We started at the sign that needed some pruning from the wild banana trees around it. Then we hit the main street and got some food from Our Grill. The loud proprietor, well almost as loud as me, served up a tasty feast of chicken wings and rounders. The real taste of Mauritius he claimed, and I believe him. Our hunger satisfied we went exploring the shops and I got a new selfie stick.
The center of the town is dominated by Saint Esprit church, a beautiful double towered building. I was truly impressed by the stonework both on the outside and around the altar. The church is undergoing renovations to return it to its former glory. The sight of it over the huge banyan trees is one I won’t quickly forget. A quick drive through a sunny rainstorm and we were at Deep River
It took me forever to see the chimney, beautiful as it was because someone had placed a train in the way. An old Daimler-Benz narrow gauge diesel locomotive. I was actually at a loss for words and all I could do for a few seconds was point at it. It has rusted a bit, but it was the highlight of my day. I made sure Riki got loads of pictures before I went off to explore. Two tall bridges crossed the deep river, and Riki saw a great tree.
The next stop was a park containing a lower version of the Deep River and we could see the power of the river as it flowed through a channel. No time to relax in the well-placed kiosk we were off to chimney number two, Bell Rose. She was unfortunately under lock and key, but I did find an old bridge made out of railway tracks and a cute puppy.
A short stop at a temple to see actual gold ponies pulling a gold chariot, a must-see location, before we made our way to La Lucy chimney. She has pride of place in a Bel Air park, with a tree growing on her. Riki remarked something about permaculture, while I didn’t eat the fruit that was dropping off her. This would have been of best chimney day ever, but there was more to come.
Caroline, or as I called her Constance, um, for those that don’t know Riki’s middle name is Carolyn. She is situated down a back alley between a host of houses. We are not sure where she got her name, but some, and by some I mean me, have suggested that she is named after Charles Darwin’s Sister.
We finished off the day at the river Seche, which means dry river, but as I pointed out, there was tons of water in it. Riki then pretended to know all the words to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air song while a couple of thrones drove by.
Bel Air in Mauritius would put the Hollywood version to shame. The people of this village, all 18 000 of them will make you feel like a prince, maybe even refresh your soul.