Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens

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Three of us went today in a taxi to Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens up in the north of the island. They were transformed by a French horticulturist, Pierre Poivre in 1768 when he started to import trees and flowers from around the world. Giant water lilies up to 3m in diameter, but not in flower at the moment, lovely trees of ginger, cinnamon and sandalwood which gave the whole place a beautiful scent. Here is a selection of the flowers in bloom,

It is our last full day today so have to make the best of this afternoon and get some more sun and a swim in the ocean for one last time. It really is like having a warm bath with fish swimming around your feet!! 

This holiday has really been "island contrasts", my blog title.

Madagascar was totally unique with wonderful wildlife and lovely people living a very simple but happy life.

Reunion was very French, spectacular scenery, GOOD WINE, and not spoilt at all by the tourism that is up and coming.

Mauritius is far more commercialized with many seaside resorts and large hotels. Manly a place to come and get married, have your honeymoon or just chill out in the sun.

We fly home tomorrow night, which I am not looking forward to very much as could not book business class, but hopefully won't be too painful, and will look forward to being home after two wonderful weeks away.