Goodbye Asia, and a first stopover in Africa. After crossing an Indian Ocean which was true to its reputation, here we are in the anchorage at Port Mathurin, discovering a new atmosphere in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Welcome to Rodrigues; the scenery and the welcome are both excellent, and we have dived straight away into the charm of the island. The inhabitants’ warmth impresses us. Here time has stopped, we enjoy the present moment, we stop for a new encounter, we take the time to exchange, we meet again further on...everyone knows each other. In the early morning, the place comes alive and there is hustle and bustle around the market in Port Mathurin. Then from 3pm, as if by magic, the streets empty, the shops close, so that everyone can spend time with their families or among friends. A few local friends organize an impromptu evening, 3 pick-ups to bring together all the passing boat crews around a barbecue, a mixture of culture, music and rum. We are asked what is needed to improve the welcome for passing boats. We tour round this little island, that the inhabitants want to protect from the threats of our society; the flora and fauna are abundant, the turtles which had disappeared are reappearing, water remains precious. Heavenly colors in a lagoon five times bigger than the island... Tossed about by the swell from the south and the wind-induced swell from the east, we find peace, simplicity and ‘joie de vivre’ here. A break from the harshness of the Indian Ocean.
Boat: Barramundi 470
Who: Lilou, Pierre, Véro
Where: Rodrigues, Indian Ocean
Blog : www.catamaran-ptitfilou.jimdo.com
