The island country of Mauritius is situated below the equator, off the south east coast of Africa, in the Indian Ocean. Its tropical temperature stays in a fairly tight band between about 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Pretty dreamy. And pretty excellent conditions for flowers and plants to stay in bloom and thrive. Mauritius enjoys a well-deserved reputation for its lush beauty. As long ago as 1896, Mark Twain visited Mauritius and Mr. Twain quoted an islander as saying: "Mauritius was made first and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius."
I landed on this beautiful island having met my son for a week visit, jet-lagged after flying from Boston to Paris and then a 12 hour flight from Boston to Mauritius. We decided to stretch our legs and check out the island by first visiting the famous Botanical Garden. You know when you enter the thick, lacy white iron gate that something special lies ahead. Let's start with the name. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. It is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere - started in 1770. Its current name is after the first prime minister of Mauritius.
My favorites were the absolutely giant water lilies that can get as big as 9 feet in diameter. They are pretty, but border on scary.
The avenues are lined with palm trees - some of which are covered with parasitic coats of leaves, looking like they are poised to choke the trees.
Thick vines drape like curtains, creating new roots and tangled networks.
Old buildings whose roofs have fallen in remain as ruins, overgrown by brilliant wildflowers.
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| Simply Beautiful |