An island created for new experiences

by Michaela Kinnear (South Africa)

Making a local connection Mauritius

I’m still the same girl I always was my whole life. But these days I’m a bit lonelier. I always ask myself where is my backpacking in Europe experience? Wasn’t I supposed to transform in some way? Come to a spiritual awakening or be on a journey of self-discovery? But maybe that’s asking too much. I mean who actually goes backpacking through Europe? After all, perhaps this is just a sign that I should stay put. Find a job and live the same day-to-day life. Exactly like I had before. Same place, same me, just different environment. But that’s just not me. I can’t see myself in a small, cramped up office. I need adventure. * * * Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation. Known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons and reefs. The mountainous interior includes Black River Gorges National Park, with rainforests, waterfalls, hiking trails and wildlife lie the flying fox. The people of Mauritius are descendants of European (mostly French) settlers, the Franco-Mauritians’ African slaves and creoles, the Afro-Mauritians’ Chinese traders, the Sino-Mauritians, and Indian laborers, the Indo-Mauritians. Such cultural diversity and geographic isolation have to be led to a nationalized sense of pride. I found myself on this beautiful island after a few years of hard work. Finally visiting the place I’ve dreamed of going to since I’ve come to know of its existence *** Being settled in the hotel, I rented a car to go explore. On the road I went, from tar road to gravel roads. I found myself lost in the beautiful nature with literally no clue where I’m heading to. With my luck, after a few hours of aimless driving… I ran out of gas. “Ugh, now what?” I ask out loud. “Now, you walk.” A voice startled me. ” I’ll help you.” I turned around and came face to face with a man. He stretched out his hand, “Daniel” he said. I shook his hand, “Michaela” I replied. “Come on, I’ll show you to the market. They’ll have a phone you could use” he said. I just nodded and followed him. I’d rather take my chances with him than waiting out here all alone. We talked as we made our way through the little stalls lining up in the streets of the market. He was genuinely a nice guy. And I have learnt that he’s been here for a few weeks on vacation. We made our way back to the rental car. “The hotel said the towing company will be here in a few hours since I’m so far out.” I said. “No worries, we can walk.” Daniel said. I already spent half the day with him, so a few more hours won’t make a difference. We walked through a field of flowers when we heard music coming from a distance and decided to follow it. We came across a group of people dancing in an open field. They had a color fest going on. An Indian women walked past us towards the group. “What is this?” I ask her. “Oh, it’s the celebration of life and love.” She grabbed my hand. “Come, join us.” She said excitedly Me and Daniel followed. Joining in on the dancing. They gave us color powder and we went crazy with it. Dancing and laughing to the music. The powders thrown into the air made the most beautiful color shades. And combined with all the culture and emotions around us. It was just a beautiful experience to be a part of. I’m here among complete strangers, even Daniel, I mean I’ve only known him for a few hours. But I feel part of something much bigger. I truly feel honored being surrounded by this richness of love and happiness. Maybe this is my backpacking through Europe. Experiencing this. Experiencing the world through the eyes of others and sharing in their art and culture. This is what I want. This is who I am. This is what life is about. Travelling, learning, and loving. Not just to exist, but to actually live.