Starting in the downtown area, they weren’t prepared for 2 extra people to arrive, the rotis were finished. We did manage to get some pate possion, a fish pastry, and they were great. While I was showing off the great lion’s head fountain a minibus pulled up with its speakers blaring that they had fish and vegetables for sale. An interesting concept and one need in this small village with few shops.
We then headed off to the sugar mill tower that gave its name to the town. Queen Victoria chimney is well preserved and has tons of outbuildings, but the array of machinery around it is spectacular.
An old pump or maybe a stone crusher has pride of place near old drills and plows. There is an entrance under the chimney, which is the first I had seen, with a strange steel roof, perhaps the old plate to hold the steam tubes. It looked a little dangerous, so I didn’t go in.
One of the supporting structures looked like a reservoir for water, but the tanks were very small. The house next to it was in slightly better condition and you can look in, but not much to report. A low building with a small chimney had very thick walls and Riki remarked that it could be that they only make one size of brick and use them everywhere, which makes sense. The large building was locked, so I sort of climbed a tree stump, but couldn’t see anything much.
The manager’s house is still in excellent condition and is now an office. After exploring a few other buildings, one of which was probably a water tank with very skinny legs we followed the direction to the bonsai house. Out in his garden are hundreds of beautiful bonsai plants, some growing over rocks, others made into gardens, and more still with small animals on them. We had some fun at the Queen Victoria camp with its crown painting and I discovered a hidden mural to Arsenal FC.
A short stop for a bridge and we were onto the temple. They were proudly displaying their Mashivratri float, and it was made from old coconuts and bamboo, fully recyclable, nice one guys. The temple was really tranquil with the Teal river running through, it also had a dog that didn’t like me. A moment of peace and we hit the bustling vegetable market of Bonne Mare.
Situated on a busy road, with lots on offer, we bought some locally grown hydroponic lettuce with the cap still on. Sweet and flavourful and really fresh. A whirlwind tour of Saint Anne’s church, now a national heritage site, and then down to the rain-drenched madame Francoise River. We told the story of how the towns are prospering now they have joined and about the time Queen Elizabeth visited.
We ended our adventure at Constance Main sugar mill tower, and boy did she deliver. A wonderful example of craftsmanship. The stonework was a thing of beauty. I showed inside the chimney while a wasp crawled up my pants and then Riki did a great hip hop dance.
This area is not visited by many that don’t have business there, but it was such a revelation to us that it must go down as a must visit.