Happy 4th of July!

Steve and Liam attended a community Fourth of July celebration at the Ambassador's residence. Good fun was had by all -- particularly Liam, who participated in his own sack race. Steve, meanwhile, served as a tough judge in the chili cookoff!

Memorial Day 2007

This year, Liam was at school so we decided to take a catamaran out to a neighboring island (Gabriel Island). Unfortunately, Steve's back was playing up so he wasn't able to go. I joined several colleagues and out-of-town visitors for a great day out on the sea...as you can see, fun (and much rum punch) was the order of the day!

Wendy in Hammondsport!

As most of you know, I recently traveled back to the U.S. for training and a bit of vacation. Liam and Steve soldiered on in Mauritius without me. One of my first stops was chez the Tompkins clan in Hammondsport, New York -- wine country. The highlight of the trip was meeting baby Markus -- who turned one days after my visit. What a champ! In addition, we toured around, shopped, and tasted wine, among other things. I also took a dip in the FREEZING Keuka Lake (one gets spoiled in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean).

Thanks Deanna, Andrew, and Markus -- you have a wonderful home and I had a fabulous time with you!

Houseguests welcome!

Steve's sister, Deb, and her friend Pete spent two weeks with us earlier in the month. As you can see, they had a great time (or at least they hid it well if they didn't!). We enjoyed their company, and Liam still talks about Auntie Deb and "Peach". They had a chance to go out on a catamran (twice!) and spend some quality time at the beach and around the pool. We all took the opportunity to sample some local rum...

Happy Earth Day!

Steve and Liam participated in a beach clean up project on Earth Day 2007. It was obviously quite exhausting merited much rest!

Yes -- Cape Town is FABULOUS!

Unfortunately, we can't show you much because our real camera died (shame on Kodak - we won't buy one again). These are from our disposable -- not bad!

Steve joined me on Thursday and, despite the UK and Portland-like rainy weather, we had a fantastic visit. Friday, we met some colleagues-to-be (who are joining us in Port Louis) and they toured us around some vineyards. We had an outstanding lunch (kudu -- my new favorite meat -- I have no idea what it looks like living but it's darned tasty) followed by a stunning drive along the coastline.

Saturday, we travelled with our professional guide throughout Cape Town and the Cape -- hitting both the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point (erroneously thought to be where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet -- alas, we'll save that for next time). Saw penguins, baboons, elants, ostrich, and a field mouse -- all in the wild. The coast is stunning (reminds me of home). And, of course, more wine!

We'll definitely be going back (who knows -- maybe for a posting one day!) and taking Liam who, by the way, had an excellent time with Joanna and her family. I think he hardly missed us.

We're now gearing up for Steve's sister's visit (Deb). She and her friend arrive shortly...

More later -- and some scanned photos to follow once we retrieve them from our horrible disposable camera! (Pox on Kodak).

Maybe the best city ever?

Le Jardin du Roi may be my favorite restuarant in the world, but Capetown may be my favorite city. No photos to back it up yet, but arrived Sunday and have fallen in love with the place. The landscape is beautiful, right on the water, the temperature is perfect (a little chilly but sunny -- life fall in Oregon), and the people are SO friendly. Of course, busy with work during the day but getting out in the evenings and walking around and having a blast. Just being able to walk around is out of this world. Steve joins me Thursday for some hard core tourism so more then....

Domaine les Pailles

Had a nice Sunday out -- took Liam for a train ride and then a horse and buggy ride at Domaine les Pailles -- gorgeous afternoon. It rained a bit but it was hot and really cooled us off.

Seychelles - le Jardin du Roi

Just got back from a quick jaunt to Seychelles -- work related. Did manage to go to what is currently my FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD -- the Jardin du Roi. It's fabulously located on the top of a hill overlooking a bay. It's owned by a wonderful American woman and the land has been in her family for 300 years. Delicious creole food and a relaxing afternoon. She's turned her great-grandparent's home into a museum.

Easter fun...

We were fortunate enough to spend the day on the beach with friends -- their house, not ours! Liam had a blast with all the kids and even managed to score a few chocolate eggs.

Happy Easter from the Rydes!

Liam's pal...

Liam spends almost every afternoon with Mia -- here, seen imparting words of wisdom as he turns 3...

Liam turns 3!!!

Liam's third birthday was yesterday. He enjoyed tons of cake and lots of presents. We baked cupcakes and took them into school -- his classmates sang Happy Birthday in French and English. I think Liam sang the loudest! Afterwards, he enjoyed a pizza lunch with his nannies and played with a friend. All in all, a great day!

Easter eggs and more...

We're trapped at home this weekend as Liam was diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth (not to be confused in hoof and mouth, which resulted in mass extermination of sheep in the U.K. 2001! His U.K.-trained pediatrician assured us that no such measures would be necessary). At any rate, he's a little spotty so we're taking it easy at home and decided that we'd do our Easter egg dying one week early.

Had a good time -- our hands are mostly blue and green now. Liam is busy manhandling the colored eggs and I somehow doubt there will be any survivors with which to make the dreaded week-after-Easter egg salad.

Otherwise, all's well -- gearing up for monsieur's 3rd birthday on Wednesday and enjoying the seemingly last of our summer weather....yes, yes -- the pool is ALMOST too cold to enjoy.

We're still here...

Unfortunately, no pics this week as they wouldn't be very nice -- 2/3 of Team Ryde is sick. Steve and Liam both fell ill today so we're having a rather quiet three day weekend in. The weather isn't that great so we're lying low and taking it easy. Good thing March 20 is another holiday -- so we don't feel too cheated!

We won't be attending the festivities tomorrow -- on the auspicious occasion of Mauritian independence.

Still Wet and Windy

Although we're not technically in cyclone mode anymore, the wind and water continue to pound us. I was eating in a restaurant near the port today and water and waves crashed over the railing and into the restaurant. Here's a news photo capturing the waves -- particularly unusual because we're surrounded by a coral reef -- and typically don't get any!

Cyclone Gamede

In one of the most irritating 72 hour periods of our lives, we are currently under siege in our home – being pounded by rains and winds of up to 120km per hour. Gamede is a particularly slow moving cyclone – it ranged from Class 2 Friday to Class 4 overnight. We’re now half-way into Sunday – Steve’s had to spend the morning on the roof trying to sort out draining problems (before our bedroom becomes a swimming pool) and filling our generator so that we can have limited power, water etc. It’s supposed to pass through this afternoon but I imagine we’ll have our hands full with clean up for the next week(s) to come. Communications are down, our beloved Armed Forces Network dish was dismantled Friday – what to do? We’ve done quite a bit of cooking/baking and are all going to be cutting out some sugar cookies this afternoon to stave off boredom (and whininess!).

Liam mows down on one of the cookies (yes, shaped like the continental U.S. to remind us of home!)

Day out at Casela

One of our favorite places on the island, the Casela Bird Park offers something for everyone. We particularly like the petting zoo, where you can feed pigs, wild boar, deer, goats, and, on occasion, an albino wallaby. Lim’s favorite is wild boar – Cecile.

BBQ chez les Rydes

In honor of the newly hired Consular Agent for Seychelles, Travis, we hosted a BBQ for some forty colleagues. Lots of chicken, lots of “painkillers”, and lots of fun.

The Ambassador demonstrates expert technique for painkillers.

Recipe for painkillers:

4 parts pineapple juice

1 part coconut cream

2 parts rum

1 part orange juice

Blend with lots of ice and garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, a whole cinnamon stick, and a cherry!

Liam and his nannies

Liam is fortunate enough to have TWO nannies...one is with him in the morning before school, and the other picks him up after school. Here they are....Joanna and Clivie.















Joanna, Liam, Clivie

Farewell to Joey

A friend and colleague departed Saturday. The Ambassador hosted a paella dinner at his place in honor. Nice night out -- delicious food and yummy sangria -- which we would have enjoyed more had we not had to drive the hour home.














Joey and the Amb with the soon to be eaten famous paella.

Maha Shivaratre

Another big Hindu festival -- and call for a day off. This was the view all day long from my office window Thursday. Thousands of Hindus walk (sometimes for days) to a temple in the middle of the island and then return home in time for worship (and a day off) on Friday.

Chinese Spring Holiday

Liam's school is an international pre-school and, as such, is big on diversity and multi-culturalism. Right now, he's the only American at the school, but he's got kids from all over the world in his class. As Mauritius is a diverse and multi-ethnic society (Mauritians come originally from India, China, and France/England and practice a wide range of religions), the teachers try and expose the kids to a bit of everything.

Earlier in the year, he dressed up for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights (no, they didn't make the kids pierce themselves for Cavadee....). This week is the Chinese Spring Festival and the lucky little guy gets to wear this 100% polyester getup --direct from China!

Steve's 40th and our Vaco!

As many of you know, Steve recently turned a big 40! We spent a nice day out and about the town, exploring a colonial plantation and having a nice Mauritian-style lunch (in lieu of our planned catamaran trip -- it rained :(.)

As a special marker for the big day, this was his present -- an original painting by famed Mauritian artist Vaco. You can check out more of his work at www.vacoartiste.com. Cool stuff. He also happens to be our neighbor.

The painting represents Port Louis (bottom left) and le "coin de mire" -- the rock on the top right that's near our house. Plus, don't miss our friend, the red bird (it was a commission after all!).

Le Waterpark

Is that really my dad?



Le Waterpark. Yes -- it really is called "le waterpark". Went today with a group from work. Liam adores it and it's a wonderful place to hang as a family. The best part is that it's not very crowded. Liam played, we relaxed -- a perfect Saturday (except who was doing the chores at home?!).

Steve's out tonight -- Six Nations rugby and England was playing. He's undoubtedly celebrating an England win!

Otherwise, nothing to report -- a quiet Sunday ahead. Next weekend is a four day -- so we've got to rest up!

Mont Choisy Beach

Pete and Steve

Recently, some friends and colleagues got together on the beach for a farewell to a friend. Pete, Eileen, and Eleanor were able to join. Lots of good food, a beautiful sea, and friends made for a fantastic day! As you can see, Liam was enjoying himself (and yes, we are paranoid about sun exposure!).
Wendy and the Emb kids

Liam in full sun gear

Crocodile Park

After witnessing Cavadee, we finally made it to La Vanille -- Mauritius' crocodile park. All sorts of cool things there -- crocs, monkeys, stag, reptiles, and TONS of tortoises. Hundreds -- and some over one hundred years old. Pretty cool.

Cavadee

In addition to being the day marking the abolition of slavery in Mauritius, February 1 was the Tamil celebration of Cavadee. Along with fire-walking and sword-climbing ceremonies, Cavadee is among the most spectacular Tamil events.

Devotees fast for days up to the ceremony, and then pierce their bodies (tongues, backs, and cheeks seem most popular) with skewers. These were BIG and long skewers. They then walk, trance-like and in penance, to the temple bearing the "Cavadee", a wooden arch covered with flowers with a pot of milk at each end of its base. This is given as an offering to the god. Family members walk alongside in support -- it was really amazing to see how many people were doing this. The most interesting part for us was that no one appeared to be bleeding, and walking around Port Louis the day after, no one had any visible scarring, bandages, or evidence that they'd pierced themselves the day before.

We hadn't actually intended to attend any of the many (hundreds?) of ceremonies across the island, instead opting for the more benign Crocodile Park. However, en route, we became "trapped" behind one of the many processions. We lasted for about forty-five minutes before finding a "shortcut" to the Park. One of the most amazing things we've ever seen during our travels.

Our Own Red Bird (A foddy?)

This bird lives on our cars and is absolutely in love with himself -- he waits for our return in the evening and hangs on the wing mirror, pecking at it, for hours on end.

New Year's Eve 2006

We had a wonderful day walking around the local beach and then spent a quiet evening at home!

We're back!

After a long hiatus, the Rydes are back and blogging. It's been a busy few months with the holiday season (we stayed put) as well as hosting guests. In November, we hosted Wendy's Peace Corp girlfriend, Erica, and her wonderful family and in January, Steve's childhood friend Pete brought his wife and daughter for a visit.

We've been busy with work but also have had some wonderful opportunities for play. Here are some photos....