My holiday in Mauritius January 2014

I know it's only been three months since I last went on holiday but what can I say? I had a great time and felt really connected to my Mauritian heritage. Of course I want to go back!

I initially went for two weeks but then extended it to three because I had to get my Mauritian passport which by the way never happened. If my application was earlier I don't think I'd have been in this situation. I had two weeks in my hands and the passport takes three weeks to get. Also the lady who deals with foreign passports in the immigration office wasn't there which held me back big time.

Becoming a Mauritian citizen is tough especially for me since I'm classed as a foreigner to them even though my parents are Mauritian. The reason for this is that first of all I was born in London therefore making me British but secondly and most importantly, the fact my parents didn't apply for my Mauritian passport when I was younger.

The first time I visited my native island was when I was around five years old and man did I pick up the language quick ;) I've been bi-lingual from an early age and my parents didn't even show me how to speak Creole (the native language of Mauritius being mostly French). It has helped me in so many areas of my life it's unbelievable. I can speak to my relatives who can't speak English, other people in Mauritius, and even French people (although they may not understand all the words). Also not to brag, but I even aced French without revising, what an easy A it was ;) Although now I'm not sure whether I can speak because it's been a while and I don't normally make the effort unless I'm with French people as a sign of respect (Mauritians typically give the French the most priority).

Anyway Mauritian Creole is pretty easy to speak and it consists of three quarters French mixed with Afrikaans I believe (or some other kind of African language). Unlike French there are no conjugated verbs and I guarantee I could teach anyone how to speak Mauritian Creole in one month! Even less if they're French haha    
However if French is your first language, you have the upper hand and be lazy because everyone will understand you anyway (My French cousin does it and I'm so jealous! She doesn't have to think about what she says and they'll understand her).
In some ways I think it challenges me and pushes me to learn something useful which is what I like. I can also put it on my CV as a language skill because who doesn't think being bi-lingual is useful? You never know when you need it and learning never stops!

So far:

Managed to de-bug my computer and clear a virus


Need to book vaccination before holiday