ILE DES DEUX COCOS

2/27/09
23:46

I want to live in South Africa and vacation in Mauritius. That’s the new life plan. 

So we docked in Port Louis, Mauritius this morning at about seven. There was a quick diplomatic briefing and then all the SAS-sponsored trips were called in numerical order to disembark. My trip was number 9, entitled Ile des Deux Cocos and Marine Park. Caroline and Jill were also on this trip, along with new best friend Fiona, and some other awesome people who I will mention later on in the story.

We all hopped on buses and began the hour-long drive to Ile Des Deux Cocos, which is French for Island of Two Coconuts, I believe. Jill and I were surprised that the ride was so long since the island of Mauritius is only about 40 miles in length. 

Most people took naps on the way there. At one point we drove by another bus and everyone was passed out. It was hilarious. Heads bobbing, drool dripping, mouths gaping. I was tired because I couldn’t sleep last night, but I enjoyed the scenic view of blue sky, mountains, and fields upon fields of sugar cane. While I was observing my surroundings I saw a Total gas station. Total! Like the one that is on the corner by Dougert’s house. Or at least it used to be a Total, now it’s Edina Gas &Car Wash or something. Still…they have total in Mauritius. I think I saw one in Namibia too.

Anyway, we got to the spot where we would be taking glass-bottom boats to Ile Des Deux Cocos and oh my God. It was beautiful. Like something out of a movie or from a post card. Blue sky, turquoise water, waves crashing in the distance, and Ile Des Deux Cocos. We hopped in our boats and watched the fish and coral reef pass beneath us on our way to the island. 

This island was amazing. Gorgeous. We all just walked around in awe. I live a charmed life, I know. We had the whole place to ourselves, just a hundred SASers hanging out. 

I immediately claimed a lawn chair, stripped down to my swim suit, loaded on the SPF 50 and began my day of relaxation. After about ten minutes of being the hot sun, Jill, Caroline and I were ready to get our snorkel on. We grabbed our snorkels and goggles and got back in the glass-bottom boat.

The last time I snorkeled was in Hawaii and I was really scared to do it then because I was afraid the fish would touch me. This time, despite my goggles being too big for my baby-sized head, I truly enjoyed it. I let myself just float along the top of the water and look at all the tropical fish. I told myself to be one with the fishies and if they touch me…they touch me. No big deal. It was great.

After snorkeling Jill, Caroline and I laid out in the sun a bit more. We met a girl named Jane. She is a new BFF. I couldn’t handle lying in the sun for too long because it was so hot, so we went into the water again. It was soo blue.

At one they served lunch and I was hungry. Typical, right? I had salad, a baked potato, lamb and I decided I would be adventurous and try the tuna. I am not a big fish eater, but I am now a tunaholic. It was so good. It was the pinkest, cooked fish I have ever seen, but it was good. Great. Grand. Wonderful. I could not get over that tuna. I still can’t, actually. I don’t think I will ever have tuna like that again. I wish I could share it with you, so you all know how good it was. I encouraged everyone to have a taste. And for dessert, grilled bananas and other assorted fruits. Mmmm. Soo good. I miss good fruit.

During this meal, our waiter, Ravi, took great care of us. He kept the rum and pineapple juices flowing at our table. We loved him. I also loved my table. It was Jill, Caroline, new BFF Jane, Sylvie (great name), and Danielle.  Great company. 

After the food was all eaten, a “band”, (2 guitarists/singers) played some music for us. The band migrated to another table and I followed them to hang out with the occupants of that table. Namely my dear friend Braxton. We all sat and chatted for a couple of hours. Lounging the day away in the shade. I’m telling you, this island is paradise. You can rent out the entire island for $3000 a night. Crazy.

We had to leave at 3:30, which was devastating news because why would anyone ever want to leave? It was nearing our time of departure, so Jill, Braxton and I decided to take a dip in the ocean one last time. The current was really strong and we drifted into some dead coral. It hurt to walk on, but it was nearly impossible to swim against the current. It must have been pretty funny to see us out there, but it was kind of stressful at the time. Finally we got out and got on the boats to go back to the main island of Mauritius. It was sad to leave heaven. 

Jill and I wanted to go to the shops and get T-shirts and postcards once we got back into port, but apparently all the stores close at 5 and it was 5:30. Bummer man. So we just got back on the ship and showered and ate dinner. 

Tonight we also had the opening ceremony for the Sea Olympics. Each sea had a mascot and a flag and did a chant. It was extremely rowdy. Everyone in their team colors, faces painted, yelling and booing each other. I wish I hadn’t been so tired, because it was hard to get all riled up.  I think we had the best chant for sure because you could actually understand what we were saying and our flag was pretty good as well. After that, our synchro team finally figured out what our routine is for tomorrow night. It’s not very good. I’m kind of nervous. Oh well, we’ll just look foolish. I am really tired now. We advanced the clocks a half hour tonight. Isn’t that ridiculous? A half hour. I don’t get it.

I’ll write about the Olympics tomorrow. Later days.