(Note: I wrote the blog back on June 7th and since then, sadly there has been an oil tanker that ran aground off the coast of Mauritius. All the oil the tanker was carrying has leaked into the sea and nearby wetlands. Mauritius depends on tourism, we hope this can be cleaned up quickly. Our thoughts go out to the people of Mauritius who are trying to clean up this environmental tragedy.)
There are 7 colors in a rainbow. Blend combinations of them and you get an almost unlimited number of colors and shades.
One of my favorite places in the whole world is the small African Island of Mauritius. Now I realize most of you may never get there, but Lara and I are lucky enough to experience it about 2 times a year. I have been visiting this small island of 1.2 million people for the past 12 years. I fell in love with an island 788 meters squared (45 Miles long x 28 Miles wide for our American audience).
Over a countless number of visits, I could not put my finger on why I loved it there so much. Sure, it’s a tropical island, in the Indian Ocean, with palm trees and amazing resorts. But there was something else. When I finally realized what it was, I was in Love all over again.
This African Island, while not perfect, no where is, but this is as close as I have come.
Islam, French, Hindu, Chinese, gay, Catholic, Tamil, African, straight, English, Christian, Indian, White, Creole, and many more, ruled once by Portugal, the Dutch, French and finally British…This is Mauritius a true melting pot. I realized why I love this country.
So much diversity all living together mountains, beaches, cities and everything in between, in peace. To my knowledge Mauritians live in tolerance and acceptance of culture, color, and religious beliefs (or not).
This is the type of place where I want to live. Maybe I’m idealistic, but there’s no reason other countries and people can’t emulate this gem. It does exist, I have been there. Mark Twain called Mauritius “Heaven on Earth”.
I want people in my life who come in ALL colors of the Rainbow. A wide variety of personalities, traditions, talents, ways of life, opinions, colors, backgrounds, experiences. Why not embrace differences and welcome them into your life? Learn and grow from them.
I had not planned on writing this blog tonight. My friend text me and said, “I need a Woment”. So, I took a Woment and wrote about one of my favorite places.
I hope we all get to experience “Mauritius”.
