October 2000 Dear Overseas Friend(s) Myself and Alice are coming to the end of an idyllic fortnight on the paradise island of Mauritius. Reminiscent of Tobago, this is a place I could retire to. The natives look Indian, sound French and drive old-fashioned British cars (Austin Cambridges, Minis, Morris Oxfords) on the left side of the road. Hindu temples rub shoulders with churches, wayside shrines to the Virgin Mary and mosques. Last Thursday, Diwali was celebrated big time with banks and shops all shut. Newspapers are in French. Films are dubbed in French. The official language is English, but everyone speaks creole. Although part of the OAU (Organisation of African Unity), Mauritius is definitely not Africa! Buses here are a throwback to England circa 1960. The beaches are gorgeous - white sand beside a ridiculously blue
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