Monday, August 14, 2006

Our house





We're very lucky to have a nice home within walking distance to the beach. Here are a few photos...

Rainbows



We took a day trip down south -- it rained the whole time and we were trapped in the van. We did see this rainbow. In fact, there are more rainbows here than anywhere we've ever been. Gorgeous!

Botanical Gardens




Liam and Steve in front of the giant lily pads at the National Botanical Gardens -- a favorite weekend haunt.

Sega!



On one recent weekend, we participated in a scavenger hunt -- Steve's team excelled. In this telling photo, the team dressed as "sega" dancers -- he's shown with several Embassy colleagues!

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Back from the Seychelles

Had the chance to travel to the island of Mahe - Secyhelles this week. Strange place. Somehow more "rasta" than Mauritius. Really beautiful but soooo humid and very rainy. I'm not sure it's my ideal climate. And ultra expensive. Because of currency restrictions (e.g. Seychellois rupees aren't good anywhere BUT the Seychelles), you have to pay for everything in dollars -- so there's a shortage. Restaurants were outrageous, there isn't anything to buy in stores. Really crazy.

Had a good trip -- met my staff member and hosted a meeting with the American community. Not sure I could live on a tiny island like that.

It was fabulous to return home -- Liam and Steve missed me (I hope) and I missed them tremendously.

On a "we're finally getting settled" note -- our car arrived from Japan. A very disco Honda FIT. It's actually quite good -- so good that we're ordering a second one! Steve's been doing most of the driving but I'm vowing that I will do it -- right hand drive has been my nemesis for several years now.

So today is the community Independence Day celebration. Should be good fun. We've been super busy at work because the U.S.S. Reuben James is in port -- bringing with it all sorts of sailor-type problems (e.g. lost passports, no passports etc.). Looking forward to relaxing and having a beer. The official 4th celebrations are Tuesday -- so unfortunately, Steve and I have to work the party.

Guess that's all for now...off to the festivities!

Sunday, June 25, 2006

We finally made it!

So here we are -- week three in Mauritius. We arrived on June 6 and so far, so good!

We've moved into our house -- a cute little three bedroome bungalow up on the north of the island. It's got a pool and a great area for outdoor entertaining. We're about a 15 minute walk from the nearest public beach -- we visited for the first time on Father's Day and I think we'll spend many a weekend there.

Liam is settling in. He's got a full time nanny -- Joanna -- and has made a few friends in the neighborhood. He'll start preschool in September and I think that will make a HUGE difference.

Steve and I are both getting acclimated at work. Lots to do -- small Embassy with a small staff so everyone pitches in. I'm heading off on my first trip tomorrow -- to visit the American community in the Seychelles (hardship of hardships!). We did learn that it's impossible to buy yougart on the islands -- go figure -- so I'm bringing in a shipment for my staff. Should be a good trip -- I'm back in PL on Thursday.

We participated in a scavenger hunt over the weekend -- hilarious. I'll save that for another post. (Accompanied by photos to illustrate). Suffice it to say that there are some crazy folks here.

More soon....

Team Ryde