEPfJsXDeWduRQQ/w181-h320/PXL_20221216_014556989~3.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>We opted to have a la carte instead of the huge buffet. Even the set breakfast turned out to be a huge feast. Mango juice and fruits (watermelon, musk melon, orange and pineapple), milk coffee, bacon, sausage, rice and scrambled eggs. With great effort I got through most of it and scrambled back to the airport for the check-in. Alex and Gael were perfect hosts during my Philippines sojourn. They were always there supplying information, connecting people, providing logistics support, volunteering hospitality and showering affection.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDC6hryRcvmnonOzA41_-iEGWZuyxvtOwvsE4wbToDH_BzOHe3I_MJ5jXcEBPwyXkuUltw6-B9y_47UcJLsLsfIyfte47IJCTRqDuzvpEGv66GDOWsW0Y4kdo-HZTdOfunD46d-NoJka05gTGuhEFn3D52ZBCCHUY3AhMR-Tj9ZGMN6ry4rlZrDIxHA/s2172/PXL_20221217_024157902~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2172" data-original-width="2172" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDC6hryRcvmnonOzA41_-iEGWZuyxvtOwvsE4wbToDH_BzOHe3I_MJ5jXcEBPwyXkuUltw6-B9y_47UcJLsLsfIyfte47IJCTRqDuzvpEGv66GDOWsW0Y4kdo-HZTdOfunD46d-NoJka05gTGuhEFn3D52ZBCCHUY3AhMR-Tj9ZGMN6ry4rlZrDIxHA/s320/PXL_20221217_024157902~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After immigration and security I still had some time to kill at the Manila International Airport. I went on a leisurely tour of the duty free shops and picked up a bottle each of Don Papa Rum and Mango Rum Liqueur. In one of the stores I spent extra time looking for souvenirs. I picked up a fridge magnet and a shot glass. Thereafter, I had to walk a fair distance to my Gate. When I was settling down near the Gate I realized that I did not have my phones with me. I thought back to where I could have misplaced them. It could either be while picking up the liquor or buying the souvenirs. When I was striding fast towards the souvenir shop the young man who had attended to me there was walking towards the Gate trying to locate me. I went to the shop, retrieved the phones and thanked the staff.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSKWV0ETQ8pj4rCjOBnLDNiecvGmOIdob-PIS2-TGfUDgdqloKJ72JTr__y6iwhBfzL5ZF7fK9TgsEl7OUGwxB40Zcmz7PA8Pdn6mN_FHNMd0DcS2ki9rn3t60KlWyauG3NfpVYOE9DI2fsRZxMT2q8Jrj3JFiZnrId_nW5bQlg8y1jwQRCX2YReqyg/s4032/PXL_20221216_112314680~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSKWV0ETQ8pj4rCjOBnLDNiecvGmOIdob-PIS2-TGfUDgdqloKJ72JTr__y6iwhBfzL5ZF7fK9TgsEl7OUGwxB40Zcmz7PA8Pdn6mN_FHNMd0DcS2ki9rn3t60KlWyauG3NfpVYOE9DI2fsRZxMT2q8Jrj3JFiZnrId_nW5bQlg8y1jwQRCX2YReqyg/s320/PXL_20221216_112314680~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flight from Manila took off 75 minutes late. Fortunately, there was adequate time for the connection to Chennai. At Kuala Lumpur the walk was so long to get to the Gate printed on the boarding pass. But, when I got there I realized that the Gate had been changed. It was truly exhausting and a bit frustrating. However, the security checks were so quick that I did not have to wait very long for the multiple checks I had to take because of the Gate change. I reconfirmed from an airline staff too, not wanting to rely purely on the display, the correct Gate before settling down to a cup of coffee and croissant.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fc8eZISKyjnRs-Da0KieqiAj7ySeGiVu7vO4ZfDBQ3P_Y6J0KPZqVb7cJJD6OThtXV-KxEjrgvqLz7B8M2fK5sF-d7CGmjujvta2lUNOwkKRuHNhDAi7cRqkGcYDELtXWH-Zk-t5W9DcqxVkgkEw7N6ELIXQFQaEw1LuVwz4PcKuw0mhN8-spt5yig/s3318/PXL_20221216_112445814~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1866" data-original-width="3318" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1fc8eZISKyjnRs-Da0KieqiAj7ySeGiVu7vO4ZfDBQ3P_Y6J0KPZqVb7cJJD6OThtXV-KxEjrgvqLz7B8M2fK5sF-d7CGmjujvta2lUNOwkKRuHNhDAi7cRqkGcYDELtXWH-Zk-t5W9DcqxVkgkEw7N6ELIXQFQaEw1LuVwz4PcKuw0mhN8-spt5yig/s320/PXL_20221216_112445814~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The flight to Chennai took off a half hour behind schedule. The thud on landing at the Chennai International Airport woke me up after three and half hours of flying. Since I was among the first to reach Immigration the clearance was quick. Chaos reigned supreme at the airport exit. The Multi Level Car Parking had been inaugurated at the airport, evidently without any thought to the processes involved. Massive confusion for arriving passengers, snaking queues of outgoing vehicles and hapless supervisors waving their batons and exercising their lungs. No method in any madness. Welcome back to Motherland.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-15072734204332457152022-12-26T17:09:00.002+05:302022-12-26T17:09:25.059+05:30A PHILLIPPINE FAIRYTALE - Last Day in Cebu - 15 December 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDQXmUsiKHzgal4QhDls_n5h5fnDMQiEAIVnntYLJ-Fw7ZwmoU6K6uc74u4KDB2ssS_Zr5JSDyWlV2Jc9yF211vfa-s5etS8fjgvnqkbtV6f0XpTwili06wK9XDSEbtH-deGNkvRkiRVX2paDq-XR2RkgOD-4o9kVlfB7tBtoSJcFJ7FKpKc42gmatg/s3733/PXL_20221215_020913648~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2100" data-original-width="3733" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmDQXmUsiKHzgal4QhDls_n5h5fnDMQiEAIVnntYLJ-Fw7ZwmoU6K6uc74u4KDB2ssS_Zr5JSDyWlV2Jc9yF211vfa-s5etS8fjgvnqkbtV6f0XpTwili06wK9XDSEbtH-deGNkvRkiRVX2paDq-XR2RkgOD-4o9kVlfB7tBtoSJcFJ7FKpKc42gmatg/s320/PXL_20221215_020913648~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had arranged with the biker who I had engaged last evening to take me on a tour of Mactan this morning. He was to have reported at Marco Polo at 9 am. When I didn't see him till well past that and with no response from his mobile I engaged another bike taxi after detailed rate negotiation. I explained the places I wanted to visit in Mactan to avoid any confusion at a later stage. According to Google Maps the round trip would be about 60 km; a fairly long distance on the pillion through crowded, polluted streets. The rate agreed to was 700 PHP for three hours.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc-58aDX8i0hNqIAzQ-IwuqbZbQ11Rg9LT9YmUnU9w3TcatWBUTV3qlbKlCC3iGAELSKP14SRLy6RCApv9yMrn8oqrMEK6FokJuoC-Nvf18-9BJOLlNbJM3pDiGKwYty5MzcdVKC-x9bC8Vuta_X-KULivisPQvcA0onvAVaAKbNO0gEbE2OyAf7IhA/s4032/PXL_20221215_021155886~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFc-58aDX8i0hNqIAzQ-IwuqbZbQ11Rg9LT9YmUnU9w3TcatWBUTV3qlbKlCC3iGAELSKP14SRLy6RCApv9yMrn8oqrMEK6FokJuoC-Nvf18-9BJOLlNbJM3pDiGKwYty5MzcdVKC-x9bC8Vuta_X-KULivisPQvcA0onvAVaAKbNO0gEbE2OyAf7IhA/s320/PXL_20221215_021155886~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Busy period traffic can be overwhelming in Cebu. The biker, Herman, ploughed on nevertheless. With me clinging on for dear life, but putting on a nonchalant countenance by humming a few Bollywood songs, the ride was a tour of Cebu's business district and the Port area. Past that we got on to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge to cross over to Mactan. It is the second Cebu-Mactan Bridge spanning the Mactan Channel connecting mainland Cebu to Lapu-Lapu city. It is also the second longest cable stayed bridge in the Philippines at 1.2 kms. The original name of Mactan was Opong. As the islanders turned to piracy it came to be referred as Mangatang - to wait in ambush - which evolved with the dialect into Matan and then Mactan.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZYUXGO22KMGeYAAu7AWWW6RkKZDVNB-_HO3sYk2v7V1m7Gn4eovayr0qbcqidp0EI1_I_txA1eXGSpsSstnylzY9Q8YrHEYzj4JMVX-tQhFa82q3lQubA4GUOMU32BoMdZuvP3_bZpzFDSETxRH0-z2ML5j4eIq2JlqDHYUE6W_8WX7xKoMBVb2zeA/s3503/PXL_20221215_021611902~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="3503" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZYUXGO22KMGeYAAu7AWWW6RkKZDVNB-_HO3sYk2v7V1m7Gn4eovayr0qbcqidp0EI1_I_txA1eXGSpsSstnylzY9Q8YrHEYzj4JMVX-tQhFa82q3lQubA4GUOMU32BoMdZuvP3_bZpzFDSETxRH0-z2ML5j4eIq2JlqDHYUE6W_8WX7xKoMBVb2zeA/s320/PXL_20221215_021611902~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Magellan's Marker and Lapu-Lapu Monument are together known as the Mactan Shrine. The shrine was established in 1969. While Magellan's Marker is dedicated to the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, the bronze statue commemorates Lapu Lapu, a native leader who defeated Spanish soldiers led by Magellan.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLNr1PmE3dbbda5T1DN01kiJoS9VfNbJIs7WN_EUOqDIMxJpYCH49RAO51Bu8nH_bkusm5Hn4J5M3Ier2q9j_JNKH1_0ZlmhwcaRyQZAy-gcWYL6LZLykvvALvApibFBg2x6LPf4la4XUXmHfGXzhwCCknNQrihWAx3VExyVE1yi-O5NojYS0xuRrJw/s4032/PXL_20221215_021942582~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLNr1PmE3dbbda5T1DN01kiJoS9VfNbJIs7WN_EUOqDIMxJpYCH49RAO51Bu8nH_bkusm5Hn4J5M3Ier2q9j_JNKH1_0ZlmhwcaRyQZAy-gcWYL6LZLykvvALvApibFBg2x6LPf4la4XUXmHfGXzhwCCknNQrihWAx3VExyVE1yi-O5NojYS0xuRrJw/s320/PXL_20221215_021942582~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The site is believed to be where Magellan was killed during the Battle of Mactan in April 27, 1521. The large memorial grounds face the Magellan Bay. A matter of interest to note is that the monuments in Manila overwhelmingly focuses on Jose Rizal and Cebu is all about Magellan and Lapu-Lapu.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatfF1dcIzW4Uo3nqZQJZOLtGfvLZOzQMydm8vjqNV4SbgkRm70H3dwHMqGbFI8HCpeVS_f9qDLvGbZew5nEJI1B-ljkB_6oV1tgt5hXE0MTxZ-WijOJ1Fdz6NyoxzJEc97iT822X5pMzRo72vcgCxmp69oGVCnELr-Ot5Z92N-DRjYMsUvxQeTb7XBg/s3526/PXL_20221215_024433796~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1983" data-original-width="3526" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjatfF1dcIzW4Uo3nqZQJZOLtGfvLZOzQMydm8vjqNV4SbgkRm70H3dwHMqGbFI8HCpeVS_f9qDLvGbZew5nEJI1B-ljkB_6oV1tgt5hXE0MTxZ-WijOJ1Fdz6NyoxzJEc97iT822X5pMzRo72vcgCxmp69oGVCnELr-Ot5Z92N-DRjYMsUvxQeTb7XBg/s320/PXL_20221215_024433796~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>ShangriLa, Mactan is very close to the Mactan Shrine and this super luxury hotel offers more than 500 distinctive rooms with views of the Mactan Channel. I went there to check out water sports activities they have advertised. It was a super hot and humid day and I must have looked quite cheeky to try out parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat ride.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kJBSX5MruUJtLwUB5U_sQFJXifgoqofqqv89SFYvgBDLR1Dk3Znk1sU4EjU96r6rWnM-qUg4iQdWAAiih5EcJOvGlnnJKeYdUu5n2-MztYzg58g3dBsUGnEUsqsTtTmNSU2TcG9m815AD1NmcrmCGn4t3dWCP9roDhDy0e-5HmIObR_rQgBtHZInqA/s4032/PXL_20221215_024850037~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7kJBSX5MruUJtLwUB5U_sQFJXifgoqofqqv89SFYvgBDLR1Dk3Znk1sU4EjU96r6rWnM-qUg4iQdWAAiih5EcJOvGlnnJKeYdUu5n2-MztYzg58g3dBsUGnEUsqsTtTmNSU2TcG9m815AD1NmcrmCGn4t3dWCP9roDhDy0e-5HmIObR_rQgBtHZInqA/s320/PXL_20221215_024850037~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The hotel grounds are manicured and huge with exceptional views of the waters. I passed through a small golf training course, a couple of swimming pools and a spa before reaching the Scotty's adventure point. The price they quoted for less than an hour for all three activities combined was a ridiculous 9800 PHP, while it was announced for less than half that at many other locations. After walking around a bit more taking in the glorious sights I got back to the bike to seek out the famous floating restaurant, Lantaw.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli1V7V74vDUVaKX2W7_r20DuH008Ui0AAqJRwdS66szcrVqhV53XH93T52FD9hGmGtmRtyVhCMI47sbWiQaI5dqK7GbPwW9STWmQcS6_VOYgYLPumuzza3XxVbLMT-GENOTCnzqmmjSlwzN8LGAH5Znf7zDkoeeLVZqHbLBefuWBo0GpJs0Jo1VOfZQ/s4032/PXL_20221215_033937353~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjli1V7V74vDUVaKX2W7_r20DuH008Ui0AAqJRwdS66szcrVqhV53XH93T52FD9hGmGtmRtyVhCMI47sbWiQaI5dqK7GbPwW9STWmQcS6_VOYgYLPumuzza3XxVbLMT-GENOTCnzqmmjSlwzN8LGAH5Znf7zDkoeeLVZqHbLBefuWBo0GpJs0Jo1VOfZQ/s320/PXL_20221215_033937353~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When we reached the Lantaw Floating Restaurant through very crowded streets I was, frankly, super disappointed. Firstly, there was nothing floating about the restaurant. Someone tried to explain it away by saying that it was low tide at the time of my visit. Whatever, the restaurant supposedly serves authentic traditional food. There were quite a few during that hour in the restaurant.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPuR5M-JeZVpPYkNYXMRL89926XujkHWJrq8IBCURqrCFQY-HgAvXamTVUM27zfC8_QM1ILQqGV34fl39w2VTQFMmfztjQeWaUQWUkeudguVJDSB1gVZ0DulKKtEp-u2gXeO99ApQ1f4EwMYD7oEHg1ySYeZuQ3DppD0nPm2VGmkvn9vwEpMvkVBsCw/s3577/PXL_20221215_033916343~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="3577" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPuR5M-JeZVpPYkNYXMRL89926XujkHWJrq8IBCURqrCFQY-HgAvXamTVUM27zfC8_QM1ILQqGV34fl39w2VTQFMmfztjQeWaUQWUkeudguVJDSB1gVZ0DulKKtEp-u2gXeO99ApQ1f4EwMYD7oEHg1ySYeZuQ3DppD0nPm2VGmkvn9vwEpMvkVBsCw/s320/PXL_20221215_033916343~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I didn't stay for lunch because of the contract with the biker to be back before 12.30 pm. Beside the Lantaw Floating Restaurant is the Korean owned cafe, the 10000 Roses. Its USP are the 10000 led lit roses and a glass fronted viewing deck. Because of its uniqueness, it is popular for weddings and corporate get-togethers. The sun had become insufferable by then.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQtdYbBWqxPCVSmaO8iRZEtcDJv1PBpmeep_ssRwr8mJ-VFuHbak3UMLaJY6ELNoIlxuU96Pq2U8KjdR3Z4Qbtw1WaJDRhoP3CFzJNmWt0B01Otq3GP5fDcz9OFi1-ujIoeTSzvvuMtVoprbl4RLjjY_o_59mW3yN5imlkdeK9KAoS0smsSmstEIy2Q/s4032/PXL_20221215_040206186~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQtdYbBWqxPCVSmaO8iRZEtcDJv1PBpmeep_ssRwr8mJ-VFuHbak3UMLaJY6ELNoIlxuU96Pq2U8KjdR3Z4Qbtw1WaJDRhoP3CFzJNmWt0B01Otq3GP5fDcz9OFi1-ujIoeTSzvvuMtVoprbl4RLjjY_o_59mW3yN5imlkdeK9KAoS0smsSmstEIy2Q/s320/PXL_20221215_040206186~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From the Floating Restaurant we backtracked a bit to get to the highway that would connect the recently opened third bridge, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, in short CCLEX. It is the third bridge across the Mactan Channel and the longest cable stay bridge in the Philippines, at 8.9 km. The tolled expressway is a beauty. Bikes are charged 60 PHP for a one-way trip. It connects the southern part of Mactan to the Cebu mainland. The views of Cebu skyline and the Mactan Channel as well as the architecture of the lovely bridge are indeed awesome. CCLEX was inaugurated on 27 April 2022, just eight months ago.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwKyf1zUiUGMP1f37sbOyM3BwdUpoW-2XWwiryH-6bASTsyHix8D3Fet53C1eW8_qFzgYVWxrAy0AtzTZeVlNjtCIr9xkIBDmk9mG7hIVl8XpLaCGwHU0XnzhwG5xhzH6kBtOcas5td6OQbakVoX1MiEm83o7s5bMwohWB7DWxKFHYvs_ksODWwozlg/s1903/PXL_20221215_050541468~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1903" data-original-width="1903" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwKyf1zUiUGMP1f37sbOyM3BwdUpoW-2XWwiryH-6bASTsyHix8D3Fet53C1eW8_qFzgYVWxrAy0AtzTZeVlNjtCIr9xkIBDmk9mG7hIVl8XpLaCGwHU0XnzhwG5xhzH6kBtOcas5td6OQbakVoX1MiEm83o7s5bMwohWB7DWxKFHYvs_ksODWwozlg/s320/PXL_20221215_050541468~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>With that ended the tour of Cebu and Philippines. Whatever I wanted to see was done. Of course, the water sports activities didn't happen. Maybe, that's for another time, another place! I told Herman to drop me at Anzani, touted as the restaurant that serves new Mediterranean cuisine. One look at the menu and I knew it would be the costliest meal in Philippines. Regardless, I ordered a soup and pasta. Disappointing was the portions. The wild mushroom cream soup was extraordinary, but the pasta was just so-so.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4qRCVdZ7c5xHgqTw_6KDeps4Hae4i9HbzBRIhHKOIbhpizt3dS0Tk584_KdQCSU6dgf3LoFycG6Vf22ewaRcoJiV4JXZsN2dv_yI8KcNKpFOuQFzUXXkxGH72BJ_xrsveach3nUqdFqKP-sbJqwlZd3xUI-2iWD2TmGP4r8J9Feue1t5ka_NYOvcpA/s2811/PXL_20221215_053523969~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1581" data-original-width="2811" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4qRCVdZ7c5xHgqTw_6KDeps4Hae4i9HbzBRIhHKOIbhpizt3dS0Tk584_KdQCSU6dgf3LoFycG6Vf22ewaRcoJiV4JXZsN2dv_yI8KcNKpFOuQFzUXXkxGH72BJ_xrsveach3nUqdFqKP-sbJqwlZd3xUI-2iWD2TmGP4r8J9Feue1t5ka_NYOvcpA/s320/PXL_20221215_053523969~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The day had been hot and humid. Tough to walk around, but the skies held. Late in the evening it rained heavily with drums of thunder and slivers of lightning accompanying it. When the rain eased a while I made haste to the Marco Polo Plaza. I was told there that the Chinese restaurant in the Hotel had very recently reopened. I decided to give that a try.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpb1qCubajTXVZeE8qOpMsWs8F5IhfN-WsgZdoPppgHHYL4-kXeMOQJER56abVUaOAqzEhqEBqovs3eVR8T8JiTjzISDtauGf_iGL5GDZ_20ln9CP3d6Dnmc0jJHztkdTOhJp9STbSE1vZ-_EHSVP8CqOwDcq9lbI6PPZJiw0SN-RilKAG4ljucTgEg/s2032/PXL_20221215_125609942~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2032" data-original-width="2032" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpb1qCubajTXVZeE8qOpMsWs8F5IhfN-WsgZdoPppgHHYL4-kXeMOQJER56abVUaOAqzEhqEBqovs3eVR8T8JiTjzISDtauGf_iGL5GDZ_20ln9CP3d6Dnmc0jJHztkdTOhJp9STbSE1vZ-_EHSVP8CqOwDcq9lbI6PPZJiw0SN-RilKAG4ljucTgEg/w200-h200/PXL_20221215_125609942~2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>With the steward's guidance I ordered a small portion of mushroom noodles and pork belly. In one of the larger enclosures of the restaurant a Christmas party was in progress. The people in there didn't care for others in the restaurant. They were raucous and too loud for comfort.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAAdh_N8clFS2dQYjUDDmC6pt3Esn1Ih6ruDfu4Qv_jqc2k6UPocf5M3JPIu5aMYUMsBAtOxdUtSM6SzPHQw76Td7fW_bntuKWjt4SWZ5OAI02K1jeaSpoU6DoWShFhMOEtJ3Gg67TMjGb8zLXIrt4_bNbTZGreqbAeK3kUqrhCr9p82zwWDPdD74Zw/s4032/PXL_20221215_134450365~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAAdh_N8clFS2dQYjUDDmC6pt3Esn1Ih6ruDfu4Qv_jqc2k6UPocf5M3JPIu5aMYUMsBAtOxdUtSM6SzPHQw76Td7fW_bntuKWjt4SWZ5OAI02K1jeaSpoU6DoWShFhMOEtJ3Gg67TMjGb8zLXIrt4_bNbTZGreqbAeK3kUqrhCr9p82zwWDPdD74Zw/s320/PXL_20221215_134450365~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When the noodles and pork arrived I wondered when I would get through the portions. In the end, most of it got packed up for an onslaught en-route! The food was outstanding. The manager of the restaurant told me that he had worked in Mumbai for a couple of years and had learnt to cook many Indian dishes, biriyani being his favourite.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v7OX_-cuY8kauzzqjqx-3kOhUBhueUtEZCqwCWT6fj_31PfEf72HZ3YYEq83OykM2b473NIJ3Nwd8h63I642g0kpbL8b83EeiVpZRzq_F44zM5gdob-51yRjubUA4z_t3ehrw36gVc1bcw0Fh0XwxosCj0eIydOqhlPTtIqaEfrbiXKeZjpNUIhC_Q/s4032/PXL_20221215_025222167~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-v7OX_-cuY8kauzzqjqx-3kOhUBhueUtEZCqwCWT6fj_31PfEf72HZ3YYEq83OykM2b473NIJ3Nwd8h63I642g0kpbL8b83EeiVpZRzq_F44zM5gdob-51yRjubUA4z_t3ehrw36gVc1bcw0Fh0XwxosCj0eIydOqhlPTtIqaEfrbiXKeZjpNUIhC_Q/s320/PXL_20221215_025222167~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Philippines stay has been enjoyable and informative. The weather was almost always in favour of the outdoors. The bags are packed and a short nap away is the ride to the airport.<p></p>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-81129665653883936792022-12-26T16:40:00.001+05:302022-12-26T16:40:23.160+05:30A PHILLIPPINE FAIRYTALE - A Laid Back Day in Cebu - 14 December 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eapI9Q_KbykLlbR2mXLBMaisQ0ghQbFQIf1jESrb7cFG10wbjSeUHmBtdIMV7GjBujK4QhG3ToArEkawdwbqn5q3W0Fn87Aurj0Mhr_SM45lNAxvdsV405gSe5o2iwTovxVMYbxSjxA5hXWJa6LXSf224fdyEMvI4gBwu8cWtbiczkStWQXl6-NqFg/s4032/PXL_20221214_020450462~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2191" data-original-width="4032" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3eapI9Q_KbykLlbR2mXLBMaisQ0ghQbFQIf1jESrb7cFG10wbjSeUHmBtdIMV7GjBujK4QhG3ToArEkawdwbqn5q3W0Fn87Aurj0Mhr_SM45lNAxvdsV405gSe5o2iwTovxVMYbxSjxA5hXWJa6LXSf224fdyEMvI4gBwu8cWtbiczkStWQXl6-NqFg/s320/PXL_20221214_020450462~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The activities scheduled for this day included Parasailing, Jet skiing and Banana Boat Ride. Since the previous morning I had been calling up, emailing and messaging companies that organise such activities. None of them returned the calls or responded to the emails and messages. Disappointed at not being able to do the activities that remained on my bucket list I decided to spend a good part of the day near the IT Park and the Malls near it. With that intention I took a taxi, after a breakfast of honey and berry cornflakes in cold milk, to Ayala Mall.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiXWbbGKy5bpAASDugx6lE24Agkcj_9o42dxQIMaii1qCLb6hM33UOMJIacIRwOqe5guxVFi6r4xGbprBqlX2gNNEHP4syleABa76kZRrtf08E9KurOMabfwkRbP1Cu5HLqWtXYdjIcdPo4-yPlOnehm2IuhYmMlGK8Q80fTeJOSvaR8IjQG_x5wKcw/s4032/PXL_20221214_015654152~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgiXWbbGKy5bpAASDugx6lE24Agkcj_9o42dxQIMaii1qCLb6hM33UOMJIacIRwOqe5guxVFi6r4xGbprBqlX2gNNEHP4syleABa76kZRrtf08E9KurOMabfwkRbP1Cu5HLqWtXYdjIcdPo4-yPlOnehm2IuhYmMlGK8Q80fTeJOSvaR8IjQG_x5wKcw/w181-h320/PXL_20221214_015654152~2.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>The Ayala Malls Central Bloc is said to be the hub of young urbanite Cebuanas. It is a vibrant hang-out destination for those seeking work-life balance. It features refreshing retail and dining outlets, book stores, IT related shopping experience, home stores and venues to chill out. It is one of Cebu’s most hip and happening Malls. I reached the Mall a little before 10 am and found a fairly long queue in front of the entrance because the Mall was not yet open to business. I looked around the blocks adjacent to Ayala Mall and found a preponderance of new age businesses located there, particularly those related to IT. It must be noted that much of the province's economic activity is driven by manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles and real estate. However, in the recent past IT and related industries have made an impact in employment and skills development.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNmdYJsgxL1tSESX2pIN9JVo5VrY6_yauYSvSJFgpFmmKJ_8tbRgKqsYwrjzzOG_6-lFGlpzWcExfDlX9TNGTPGXEXPmwJQ12q6aYNFhb2jLWp8cNrQnCc0r3egJhp72v2qx2dzMZDnouTfxQorxAT_CCSNW6yeWQv7cFF_r60lzc87g3CZhSBsBqtw/s4032/PXL_20221214_045054135~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNmdYJsgxL1tSESX2pIN9JVo5VrY6_yauYSvSJFgpFmmKJ_8tbRgKqsYwrjzzOG_6-lFGlpzWcExfDlX9TNGTPGXEXPmwJQ12q6aYNFhb2jLWp8cNrQnCc0r3egJhp72v2qx2dzMZDnouTfxQorxAT_CCSNW6yeWQv7cFF_r60lzc87g3CZhSBsBqtw/s320/PXL_20221214_045054135~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While walking around the Ayala Mall my eyes fell on an outlet of Mang Inasal, which is a must try while in the Philippines. It was too early to try that but their promotion of Halo-Halo, the national dessert enticed me. Even at that early hour the outlet was busy serving its delicacies, foremost of which was the unlimited rice and Chicken Inasal. The Halo-Halo was delicious, but the quantity was huge. After taking my time over it I spend considerable time in the Mall admiring many of the displays in the retail shops, particularly locally produced jewellery, souvenirs and gifts.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3hvdYZvmDGjM34FLpGhhT6Ad3sfJSs_Yqyajvj19VdjEHglAn03ALhZXeVFKEDmU4oYGKZCNaOhgu5KF4OAMIcVOD2S3sdoT3kSs2uxn7wrAE4Qy-gpvtWZxewVb16I2dZ0X697tE3zubYZMFGPOneeNdk6fVvb59k5HuYGKVR65bWUaSy3w5LB2pA/s4032/PXL_20221214_021019943~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3hvdYZvmDGjM34FLpGhhT6Ad3sfJSs_Yqyajvj19VdjEHglAn03ALhZXeVFKEDmU4oYGKZCNaOhgu5KF4OAMIcVOD2S3sdoT3kSs2uxn7wrAE4Qy-gpvtWZxewVb16I2dZ0X697tE3zubYZMFGPOneeNdk6fVvb59k5HuYGKVR65bWUaSy3w5LB2pA/s320/PXL_20221214_021019943~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Even when I was window shopping in the Mall my mind was rooted to the Chicken Inasal. Unable to control the 'urge' I decided to have an early lunch at Mang Inasal. It was fortunate that I found a place within the restaurant. My order didn't take long to come. I hadn't chosen the unlimited option, instead it was single rice, Chicken Inasal and Sprite. Along with that came chicken broth and soy sauce. Heavenly, it was. It was not just an ordinarily grilled chicken. There was something to it that made it very different, yet was a grilled chicken. No masala at all.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-8onnpWqtM6j0GOgPur0etToYzy54JFbpxdVXzH8kbLgVKo3r6c8V_BT6deqYA-N88jalCK0l-FD_BjIf-rx5-j0xUvoyfRtvuqAtumDmZKYfSuaL5epOkPgYG-7IjEzvjU33cDPFIkyiEN31gQUCAOQd1Khlzoxc7WY0lcnkSXw_HcL9szbJ3C_ow/s4032/PXL_20221214_045736343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-8onnpWqtM6j0GOgPur0etToYzy54JFbpxdVXzH8kbLgVKo3r6c8V_BT6deqYA-N88jalCK0l-FD_BjIf-rx5-j0xUvoyfRtvuqAtumDmZKYfSuaL5epOkPgYG-7IjEzvjU33cDPFIkyiEN31gQUCAOQd1Khlzoxc7WY0lcnkSXw_HcL9szbJ3C_ow/s320/PXL_20221214_045736343.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>With that done, I came out of the Mall wanting to hire a taxi to the flower garden. That's when I spotted the habal-habal, the bike taxi. One of them agreed to take me to the Flower Garden, the Terrazas De Flores. It is considered to be a proud work of art by the local farmers using interlocking stones. Terrazas de Flores is a terraced botanical garden. Having read about the salubrious environ, the cabanas and viewing decks I reached the place only to find it closed. Disappointed, once again.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGu_0CMNfr10c_YXPFQdXm8wAn6ywtJiPt0JKn__2DVNVkT61FyqkJs81VQQI2A9HD3EObCq64fnZCa3L1jJinfKCwEnrL9GqsUaZKvUICYRYOL8HmVwEV2acB0p8rkQSpwVixZ4TO-LIP-Ln9EIOusdK7R-70oaSVKuXnlXsGNXGzJckNVaMxYr2xg/s4032/PXL_20221214_053048557~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGu_0CMNfr10c_YXPFQdXm8wAn6ywtJiPt0JKn__2DVNVkT61FyqkJs81VQQI2A9HD3EObCq64fnZCa3L1jJinfKCwEnrL9GqsUaZKvUICYRYOL8HmVwEV2acB0p8rkQSpwVixZ4TO-LIP-Ln9EIOusdK7R-70oaSVKuXnlXsGNXGzJckNVaMxYr2xg/s320/PXL_20221214_053048557~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Without a doubt, one of the top attractions of Cebu City is the Tops Lookout. Last evening Jonathan had strongly suggested a visit to the La Vie in the Sky restaurant on the way to the Tops Lookout, which was closed due to inclement weather and landslides a few days back. In fact, all along the ride up the steep roads to Busay I could see many landslide locations at a distance. A part of the Busay road too was under the supervision and control of traffic enforcers. It became much cooler as the bike took to the winding mountainous road.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFfkDG8NTxZn5w3UWF9KbGUXIGmtwuXttu0shG6A1fjI2DnHDUqQI4hHtHqlKyXwWGzidSkr358o3NZIdtaprhRnSusTEngC_e_MbdP6ut0dHHenGAMmPDDMe23qGyFNiYRnmp4tzqr9swvvp9S5m942Mu2pth2gqyDNtfci2qy8g0g2e0iOwJajtSA/s4032/PXL_20221214_053846643~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2226" data-original-width="4032" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzFfkDG8NTxZn5w3UWF9KbGUXIGmtwuXttu0shG6A1fjI2DnHDUqQI4hHtHqlKyXwWGzidSkr358o3NZIdtaprhRnSusTEngC_e_MbdP6ut0dHHenGAMmPDDMe23qGyFNiYRnmp4tzqr9swvvp9S5m942Mu2pth2gqyDNtfci2qy8g0g2e0iOwJajtSA/s320/PXL_20221214_053846643~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>La Vie in the Sky is one of the recent additions to the many mountain top restaurants on the Tops road. It has taken French dining experience to a new level, according to reviews. The location of the restaurant is such that people started going there just for the views. To discourage that and promote their business the owners now charge an entrance fee of 100 PHP that can be set off against the food and drink order. The restaurant is reputed to have some fine wines in their stock.<div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP06V_sEu4YB0FJ-Ud_zJLsXFTvd4GhAtVtq38GJ20TanYSOVZJe601aLOCk9BSFJPxaNHBbvkL-ZXadypudB7Off3uFX_VwE6oUxnk5mr2u6d_XHsOm_Lkq_THlFlrbNCdlJ8SZGrgTVg_9TzJHAv6Xh2BpJHx3Jx1W3FUhdi3sSVkDvC2OwGrdZzkA/s4032/PXL_20221214_053616772~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP06V_sEu4YB0FJ-Ud_zJLsXFTvd4GhAtVtq38GJ20TanYSOVZJe601aLOCk9BSFJPxaNHBbvkL-ZXadypudB7Off3uFX_VwE6oUxnk5mr2u6d_XHsOm_Lkq_THlFlrbNCdlJ8SZGrgTVg_9TzJHAv6Xh2BpJHx3Jx1W3FUhdi3sSVkDvC2OwGrdZzkA/s320/PXL_20221214_053616772~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The decks offer glorious views of the skyline, the topo and the waters. The restaurant has been so aesthetically fitted out that it gives the feeling of actually being in one of the Parisian cafe-restaurants. After a leisurely cup for coffee on the deck, soaking in the magic and taking in every detail of the superb surroundings I left as I felt a few raindrops on my corpulent cheeks.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoPsZDtsqLilfM56hT8JW8lP6pmuhIslYBY1tG4KwU_Zd-hqQy9c3aKnVQYvdQsr35BN1JYNM2fvVf13D0m43pkskvYut6lLdlHY3B3jBdVp6wkw57oDWzeNoGyNpDKcDNryqBwhEz0oTKNv9gZyRPhCvbD4Bh37XRbFvnK-HxYQL9LlF1XcZ7ClWlg/s4032/PXL_20221214_093153571~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoPsZDtsqLilfM56hT8JW8lP6pmuhIslYBY1tG4KwU_Zd-hqQy9c3aKnVQYvdQsr35BN1JYNM2fvVf13D0m43pkskvYut6lLdlHY3B3jBdVp6wkw57oDWzeNoGyNpDKcDNryqBwhEz0oTKNv9gZyRPhCvbD4Bh37XRbFvnK-HxYQL9LlF1XcZ7ClWlg/s320/PXL_20221214_093153571~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After some rest in the condo I walked down to the Luhag centre, briefly walking in through the wet market, where business was brisk after office hours. Fish and meat were on sale in plenty. Polite bargaining and quiet nods were the business tools. Many shopkeepers tried to entice me with deep discounts!</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEeYBCv8pTIQly71vD3HrYbv_pHJmonu2LLwK3qCSV_Q1qlgKR_GCOdVwo8vhTuzVeE4o_gynKJ4fuYC5hu89YkIJxwSzpW-sle3B-T39EVpfysL2WnI06mjwZzN6UdYQP0u5FvrwzAUbGVc6DISCmuku6GPugqr6gT1fz3A9Hj0JMSWF0-5psh0WnQ/s4032/PXL_20221214_101946570~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEeYBCv8pTIQly71vD3HrYbv_pHJmonu2LLwK3qCSV_Q1qlgKR_GCOdVwo8vhTuzVeE4o_gynKJ4fuYC5hu89YkIJxwSzpW-sle3B-T39EVpfysL2WnI06mjwZzN6UdYQP0u5FvrwzAUbGVc6DISCmuku6GPugqr6gT1fz3A9Hj0JMSWF0-5psh0WnQ/s320/PXL_20221214_101946570~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Not far from the Luhag junction was the JY Mall. The Supermarket in the Mall was incredibly busy with late evening shoppers filling their bags before returning home from work. I had a beef wrap in one of the eateries in the JY Mall and took a bike taxi back to Marco Polo. Cebu is on the radar of those who prefer a perfect blend of city and suburban life. It certainly has good food, beaches, a thriving entertainment scene, rich culture, happy people and modern conveniences for a comfortable life.<p></p></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-34190913800434657422022-12-23T11:47:00.001+05:302022-12-23T11:47:40.196+05:30A PHILLIPPINE FAIRYTALE - Whale Sharks & Waterfall - 13 December 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrTHS5ZIhpEyZwAm-mxKbxliscGol_qzi6ymovER3_-W1OEpgYFdfCmlbWACm2_usn3SUgEPiztplV3MM9gNrW_KQxugZxUJsiSQIbI9ULU69WLXpLXsqyVV9rt9CtAP11SGcOWgppJzBDMkHqFOfF0sU2o5i1tZsmaZzsYe8sVnQzKQTjUpbSqiTdQ/s4032/PXL_20221212_222135647~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrTHS5ZIhpEyZwAm-mxKbxliscGol_qzi6ymovER3_-W1OEpgYFdfCmlbWACm2_usn3SUgEPiztplV3MM9gNrW_KQxugZxUJsiSQIbI9ULU69WLXpLXsqyVV9rt9CtAP11SGcOWgppJzBDMkHqFOfF0sU2o5i1tZsmaZzsYe8sVnQzKQTjUpbSqiTdQ/s320/PXL_20221212_222135647~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yesterday morning, when giving me a ride to the Yap Sandiego Ancestral Home, Jonathan had told me that he does trips to Oslob with guests for the Whale Shark viewing. Even though I had initially decided to hire Jay R for 4500 PHP, he sent me a message saying that his car had to be taken to the workshop and hence, would send me a friend of his with another car.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqastnTNuB7mD6ZVBZOQR9H-p-5hROLZr0NDB9boI_QZEujxjDvDOFrPcVUrYbGx_SG4AjWvQ5hPD4Q5LXmnHgWHGDlhEWABY7AAsKaXoFCXY8hm0aTJU7RcT5stznaejsuteYzqcNs4a3ReYKoEPhFw-OmH03IUZYQcKzQm6uxXY1NJY5YMJHqk1Gg/s4032/PXL_20221212_223539364~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqastnTNuB7mD6ZVBZOQR9H-p-5hROLZr0NDB9boI_QZEujxjDvDOFrPcVUrYbGx_SG4AjWvQ5hPD4Q5LXmnHgWHGDlhEWABY7AAsKaXoFCXY8hm0aTJU7RcT5stznaejsuteYzqcNs4a3ReYKoEPhFw-OmH03IUZYQcKzQm6uxXY1NJY5YMJHqk1Gg/s320/PXL_20221212_223539364~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was the second time he was palming me off to other drivers. So, I politely refused his offer and contacted Jonathan for the duty, which he readily agreed to. His charge was slightly higher at 5000 PHP, but the car was far superior, a 2.8 litre, superbly maintained Toyota Innova. Moreover, I found Jonathan to be easy to chat with and full of information.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxGx95rOtCzdNWUprXwZu1oY-x6s50fihBnZ_KKU0vGbkXpf5H2-nSA8GENJlUOdi8c-nPVaONgFny2L1_iU2QTpsfN4VfYwlWvvGA-URsR_6O6xhR-xJCESt6yhOUpyEywttPrRqIeDQPw5MKtNVIrHm70etJhAYONJ-wLzmi1UKyiOM2NAuhF5jsw/s4032/PXL_20221212_222409172~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxGx95rOtCzdNWUprXwZu1oY-x6s50fihBnZ_KKU0vGbkXpf5H2-nSA8GENJlUOdi8c-nPVaONgFny2L1_iU2QTpsfN4VfYwlWvvGA-URsR_6O6xhR-xJCESt6yhOUpyEywttPrRqIeDQPw5MKtNVIrHm70etJhAYONJ-wLzmi1UKyiOM2NAuhF5jsw/s320/PXL_20221212_222409172~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had agreed on a 3.30 am start. On the dot we left Marco Polo Residences. I was adequately armed with extra clothing for the shark viewing tour and a visit to the Tumalog waterfall.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlahnz8WAuiYZx9EtsK0kgN3enOuWPGB2qTisvCJ2veoLUVBB6e_fP3BGF0JGe61v4PAwkoWMh1U6aU1Zhuz3UW0yduslvXoVTRrwlbwdOgcLDyeq5AUR-d3htYOzxWwgOJEt4HOjcrnO72OecJYInoKEQtMI6P3TEF2ZRQzE40JXMtHpO_KMquKbQVw/s4032/PXL_20221212_222344677~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlahnz8WAuiYZx9EtsK0kgN3enOuWPGB2qTisvCJ2veoLUVBB6e_fP3BGF0JGe61v4PAwkoWMh1U6aU1Zhuz3UW0yduslvXoVTRrwlbwdOgcLDyeq5AUR-d3htYOzxWwgOJEt4HOjcrnO72OecJYInoKEQtMI6P3TEF2ZRQzE40JXMtHpO_KMquKbQVw/s320/PXL_20221212_222344677~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jonathan and his nonstop conversation ranging from economics to politics, family to jobs, development of new age businesses to industrial and agricultural transformation, food to liquor, I found him an amazing conversationalist. Naturally, his first job was as a salesman for more than 15 years. I could fathom that he was quite successful at what he did. For the past twelve years he has been driving a taxi and building friendships with most of his guests.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKbzF1EIbQOECQUAqZbChzSH5K-YmS_50S8U5JvHN_QVH0C0k3x_nDwPNhivHhZ4gOoAi_RmgpaF9gm9-jsnn7QCPg3IOwgiUsus91wYCKjqF128DM3VL5GqmaAznMJDXDzmqkIV2gWL8ibE0NnbG0W51KM4MoM9Fha16b5E38GeEz8-Esfu0gLbXUg/s2003/PXL_20221212_224127302~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1127" data-original-width="2003" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKbzF1EIbQOECQUAqZbChzSH5K-YmS_50S8U5JvHN_QVH0C0k3x_nDwPNhivHhZ4gOoAi_RmgpaF9gm9-jsnn7QCPg3IOwgiUsus91wYCKjqF128DM3VL5GqmaAznMJDXDzmqkIV2gWL8ibE0NnbG0W51KM4MoM9Fha16b5E38GeEz8-Esfu0gLbXUg/s320/PXL_20221212_224127302~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jonathan is a good natured person and a very keen student of history and politics. His knowledge of Filipino politics is astounding. We discussed presidents from Magsaysay to Marcos to Aquino to Duterte. He explained how Naga city, which neighbors Cebu City, was transformed from a municipality to a city due to the hard work of a single person who brought in power plants, cement plant and generated infrastructure and jobs.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBH0l1w8uWfN3-KPlPt2oCD1w-knXxQCbXjdvgvjZPOeTeGZkLSTsnQgNLXW-x1Dy-bQSQJB1NDFLjAQdLGG2lfAiwDl2LUkfj3dBx3RXuzCAjHS9TNk5ek4FBAa0pt52WbVMVnq1t-CIQ9MW9GT14P9-FxpUqK0NoU4TMNU7sCXly3UbuazYQdBSAA/s4032/PXL_20221212_222140454~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixBH0l1w8uWfN3-KPlPt2oCD1w-knXxQCbXjdvgvjZPOeTeGZkLSTsnQgNLXW-x1Dy-bQSQJB1NDFLjAQdLGG2lfAiwDl2LUkfj3dBx3RXuzCAjHS9TNk5ek4FBAa0pt52WbVMVnq1t-CIQ9MW9GT14P9-FxpUqK0NoU4TMNU7sCXly3UbuazYQdBSAA/s320/PXL_20221212_222140454~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We reached the whale shark viewing area close to 7 am. Oslob is a tiny seaside town located on the southernmost edge of the Cebu mainland. It has lately become a popular tourist site due to whale shark expeditions.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaYMioj7gUufKAJ1_kTnGOLNmEFvUVMzjRrM0DFns2kT7p_O2P6ksODZPhirfUnqstwJXoGQuUc8OXrWilao2t2mLdXVDh1e3gTohwjDHT6REskUwgNYtFk6Zhg4NMShSKAptcQwpTa__E2STFJei6VUwDe4XoIKciwKTQZOLls68RhibUXa6R5tBeQ/s4032/PXL_20221212_230356600~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheaYMioj7gUufKAJ1_kTnGOLNmEFvUVMzjRrM0DFns2kT7p_O2P6ksODZPhirfUnqstwJXoGQuUc8OXrWilao2t2mLdXVDh1e3gTohwjDHT6REskUwgNYtFk6Zhg4NMShSKAptcQwpTa__E2STFJei6VUwDe4XoIKciwKTQZOLls68RhibUXa6R5tBeQ/s320/PXL_20221212_230356600~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>While there are year-round whale shark sightings, the best time to visit is supposed to be March to April when the highest concentrations of these magnificent fish come to visit. The time for whale shark viewing, the year around, is from 6 am to 12 pm. Lots of people had reached the viewing area by the time I reached there. I collected what I needed for the tour such as waterproof footwear, comfortable clothing and GoPro.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc66kdxmUR_NMCPiY2Dd1IJ8U0gR6S3ZI-9aQWRqLUGHu5-M4b9-hTY3Cl8k9LDwx-VnvUw2kvpIjt4fpO5YeRCl8zl0AquH3TWjOTKFp_fsE_AFRIMUlFJO6120duRRM5vxd-2rILGLIlXLK3v5zlBV3yf7CiJCNRor9hsrXnipJtyCFjSkVMnDx4uA/s4032/PXL_20221212_223400115~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc66kdxmUR_NMCPiY2Dd1IJ8U0gR6S3ZI-9aQWRqLUGHu5-M4b9-hTY3Cl8k9LDwx-VnvUw2kvpIjt4fpO5YeRCl8zl0AquH3TWjOTKFp_fsE_AFRIMUlFJO6120duRRM5vxd-2rILGLIlXLK3v5zlBV3yf7CiJCNRor9hsrXnipJtyCFjSkVMnDx4uA/s320/PXL_20221212_223400115~2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>I went to the enclosure to go through the four step process to get a boat; registration, payment, number allocation, briefing. Instructions are strict about how to conduct oneself in the company of Whale Sharks. Diving and snorkelling are time-and people-limited activities that are done in batches. Each group is given 30 minutes to see or swim with the whale sharks. I was given a safety vest to wear and was asked to wait for the call. I had chosen 'swimming with the sharks' option.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoY4otFw7xpuwQjFBSdO1DCSxFQ9tSBUCOOznUH0xV8wLKZwI8ukDKwVr91JlbwKuzDVyodlZBmBN8hDpwWrc4f07j63O3oEbgtKqxfH4HyVnHypsWboWWcjduAdTZH3BIsJgD6xff_avmYsMHQqikcyKh0pk3QQE6ocVNuh9vO-X9SexAiIQUtRoaQ/s5563/GOPR0545-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3129" data-original-width="5563" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoY4otFw7xpuwQjFBSdO1DCSxFQ9tSBUCOOznUH0xV8wLKZwI8ukDKwVr91JlbwKuzDVyodlZBmBN8hDpwWrc4f07j63O3oEbgtKqxfH4HyVnHypsWboWWcjduAdTZH3BIsJgD6xff_avmYsMHQqikcyKh0pk3QQE6ocVNuh9vO-X9SexAiIQUtRoaQ/s320/GOPR0545-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I was called to a boat it had three crew and eight guests. We cast off and less than a hundred metres from the shore we were asked to fix the goggles and get off the boat for viewing the gentle giants. It was 30 minutes of unadulterated fun. The sharks seemed totally at ease with the human trespass. Their huge mouths seem frightening. I handed over my GoPro to one of the crew and asked him to film me underwater. The large guys passing by your side, sometime even brushing you, was an unreal experience.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgie0ksGl7d3IBzud7VIqLWXTzuqZIXhwzq4XviHntC24GjZAFJ-qWaJV-a-pBjT7Yj79N_K4S_cdE-VG33i4YbUSM7AQ6fd6GAbmonviknVFP79FDux_lnozInxix9PTZvrmDwAKPy4k9yzx6ATJRT1cIgIHvDfkeQ4lLdYsLFeB3OFsy_RWzI0P4jyw/s4032/PXL_20221213_000357030~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgie0ksGl7d3IBzud7VIqLWXTzuqZIXhwzq4XviHntC24GjZAFJ-qWaJV-a-pBjT7Yj79N_K4S_cdE-VG33i4YbUSM7AQ6fd6GAbmonviknVFP79FDux_lnozInxix9PTZvrmDwAKPy4k9yzx6ATJRT1cIgIHvDfkeQ4lLdYsLFeB3OFsy_RWzI0P4jyw/s320/PXL_20221213_000357030~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once I came ashore I had a shower and changed. I was ravenously hungry by then. Jonathan and I had breakfast at the WinWin restaurant close to where the car was parked. I had beef noodles and chicken adobo and a cup of coffee while Jonathan had a portion of rice and eggs.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlRmz3HHCBr7EtHlXfIm6jZXL-Bs2TYXZYamOEvKzH0q3RXbS9moS32tjMwLvG3ciSQgVGJdLqXulXxlo_UqBJScGxFjlbB-l_pRyQUGEeZ3yBrr0IUeDJccgHSc_VxfBctYiXaGLfBAqxhx52-AXqO1K4b-v93CcmpZMZYjSZTik82eyP_HOfdprlg/s4032/PXL_20221213_002306777~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYlRmz3HHCBr7EtHlXfIm6jZXL-Bs2TYXZYamOEvKzH0q3RXbS9moS32tjMwLvG3ciSQgVGJdLqXulXxlo_UqBJScGxFjlbB-l_pRyQUGEeZ3yBrr0IUeDJccgHSc_VxfBctYiXaGLfBAqxhx52-AXqO1K4b-v93CcmpZMZYjSZTik82eyP_HOfdprlg/s320/PXL_20221213_002306777~2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Tumalog waterfall is a turnoff just a few kilometers on the return to Cebu. The steep drive to the car park of the waterfall is about a three kilometers. But the road was a newly laid concretised one. Beyond the car park there are motorcycles that ferry guests to and from the waterfall. I hitched a ride in bike 11. He told me that he would return when I was through with my session at the waterfall.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7VCsB_nuiBwsGJKYUel1UDetB83_bIHex1sI60YzeXywZNEPP0Ssd7CcbCRfelA4jx99AGswvuWLGUam8dn8mzm0KlFoG1xO_aa0lnEgYj0VPSqQGalIQlmqzrJbITygxugxDLvvssvqo6t4mBmfOChayjFUtW06m-QxOUB0j9YESDL9-0cbZrSswQ/s4032/PXL_20221213_002522645~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7VCsB_nuiBwsGJKYUel1UDetB83_bIHex1sI60YzeXywZNEPP0Ssd7CcbCRfelA4jx99AGswvuWLGUam8dn8mzm0KlFoG1xO_aa0lnEgYj0VPSqQGalIQlmqzrJbITygxugxDLvvssvqo6t4mBmfOChayjFUtW06m-QxOUB0j9YESDL9-0cbZrSswQ/s320/PXL_20221213_002522645~2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>Weather wise the best time to visit Tumalog falls is supposed to be between December and June. The water at Tumalog falls isn’t too deep, so even a person like me, who isn't a swimmer, felt confident and comfortable because I could touch the floor of the fall pool at all times. The fall is approximately 100 metres and the water is relatively cold. And, since it was hot and humid I did not mind the cool water at all. In fact, I was reluctant to come off from the pool.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwMF2FDKHKNRGfCQhz02Bag5dEDAyMr1D0j0dbiCcFS_w10aVY15UQH2MC07AJUzM8wb-3j59hanldRX5xSoBHlPxtxcNNWjX5DvZiG2NxdgozeWTVutkJxQDBbWNniGTOuAvodEtvy1UKP1AAvGwLGvcZTSUREHnUr43QgaR0trjTaco_TW2RyFNEg/s4032/PXL_20221213_004242181~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwMF2FDKHKNRGfCQhz02Bag5dEDAyMr1D0j0dbiCcFS_w10aVY15UQH2MC07AJUzM8wb-3j59hanldRX5xSoBHlPxtxcNNWjX5DvZiG2NxdgozeWTVutkJxQDBbWNniGTOuAvodEtvy1UKP1AAvGwLGvcZTSUREHnUr43QgaR0trjTaco_TW2RyFNEg/s320/PXL_20221213_004242181~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Guests, particularly young girls, use the falls and the pool more for photography and less for the glorious time in the water. I went right under the falls and felt the sharp thuds of water on my neck and back. It is supposed to be therapeutic in a sense for those with neck and back pain. A rainbow added to the ambience.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqT0b1zMZFm88uWGE0X0z8bFURtcIi_GcgLvKuVt_mm9mK9cNRpecbItdXd7-Te0Lk12Ka1ErVXxxilunHHAlHCSs0o0At_6YleB5JwFOjUZ2CPTsmrvP7XBPxA41RYzA194TsMHDwsUYK2qbnrjQfvNYXIhxbQg3YPAJJQjrCGHnMTBAx5Hh5hCKsA/s4032/PXL_20221213_004553846~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqT0b1zMZFm88uWGE0X0z8bFURtcIi_GcgLvKuVt_mm9mK9cNRpecbItdXd7-Te0Lk12Ka1ErVXxxilunHHAlHCSs0o0At_6YleB5JwFOjUZ2CPTsmrvP7XBPxA41RYzA194TsMHDwsUYK2qbnrjQfvNYXIhxbQg3YPAJJQjrCGHnMTBAx5Hh5hCKsA/s320/PXL_20221213_004553846~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The water from the falls cascades down a few levels and flows though in a narrow stream beyond the falls limit. There are toilets and changing rooms as well as a dining deck at the entrance to the falls. After the fun time I had in the falls I changed clothes and took the motorcycle ride with number 11 back to the car parking area. There I paid 50 PHP for the motorcycle ride and was told that entrance fee to the falls of 50 PHP is waived for senior citizens!<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g6hUkPUNmK5dh3pLK8wLjdEEj7jQRPiaZyLaDM7HK16f6DaNV4bl8I6fguN94_r__MbCW7frnJfhe2yzm2rM1Z52Hxl2HR55nseivNBwRcAIaSRKkpjLIrh9wqJGkWzcMRoUbt7RGfBIjrE_FCOzquhS8rPdcTLcsou7I_rkF_8c6SLyEz8ek-GjDg/s4032/PXL_20221213_051848699~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g6hUkPUNmK5dh3pLK8wLjdEEj7jQRPiaZyLaDM7HK16f6DaNV4bl8I6fguN94_r__MbCW7frnJfhe2yzm2rM1Z52Hxl2HR55nseivNBwRcAIaSRKkpjLIrh9wqJGkWzcMRoUbt7RGfBIjrE_FCOzquhS8rPdcTLcsou7I_rkF_8c6SLyEz8ek-GjDg/s320/PXL_20221213_051848699~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Almost the entire trip back to Cebu I dozed off and woke up about 30 km short of Cebu. The traffic was incredibly heavy and that seemed to get under Jonathan's skin. He cursed at times and weaved expertly to make it to my next tour station, the Taoist Temple, built by the affluent Filipino-Chinese population of Cebu in 1972.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhxrRJCP-SV_l2P1bmOwuVycb8VUa0orjiNUPyUK3Fdq5sq8lsNtFyzQ38qj7agLx-D5M89FVKRR_DlROXyK61kKVsCqvUS1geuMCl_RnHo5sSaHc4RUoNHAJsOSRsuggImMCMFct2e-DRBf-C3V1RXf2VyS-StJ7Ti9lrGhxmKLwgZZAI9c_4Kp_Tw/s4032/PXL_20221213_045511165~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhxrRJCP-SV_l2P1bmOwuVycb8VUa0orjiNUPyUK3Fdq5sq8lsNtFyzQ38qj7agLx-D5M89FVKRR_DlROXyK61kKVsCqvUS1geuMCl_RnHo5sSaHc4RUoNHAJsOSRsuggImMCMFct2e-DRBf-C3V1RXf2VyS-StJ7Ti9lrGhxmKLwgZZAI9c_4Kp_Tw/s320/PXL_20221213_045511165~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>At 110 meters the temple has glorious views of the city and the vast areas beyond. The multi-tiered, many-hued temple is open to both worshippers and non-worshippers alike, who have to follow a strict set of rules while inside the holy premises. Photography of the altar and anything rendered holy is prohibited. There is curious custom of washing one's hands, lighting a joystick and dropping a couple of wooden blocks on the ground to find an answer to one's question before the altar. The 81 steps to the temple represents 81 chapters of the Taoist scriptures.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrV2Euk0YFQpPxOsZ3IQhdOrhR8W8cxu19KmioYVzwaPoK6AvLjivLLeW3WcZ2bNSpFqUGmeNOPE4D6a30-RNigbLmb7VnvT31kw3IzyrVpfXQm0tDqr1xYppcdKbRBgwOot1gQ5sNRSehqDYJ5D6wyIXqVnPw2VSxblmF9bABs8zPZ1pcffryDfciA/s4032/PXL_20221213_045020662~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrV2Euk0YFQpPxOsZ3IQhdOrhR8W8cxu19KmioYVzwaPoK6AvLjivLLeW3WcZ2bNSpFqUGmeNOPE4D6a30-RNigbLmb7VnvT31kw3IzyrVpfXQm0tDqr1xYppcdKbRBgwOot1gQ5sNRSehqDYJ5D6wyIXqVnPw2VSxblmF9bABs8zPZ1pcffryDfciA/s320/PXL_20221213_045020662~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Once the temple visit was done Jonathan dropped me back to the residence, where I paid him the fare. I also requested him to drop me off at the Mactan International Airport on 16th morning for the first leg of my flight back to Chennai.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SsEavgi7Fej76UKgCHD6S9UYQIo3MaYlLai9HsbMTwRqRYj-em9LWCihQKeMNvvLISC0hKtJWwUEHBEgQhTUnWxURp8m7yGyqQGkNTc9GLFd-jCILZKg0CCO0syzNxAURFMklIstVXrU6UqZmuVycYjKsqXSqj0qq3Nh57w3_5I4K-8Lm11pHhqxLA/s4032/PXL_20221213_101134672~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SsEavgi7Fej76UKgCHD6S9UYQIo3MaYlLai9HsbMTwRqRYj-em9LWCihQKeMNvvLISC0hKtJWwUEHBEgQhTUnWxURp8m7yGyqQGkNTc9GLFd-jCILZKg0CCO0syzNxAURFMklIstVXrU6UqZmuVycYjKsqXSqj0qq3Nh57w3_5I4K-8Lm11pHhqxLA/s320/PXL_20221213_101134672~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the evening, while on a stroll to find something to eat, I chanced upon a Japanese eatery, the Ori restaurant. The seafood noodles and mixed mushrooms were fantastic. A couple of cans of San Miguel Light later I was ready for bed.<p></p><div><br /></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5435173943031248767.post-16007174028930600222022-12-22T14:10:00.001+05:302022-12-22T14:10:20.896+05:30A PHILLIPPINE FAIRYTALE - Exploring Old Cebu - 12 December 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7o99ApYNPniz3i5VhbzwOqqoGgjsYCNaU9la7lJiIxgMRlg_xUpAFnM9sPMteIvrPzvVv1evJZn_LYUec2YnsD20ArVWpEKVt8tnkun6xzN73aUiUND4JOF5dra1Gkyhb0bevcit2JGxHv56VtNCI5cgKVZm-tAYEpWqBFJ6E0cJXWQVsC-G7QR94Q/s4032/PXL_20221211_221257690~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7o99ApYNPniz3i5VhbzwOqqoGgjsYCNaU9la7lJiIxgMRlg_xUpAFnM9sPMteIvrPzvVv1evJZn_LYUec2YnsD20ArVWpEKVt8tnkun6xzN73aUiUND4JOF5dra1Gkyhb0bevcit2JGxHv56VtNCI5cgKVZm-tAYEpWqBFJ6E0cJXWQVsC-G7QR94Q/s320/PXL_20221211_221257690~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last evening I had settled with Jay R, the taxi driver, that he would take me around Cebu, for which I combined two days of my original itinerary. Later in the night he called to say that he would depute his cousin to do the duty as he had an errand with his son, to which I agreed. This morning Danny, Jay R's cousin, called and checked on the places I wished to visit. He went through the list and said that the Tops area is out of bounds due to rains and landslide. I cancelled the taxi tour because the rest of the tour was just a short ride away for which I needn't spend 4000 PHP on.<div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-upopojEJ68XbOzWrGrn_HDnxamvO5Zyab1FA_KFE7BoORUIxDwlxY3B2rVoMhVzXabSQ0KbPYkW1zBAY9_tYQ-8yiyP8lSEfBqq-o7ZlSG33UMGrXLuuBiNq9U0d8GJwjG8s_qCy0vMsUvV7Yg0Gws2c-4g12jRXIawViA7Dyh-7b4TffqZCeYatg/s3548/PXL_20221212_004340289~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="3548" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-upopojEJ68XbOzWrGrn_HDnxamvO5Zyab1FA_KFE7BoORUIxDwlxY3B2rVoMhVzXabSQ0KbPYkW1zBAY9_tYQ-8yiyP8lSEfBqq-o7ZlSG33UMGrXLuuBiNq9U0d8GJwjG8s_qCy0vMsUvV7Yg0Gws2c-4g12jRXIawViA7Dyh-7b4TffqZCeYatg/s320/PXL_20221212_004340289~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After breakfast of Muesli and milk I asked the Marco Polo Residences reception to fetch me a taxi, which promptly arrived in 5 minutes. Jonathan was at the wheel, a jolly, good and kind hearted man. We had a long conversation all the way up to the Yap Sandiego Ancestral Home, which was the first attraction of the day. The Ancestral Home which dates back to the Spanish colonial era of the 1600s is a museum that sheds light on the Chinese settlements of the city. It is said to be among the first Chinese houses to be built outside of China.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcISFEUGigcHtugJMqzC87U7lQh2KJ58wAwKBdEdLySRKB3jQPoJXsS-5SSBM9xcd1wWy7RfAZavpVIm8IUz2Ew1RXVVEpG-pVLXm5SL8287x8u_O-T0hjA_Gcg3ER1yad3KHYBQm57BdQaWHEXL7Gel6R3_b7M6duKbvjyLGqJp9RCKe1mslm2hAOIA/s4032/PXL_20221212_005049130~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcISFEUGigcHtugJMqzC87U7lQh2KJ58wAwKBdEdLySRKB3jQPoJXsS-5SSBM9xcd1wWy7RfAZavpVIm8IUz2Ew1RXVVEpG-pVLXm5SL8287x8u_O-T0hjA_Gcg3ER1yad3KHYBQm57BdQaWHEXL7Gel6R3_b7M6duKbvjyLGqJp9RCKe1mslm2hAOIA/s320/PXL_20221212_005049130~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The structure is built from a mixture of wood and coral stones, with red tiles making up the curved roof. The green ambiance generated by the potted plants, orchids and trees adds to the lustre of the building. The amazing collection of religious artefacts, furniture, crockery, articles of daily use, paintings and statues took my breath away. The two storied building is maintained in such a way that it gives the feeling of a still functioning home. The entrance fee of 100 PHP is flea bite for the treasures that one gets to experience in the Home.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWTp1zAClaIP17o6wnJr0LX7PkbSfeiAzksJ5dypDibEws-ERP1GPBqorpuI7z-xpLwzbNJiCAIuLR5mGlS7XURmcCxY4DC-vVyeOPx7kbUTaHHE67Fex4HgY3vWG2u4j6r0SdXFPwZmYgpfHb3nYETWLGqzidmEMHk-Re1V0-ldpsU-zLAdZuhN1mw/s4032/PXL_20221212_005813067~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWTp1zAClaIP17o6wnJr0LX7PkbSfeiAzksJ5dypDibEws-ERP1GPBqorpuI7z-xpLwzbNJiCAIuLR5mGlS7XURmcCxY4DC-vVyeOPx7kbUTaHHE67Fex4HgY3vWG2u4j6r0SdXFPwZmYgpfHb3nYETWLGqzidmEMHk-Re1V0-ldpsU-zLAdZuhN1mw/s320/PXL_20221212_005813067~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>To the right of the Ancestral Home is the Pari-an fire substation, which is the oldest fire station in Cebu, established in 1954. It stands at a site where the convent of the San Juan Bautista church once was, which was demolished in 1878-79 due to rivalry between the Chinese and the Spaniards. The region was, at the time, divided into three settlements, Chinese, Spaniards and Filipinos. The demolished convent was in the Chinese settlement.</div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW_Yo0HwRyTwTtTh1Ktj1LZf9uOemOLdk6wzjdmddE3avxlw5EArNjoKO75qmVcXgiZEiRWKor4g1a0Pk9TD18gMeOP4LsrdELA2xZnW7OaX5mi0BdkSRU79YDB1B8o0iHxEqCqkngxt65wpfSbwkZ8vzsPOVbfEWZsPQjy25S36wrLITYTgxpAARfg/s4032/PXL_20221212_011832328~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBW_Yo0HwRyTwTtTh1Ktj1LZf9uOemOLdk6wzjdmddE3avxlw5EArNjoKO75qmVcXgiZEiRWKor4g1a0Pk9TD18gMeOP4LsrdELA2xZnW7OaX5mi0BdkSRU79YDB1B8o0iHxEqCqkngxt65wpfSbwkZ8vzsPOVbfEWZsPQjy25S36wrLITYTgxpAARfg/s320/PXL_20221212_011832328~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Almost diagonally opposite the Yap Sandiego Home is the Heritage of Cebu Monument. The spot where the monument stands now, the Pari-an, is very historical. It used to be home to the residences of the most prominent families in Cebu during the Spanish Period. It also used to be the center of trade between the locals, the Chinese and Spanish mestizos. The word “parian” was derived from the word “pari-pari” meaning to barter or trade.</div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBK7J4WQFNIOszuNlwl7orJUVLwACxjPZc8ufH3dV6g4AixXTMGSIZr5KbSBJPIKzIOteAv-Fw73RzOQxeJTqIT-R9btVHZwe7JwcFdEdbGdPkrZMCrhgCoUiyMU9RIe2U15MSgM_4Q_SyCSzsFkPqkjCsQPI8CrKnVtTOMFYZ8mwpWBD4J7X1uaFAQ/s3903/PXL_20221212_011415128~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2135" data-original-width="3903" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeBK7J4WQFNIOszuNlwl7orJUVLwACxjPZc8ufH3dV6g4AixXTMGSIZr5KbSBJPIKzIOteAv-Fw73RzOQxeJTqIT-R9btVHZwe7JwcFdEdbGdPkrZMCrhgCoUiyMU9RIe2U15MSgM_4Q_SyCSzsFkPqkjCsQPI8CrKnVtTOMFYZ8mwpWBD4J7X1uaFAQ/s320/PXL_20221212_011415128~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Conceptualized by Eduardo Castrillo, the monument depicts Cebu’s History beginning with the conversion of Rajan Humabon and the fateful fight in April 27, 1521 in the Island of Mactan where native chieftain Lapu-Lapu killed Ferdinand Magellan. The tableaux of sculptures in brass, bronze, concrete and stone is majestic and is worth more than a peremptory visit.</div><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoElTaBj_8uCWhbKU3SoaIMCEn2YqcvE7Pn_DOvYDvOj4IYF27shO8ViUZKCN31OFI_FApZ17zOKqhuWtz-qsbBxFmsTOKo9-iBv9vbrSy3q3sq8qBuD2ympIQvSQ3fnebiqpthHi3JRL_53OI3b-vASMALO0YFiOONlSGYm1HIV-F-Uk6eoGbvj27w/s3361/PXL_20221212_020857447~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1891" data-original-width="3361" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSoElTaBj_8uCWhbKU3SoaIMCEn2YqcvE7Pn_DOvYDvOj4IYF27shO8ViUZKCN31OFI_FApZ17zOKqhuWtz-qsbBxFmsTOKo9-iBv9vbrSy3q3sq8qBuD2ympIQvSQ3fnebiqpthHi3JRL_53OI3b-vASMALO0YFiOONlSGYm1HIV-F-Uk6eoGbvj27w/s320/PXL_20221212_020857447~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Just round the corner from the Yap Sandiego Home is another ornate Spanish residence, which is now a museum. The Casa Gorordo is a stone house built in the mid-19th century. Four generations of the family lived here and it now features antique furnishings, altar pieces, relics and paintings that takes one back to the colonial Spanish period.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKiMG2wPFfWYReKcHHlhmfFLEl91GB2cK5ffRaeGC9PhsBcf42npIAQ81zmnnHkTR3zFmgDomNct1SzhWG4yFKA0GPFu_yo7d9BjfDjsO8wmRXutoEtBBgwKccBb3ltLHCvmzDgb2gdXlqIwwE96UMGC9a5iSEnyfAPTjEMveA9yWVfz50UX2IJaZfw/s3423/PXL_20221212_020319124~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1925" data-original-width="3423" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKiMG2wPFfWYReKcHHlhmfFLEl91GB2cK5ffRaeGC9PhsBcf42npIAQ81zmnnHkTR3zFmgDomNct1SzhWG4yFKA0GPFu_yo7d9BjfDjsO8wmRXutoEtBBgwKccBb3ltLHCvmzDgb2gdXlqIwwE96UMGC9a5iSEnyfAPTjEMveA9yWVfz50UX2IJaZfw/s320/PXL_20221212_020319124~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The 1730 Jesuit Museum, which is literally a stone's throw away from the Yap Sandiego Home. The old home of Jesuits in Cebu remained totally lost between 1780 and 1960. The Sy family had bought the premise for use as a warehouse and the present owner of the facility accidentally discovered the antiquity if his possession.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7buXScHQ4QxEb3vgJxIm_0pcp5WQxwlstmOwCmEfEJYhStdr1qPLMbPS1VOQsxfbjCGD0NUpKGpIUjJ-e2uVW4Yv8IKT2YzsJoiZtz1WOLyW1aLAuVeSEBEOI_L2yPxz2UsL5awMhKEAXEupQDj2jMj_8jWaJRdSQfZa7jQnw7NpSVtso61WuQJHOdw/s3529/PXL_20221212_015036157~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1985" data-original-width="3529" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7buXScHQ4QxEb3vgJxIm_0pcp5WQxwlstmOwCmEfEJYhStdr1qPLMbPS1VOQsxfbjCGD0NUpKGpIUjJ-e2uVW4Yv8IKT2YzsJoiZtz1WOLyW1aLAuVeSEBEOI_L2yPxz2UsL5awMhKEAXEupQDj2jMj_8jWaJRdSQfZa7jQnw7NpSVtso61WuQJHOdw/s320/PXL_20221212_015036157~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Extensive restoration and painstaking reconstruction later the Museum is an awesome journey into the ancient settlement of Cebu, the life and times of Chinese traders, arrival of Spaniards and the spread of Christianity, the life and times of St. Ignatius of Loyola, furniture and equipment as they evolved. The bygone era of the Jesuits has been marvellously recreated which was all the more enjoyable and educative with the eager guide, Juanna. The entrance fee of 100 PHP includes the service of the guide too.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi2KDqu7u3SeoWFwEMYvq54Z-c6Z-Xp0_R3138892jR6EEoHsyB4g_H3UCTePS4LORmyOHurru9cyjGHDzJrwfpnnOPND_IdGvoI2X8xhnTlvuuyYLt-kqV6ZibSCNgdIj82JODXsbbFfncuCNl640KeixwMXoKvKc1qpCktkt654fb_mQs6I4wI7_g/s4032/PXL_20221212_021714578~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWi2KDqu7u3SeoWFwEMYvq54Z-c6Z-Xp0_R3138892jR6EEoHsyB4g_H3UCTePS4LORmyOHurru9cyjGHDzJrwfpnnOPND_IdGvoI2X8xhnTlvuuyYLt-kqV6ZibSCNgdIj82JODXsbbFfncuCNl640KeixwMXoKvKc1qpCktkt654fb_mQs6I4wI7_g/s320/PXL_20221212_021714578~2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>The Colon Street is considered to be the oldest and shortest national road in the whole of Philippines. Once the site of fashionable shopping, cafes, hotels and the like, the street has lost much of its glitter as upscale markets developed elsewhere. Even now the street is known for a lively night market and cheap shopping. The Dalan Colon, or the Colon Street, begins from the obelisk that marks the mouth of the street. On the way from there to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral I came across a small square that has a statue of Rajah Humabon and a statue that recalls the historic event of his baptism and that of his household on 7 April 1521.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6vsgMlgSK7YQ9DyUHPmzdGt7qQm0-Om4GurRWJmUkEQG-yPGTHyj8XLCYn2xU0VKU5-EZnTNo6x2BGHcfCvLWOQgRdIxetZaXEEUev4AMoOYFts1dPpYEMxjm_Og7ByBQ2Ap68bmYtz2nywTv1cT1nmC9Rw-MPDG-KoYiT8PqHB8UGz3vm8yHZ30jA/s4032/PXL_20221212_022746892~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6vsgMlgSK7YQ9DyUHPmzdGt7qQm0-Om4GurRWJmUkEQG-yPGTHyj8XLCYn2xU0VKU5-EZnTNo6x2BGHcfCvLWOQgRdIxetZaXEEUev4AMoOYFts1dPpYEMxjm_Og7ByBQ2Ap68bmYtz2nywTv1cT1nmC9Rw-MPDG-KoYiT8PqHB8UGz3vm8yHZ30jA/s320/PXL_20221212_022746892~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>A short walk from the Colon Street column is the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, which is dedicated to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. The Spanish era church has an imposing facade, which was almost completely destroyed during WWII.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwDlCsA3BWUUxlf8s9X8gysT5YwSobIr7aQGEnKtlWApbbnO0HPhm1nOieQPCGT-d75fKS1eUFwcUjoAmlCpO3C0fLDyCnU1hz4q91HxwIhFelIRQI6HyUVEIJcaNURY5BXkGX1Fp-BmGXg37cRSszu_g51j6zPzfC_V5SsJB6MsLkorCoZmKAyFnEA/s2776/PXL_20221212_024421235.PANO~3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1655" data-original-width="2776" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwDlCsA3BWUUxlf8s9X8gysT5YwSobIr7aQGEnKtlWApbbnO0HPhm1nOieQPCGT-d75fKS1eUFwcUjoAmlCpO3C0fLDyCnU1hz4q91HxwIhFelIRQI6HyUVEIJcaNURY5BXkGX1Fp-BmGXg37cRSszu_g51j6zPzfC_V5SsJB6MsLkorCoZmKAyFnEA/s320/PXL_20221212_024421235.PANO~3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The interior of the church is rich and ornate with a magnificent altar adorned by a superb statue of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception. As luck would have it, as I entered the church, it was time for communion and blessings. One of the features I noted of the church is the gentle slope from the entrance of the church to the steps of the altar, possibly to ensure unhindered view of the altar wherever one is.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-h8_wmzyRKQgB-HSrZ4AeH7qWUaX9P7X6oH7heA6j6-BIISjviohL46xDdl3REKxYS8qjR0PMpoEPOHhew0xNt7V2callpSG1dz5NnTXPYfLp7rkg59x0MOl_YeIf15LyojOStPCHYUV_FS7HCYkYwmgEaW4wtYavnTm-jgisdeEND5M-ItQVihMZA/s4090/PXL_20221212_025702827.PANO~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1646" data-original-width="4090" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-h8_wmzyRKQgB-HSrZ4AeH7qWUaX9P7X6oH7heA6j6-BIISjviohL46xDdl3REKxYS8qjR0PMpoEPOHhew0xNt7V2callpSG1dz5NnTXPYfLp7rkg59x0MOl_YeIf15LyojOStPCHYUV_FS7HCYkYwmgEaW4wtYavnTm-jgisdeEND5M-ItQVihMZA/s320/PXL_20221212_025702827.PANO~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Less than 200 meters away, through a side exit of the Metropolitan Cathedral, is the Minor Basilica of Santo Nino, the oldest Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. It was established in 1565 at the spot where the image of Santo Nino de Cebu was found during the expedition of the Spanish colonising explorer Miguel Legazpi, who established the Spanish East Indies capital in Cebu.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNusLMSfISEMBb-KurGgeziKnxm2m4DiiV0RlR3YbWfp4emTqZ1fh2s3KaKcu-tFavciDX74Cl3aRMW_3dyU6JT6Ud0ed4Junk_dp8YzLHQNNZfv4kW6Ku0QH_pBKYT1d7VfIS4EwVYNq92xWwI-uvvFOsuiWahUtYhoTo4_YAmrYiSbF7ZngW5UUHg/s3686/PXL_20221212_030417747~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3686" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNusLMSfISEMBb-KurGgeziKnxm2m4DiiV0RlR3YbWfp4emTqZ1fh2s3KaKcu-tFavciDX74Cl3aRMW_3dyU6JT6Ud0ed4Junk_dp8YzLHQNNZfv4kW6Ku0QH_pBKYT1d7VfIS4EwVYNq92xWwI-uvvFOsuiWahUtYhoTo4_YAmrYiSbF7ZngW5UUHg/s320/PXL_20221212_030417747~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The altar is elaborate and so are apses. Of particular interest to devotees is the display of relics of saints, including that of St. Peter, in one of the side entrances. It is a place of ardent worship and to accommodate the growing number of devotees a pilgrim center was built within the church compound opposite the Basilica.<p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2WIHjSIwqm7nL90KqLLRFmQugT0NUzyYZBhID4pQrfiUMEJD9AYtvWO6rf17OO4XyC9DkwwqTKRv3U6oRlcOdMGvNWLbP4a_m6p4sxF-qXMAOhRvyvQv8VU871eqcY9trOI2FEhWxYn2oZy9vHVWyX6DFgfqY-TZJ2WE0PubILLF_VNrpbIhh_GL3A/s4032/PXL_20221212_032214423~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2WIHjSIwqm7nL90KqLLRFmQugT0NUzyYZBhID4pQrfiUMEJD9AYtvWO6rf17OO4XyC9DkwwqTKRv3U6oRlcOdMGvNWLbP4a_m6p4sxF-qXMAOhRvyvQv8VU871eqcY9trOI2FEhWxYn2oZy9vHVWyX6DFgfqY-TZJ2WE0PubILLF_VNrpbIhh_GL3A/s320/PXL_20221212_032214423~2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Walk out of the Basilica and you are at the Magellan's Cross Pavilion, which is an octagonal coral stone kiosk. It houses the cross that was planted by Spanish explorers who were part of Magellan's expedition that first circumnavigated the earth. The planting of the cross signified the landing of the explorers in Cebu on April 21, 1521. The mural on the roof of the pavilion depicts the baptism of Rajah Humabon and his household as well as the planting of the cross by Ferdinand Magellan.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ObyGQI412z1pEK_WoAyKarmM1yx78KM3KFcgjRo_O3nHwaj95V4ZahGZj5ZpYZmlnNP4xyxqARuhuy5JSjm9WctndIWcA6FraPblC_BKyqCLqhFSe2oGNj7CzzwOkFd5reKbMdz5vkVAdotCdnBQqwmLsh3hk7NVXd4RVZ85RkeelJrWICzwTobqHw/s4032/PXL_20221212_031143899~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ObyGQI412z1pEK_WoAyKarmM1yx78KM3KFcgjRo_O3nHwaj95V4ZahGZj5ZpYZmlnNP4xyxqARuhuy5JSjm9WctndIWcA6FraPblC_BKyqCLqhFSe2oGNj7CzzwOkFd5reKbMdz5vkVAdotCdnBQqwmLsh3hk7NVXd4RVZ85RkeelJrWICzwTobqHw/s320/PXL_20221212_031143899~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Before making further progress to my next station of visit, the Independence Plaza, I dived into a McDonald's outlet. The heat was intense and the humidity was almost intolerable. I wanted some respite from that as well as a small bite. The hot apple pie and a chocolate fudge was my choice to spend time within the cafe, which was overflowing with people mostly having burgers and fried chicken.</div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweE9SYoBS5m7lqU8oPsWnAhQovikTIhLBuAfOoEKRRPyMf0OmK-ZTzKIrLZK65q06B6428W_bdwsPPEBn1D4o97ML7cc-FTeRhOERuXy8HVUbeYhlMh0T1dFRz1fUiVZVPynkFUDcpODYp-aAU2QAhDts96dCuVoTi3Jp32lwwwiNw3cn9Oi0tYDEZg/s3757/PXL_20221212_035231405~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2113" data-original-width="3757" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweE9SYoBS5m7lqU8oPsWnAhQovikTIhLBuAfOoEKRRPyMf0OmK-ZTzKIrLZK65q06B6428W_bdwsPPEBn1D4o97ML7cc-FTeRhOERuXy8HVUbeYhlMh0T1dFRz1fUiVZVPynkFUDcpODYp-aAU2QAhDts96dCuVoTi3Jp32lwwwiNw3cn9Oi0tYDEZg/s320/PXL_20221212_035231405~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Plaza Independencia or the Independence Plaza is a colonial era plaza in Cebu. The Plaza Independencia has a monument built to honour the Spanish navigator, Miguel Legazpi, who also was the first Governor General of the Philippines. A fine statue of the statesman also adorns the grounds, as also those of Ramon Magsaysay and Pigafetta, the chronicler.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXruLZ7FygI8FhN2TgdENoPw4TLgjEeIUMRXH-jCo3dkO9I5NVaTSZZXl5AntFrytqQnWQQZsbmFZIB1OWmglefwDBnNlHzP5QcJhF-8CEh-Vgy64PZlMq6rerzaEvetLKYkPJv8pJ2FCR_mHUoydU46BtielyUDL0z2MXn3NMaHCfe8z7La8oOwWdcw/s4032/PXL_20221212_040000666~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXruLZ7FygI8FhN2TgdENoPw4TLgjEeIUMRXH-jCo3dkO9I5NVaTSZZXl5AntFrytqQnWQQZsbmFZIB1OWmglefwDBnNlHzP5QcJhF-8CEh-Vgy64PZlMq6rerzaEvetLKYkPJv8pJ2FCR_mHUoydU46BtielyUDL0z2MXn3NMaHCfe8z7La8oOwWdcw/s320/PXL_20221212_040000666~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the Plaza grounds were many groups of young girls and boys practicing their dance moves for the ensuing Christmas celebrations. At the farthest side of the Plaza is the triangular fortification, the Fort San Pedro, established by Legazpi. It played an important part in repelling Muslim raiders and served as the core of the Spanish settlement till the Philippine Revolution. The fort now houses a small museum.</div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiS10DZTvG7fCXvrgxONxj_gAMNrcOUHU_FCI63h9hBuzEB-sgZ-LLmr7PnlJOeUnbwGMDUkqUwdMyWXE6oI9kxKBcujscgVsVs798C5-kJ7cFfgC0YB3YMBFZQsijavm1GbvdhM0wweBP-KqA0QOpIXBaFogXr0EPnIAeGVY9lOBAsa7SmQjAxh-yQ/s3832/PXL_20221212_041549281.PANO~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1619" data-original-width="3832" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiS10DZTvG7fCXvrgxONxj_gAMNrcOUHU_FCI63h9hBuzEB-sgZ-LLmr7PnlJOeUnbwGMDUkqUwdMyWXE6oI9kxKBcujscgVsVs798C5-kJ7cFfgC0YB3YMBFZQsijavm1GbvdhM0wweBP-KqA0QOpIXBaFogXr0EPnIAeGVY9lOBAsa7SmQjAxh-yQ/s320/PXL_20221212_041549281.PANO~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Cebu Port is about 500 metres away from the Fort San Pedro. The view of the new bridge connecting Mactan Island to Mainland Cebu is amazing. The bridge is nearly 9 km long and was inaugurated early this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdUIHSJXV7DoBIfmgjP4NnDRserIDb16ZQldPnHUJ4Fy2gBtuEe4bJ_voOnYEvywWlyhCiJ8iRYsTFGIfaMjJbMFvVmpoQL2bV9hv5uMpYSKVl5GsMctKzAyvc3Bc7BJO6WMp5AllEiIyekb5EhssCgaNuUpdzJRc4CETAw0p0WHNYu5gAtAnjmXjoA/s4032/PXL_20221212_050941632~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfdUIHSJXV7DoBIfmgjP4NnDRserIDb16ZQldPnHUJ4Fy2gBtuEe4bJ_voOnYEvywWlyhCiJ8iRYsTFGIfaMjJbMFvVmpoQL2bV9hv5uMpYSKVl5GsMctKzAyvc3Bc7BJO6WMp5AllEiIyekb5EhssCgaNuUpdzJRc4CETAw0p0WHNYu5gAtAnjmXjoA/s320/PXL_20221212_050941632~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>By now the heat had nearly overwhelmed me and I was on the verge of melting! That called for a chilled beer. At hand was the KKD restaurant with fabulous views of the Port and Sea. I had a San Miguel Light while waiting for the Lechon Kawali, crispy fried pork ribs. The dish was awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC_IV4IqQtfvcLeXTaDaH_97kbaYqbGkooQJgi2GmXbMbVFCGAPpgMjwqNWoBKPGy9fGmqFCcrcR4N-6WNodAlbe81D_hPGJ89OrIK2hB2M0T0-R3hZxMYU5ajjm8sfpVt5m1hvnL2us93qZ6ac8N8mA4RcbdkAdsPpClVEg8lrdf0eJ4xLNZugUlGw/s4032/PXL_20221212_041816138~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIC_IV4IqQtfvcLeXTaDaH_97kbaYqbGkooQJgi2GmXbMbVFCGAPpgMjwqNWoBKPGy9fGmqFCcrcR4N-6WNodAlbe81D_hPGJ89OrIK2hB2M0T0-R3hZxMYU5ajjm8sfpVt5m1hvnL2us93qZ6ac8N8mA4RcbdkAdsPpClVEg8lrdf0eJ4xLNZugUlGw/s320/PXL_20221212_041816138~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Despite being a province with gorgeous beaches, Cebu is called as the Queen City of the South as it is on par with the cities of Metro Manila. Cebu has what an urban city has; modern malls, condominiums, hotels, restaurants, big universities, bridges and highways. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first day in Cebu I hailed a taxi to get back to the cosy confines of the lovely condo in the Marco Polo Residences with the threat of heavy rains looming large.<p></p><div><br /></div></div>The Railwayman Who Sold His Marutihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02768192279458912497noreply@blogger.com0