Summertime – and the living is not all easy!

So what’s new in Mauritius?  Summer is here and its hot, hot, hot. Look like we will be in for a long summer full of water shortages and power cuts. It’s the general election here on Sunday 10th November. People vote for 62  member constituencies  plus 8 additional members (to address ethnicity and under representation) and the government is controlled by whoever controls the majority. Parliament appoint a President and Vice President for a 5 year term. In reality the government has been controlled by one of two ruling dynasties since elections began except for a  brief spell in 2003-5. It’s highly likely to be one or the other again this time. On 1st November the current government instructed all telecoms companies to block social media until 11th November, apparently to protect national security against cybercrime and terrorism. This would clearly impact how the other parties get their message out to people and was overruled by the Supreme Court. Access was restored a day later by which time most everyone was using VPN’s anyway. The government are implicated in a scandal around phone tapping and recordings have been leaked via Social Media. The official line following reconnection is waffle about a temporary measure whilst securing the Prime Minister’s phone line. Now, I am no tech expert, but what is the connection between access to social media and secure telephone lines other than backtracking from a spectacular own goal?

Politics aside, of more direct concern to us, is the fact that nowhere is allowed to sell alcohol for three days. I can envisage ex-pats forming COVID like queues and panic buying in supermarkets! For holiday makers, rest assured hotels are allowed to serve booze to resident guests, so don’t go cancelling your all inclusive.

Many of my readers know we have been thinking “Where next?” As lovely as it is here, we are starting to feel far away from the rest of the world. Every trip is long-haul with the associated cost and duration. In September I headed off to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and had a fantastic time having fun with my girlfriends and doing extensive research. Turkish Airlines direct to Istanbul and a short hop to my final destination was an absolute pleasure. Impressive airline. We could definitely live there, everything from 5-star Vegas-style mega hotels and trendy beach clubs to quaint stone tavernas in local villages. A low cost of living with a vast selection of food in supermarkets (including Branston Pickle and HP sauce to bring home!) and excellent restaurants at every price point and type of cuisine. However, whilst the immigration criteria aren’t onerous the bureaucratic process is constantly changing and far from straightforward. The main stumbling block is the 30 day entry visa which doesn’t give one much time to find a rental property and start the residency formalities. You can’t apply before you arrive and then you can’t leave until you are approved. In the meantime your worldly goods and your dog are being shipped with no guarantees plus you have to take driving lessons and pass a test at a cost of over £500 each! There is also tax to pay on imported mobile phones once your tourist visa expires. We have decided to commit to another 12 months here and then reconsider. It’s definitely still on the cards, just not right now.

To make the next 12 months more fun we have decided to move closer to the main town in our region. We are renting a very lovely villa but out in the sticks, everywhere is 30-40 mins drive away (this is a small island remember!) including our social life, bars and restaurants. Taxis are hard to come by locally and expensive. Our lease is coming to a natural end so we have stared the search. Another move coming up during the height of the summer heat – just as well we are good at it!

A longtime ago, whilst protesting not to have a competitive bone in my body, a very good friend laughed and told me that I was one of the most competitive people he knew and that if I don’t think I can win I don’t take part. Harsh! But with a dollop of truth I don’t like to admit to. Well now I have an outlet for the competitive streak as I am learning to play Mahjong. It’s certainly good for the brain cells. Do you play? Mahjong Mondays is like book club although we don’t break into the vino until after we finish playing. Bizarrely for a country with a huge Chinese population Mahjong sets are impossible to buy here. A kind friend is bringing one back from the UK soon despite the 4.2 kilo weight! Where was I about relocation? Direct delivery from Amazon is defiantly a criteria!

The whole points/league table thing with Duolingo appeals to my competative nature too. I know I am not the only one being nagged daily by that bloody owl called Duo and stroppy Lilly! Most local people speak great English as well as French but I have been able to assist a few confused French tourists, so its not a total waste of time.

I have been very remiss about writting emails and blogs for no good reason. My school report says “must try harder “, I will endeavor to do so!