From the giant pineapple to the abundant street foods and welcoming locals, this is a village that makes you happy. A stroll around the huge La Unity chimney, walking the back streets, eating on the street, looking at the mountains, or exploring the dirt roads for greenhouses is all in this great day out.
The start was a huge pineapple that lead us into Camp de Masque Pave and where we found easy parking. The first stop was dhal puri served by friendly Ravin. He gave us a look at his kitchen and explained that he used to work at the top hotel in Mauritius, the Oberoi. He started his business a year ago and is so glad he did, as it is going from strength to strength. We were also glad, as his dhal puri was great.
We then strolled down the road and got some samosas and a chili bite. The non-tourist villages like Camp de Masque Pave know how to add a hot chili. More views of the street life lead us to a motorbike selling pudding “pudding coconut powder”. Riki giggled like a schoolgirl as we tucked into our sago, tapioca, maize jellies.
Off down a side street where the houses have tiled walls. We got invited into a tailor shop where they were making men’s fashion pants. It was a fascinating look into the back street industry. Further down the street I told the story of how Camp De Masque got its name and then we were off to the tallest chimney in Mauritius after a short stop at the not very teal Teal river.
La Unity sugar mill chimney is so impressive, words do not do her justice. I have yet to see such craftsmanship in stonework. There was an odd building that had steps leading up to windows, at the time I thought it was very bizarre, but on reviewing the footage I did notice the old door hinges.
