Our Last Night in Mauritius

Tonight is our last night in Mauritius....a bittersweet ending. We spent the afternoon with colleagues and friends on the beach. As you can see, a good time was had by all...

Last week at work...

At times, it seemed like an eternity that we'd been here (island fever?!). This week, however, has gone incredibly fast. We hosted a briyani lunch at work to thank everyone for all their assistance and support. It was a terrific event!

It was also my colleague Angela's birthday... so we had a cake as well.

Liam's Last Day of School

Liam's class put on an end of year program to match the theme they've learned about all year -- farming and gardening. His group were farmers. Unfortunately, it rained heavily. As you can see, the parents were forced to take refuge! He managed to change out of his farmer costume before I could get any photos (too busy with the video camera, I guess!

So long, farewell, au revoir and goodbye...

Wendy, Cathy, and Gillian

Wendy, Mrs. Cabrera, Steve

Our friends Ewan and Gillian (and co.) hosted a fabulous gathering this weekend to give us an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful friendships we have made here. It was a super evening -- the Ormistons are the best hosts ever -- and we had the opportunity to spend time with those whom we've grown close over the past two years. It's going to be tough to leave behind so many outstanding folks - but we are certain many of them will make it to Mumbai!

Suvi, Corvin, Sarah, and Mel

Wendy, Quentin, Ambassador Cabrera

the spread........

Mitch and Ewan

Mitch and Virginia

Matt

Colette, Cathy, and Peter

Off shortly to Mumbai!

As most of you know, we're off soon to Mumbai! We've got two weeks left in Mauritius -- plenty of time for packing out and saying goodbye. It's been a wonderful two years but we're excited about the challenges and excitement that India holds.

We plan to spend 6 weeks stateside 3 in Oregon with my mom, 1 in upstate New York with the Tompkins, and 2 in DC for consultations and training. After that, it's out to post!

We hope to see many of you during our time in the U.S. -- get in touch via email or my mom!

Happy Europe Day!

Another photo from the Euro Commission sponsored climate change day celebration -- lots of cool exhibits and fun for the kids.

A family hike

Took the opportunity to get out for a little hike recently...and enjoyed a local cafe afterwards.

Another day in paradise...

Once again, we had the opportunity to enjoy some time out on a catamaran with friends. Liam will definitely miss his buddy Murdo...

Wacky guy.

The EU sponsored a fair for Europe Day -- a good time was clearly had by all! Liam enjoyed face painting and crafts.

The party madness - something fishy is going on!

Pre party, Liam takes a spin on his new "trunki" ride-on suitcase (yes, suitcase) with his new police helmet for show...

As predicted, it was one big goat rope. Liam seemed to have enjoyed himself -- as did his guests. Big hits were the pinata and fishing. A good time was had by all and mom and dad weren't TOO traumatized after all.

Liam and co. practice their casting skills...

The kids had a tough time figuring out what to do with the pinata!

The scrum (and near plumber's bum!)...

Happy 4th Birthday Liam!

Today is Liam's 4th birthday. He's growing up so fast! Just got back from a week in Seychelles (pics to follow) so going like mad around here to get ready for his first big birthday party Saturday. We're expecting 20-some kids. Tactical error on my part, I fear.

Will add pics and a report tomorrow. Wish us luck!

Happy Easter!

We spent a very rainy Easter at Virginia's place where Liam enjoyed (and overindulged) a spirited egg hunt. It was the beginning of a tropical depression that eventually saw island-wide flooding that wreaked havoc on traffic and infrastrcutre Wednesday. We're back to normal now.

A fantastic trip to Jordan

Sunset over the Dead Sea

I recently had the opportunity to spend a week in Jordan for a conference. We were fortunate to have time before the official conference start to visit the Dead Sea and then headed to Petra for a day -- definitely one of the Seven Wonders of the World and something I urge everyone to see! The scale is phenomenal and it's hard to get your head around the fact that it's 2,000 years old!

In between, we had a fantastic conference (consular leadership and development), I had a chance to meet my new boss (Mumbai), and we did a bit of sightseeing, shopping, and restaurant hopping around Amman. Fantastic city -- a nice mix of old and new (lots of Starbucks and even a drive thru) and definitely a place I'd consider for a future posting (despite the dangerous neighborhood and very visible security -- and the shooting in our hotel -- I felt very safe!).

Our fabulous trip to Rodrigues...

In honor of Steve's birthday, we took a trip to the neighboring island of Rodrigues with our friends Tim, Mel, and Sarah. Rumor has it that Mauritius was like this 30 years ago. Regardless -- it was an amazing four days. The scenery is spectacular -- dramatic mountains and valleys, pristine and clean beaches. On top of that, it was immaculate and the people were SO friendly. We took a day trip to a neighboring islet -- and for a time were the only people on the beach. We visited a school that teaches disabled Rodriguans life skills and then employs them in making crafts out of coconuts (beautiful), we sampled local cuisine (octopus curry, anyone?!), and saw some local performers do the sega. It was an utterly relaxing weekend in fantastic company and we're itching to go back before our time is up here!

Terrance Simien wins a grammy!

The Embassy sponsored Terrance Simien to come to Mauritius last fall -- he and the "zydeco experience" were AWESOME! They performed a couple of times around town and it was absolutely riveting -- fun music and the first time I'd really heard zydeco. The guys were fantastic - and great American "ambassadors" for zydeco music. Recently, he and the band won the first ever best zydeco album grammy. Available on Amazon -- I urge you to check it out!

Happy 41st Birthday Steve!

Kung Shee Fat Choy!

Liam celebrated Chinese New Year at school. Here he's
pictured with one of his favorite teachers, Danielle.

Cavadee 2008

This year, we decided to avoid the traffic and check out some Cavadee celebrations close to home. This temple hosted quite a large procession.