Travel guide
Mauritius

The 12 keywords Mauritius

1. #Ayo!

It is the favourite interjection of Mauritians, the most used whatever the community or social rank. It does not have a precise meaning, which depends on the tone expressed: joy, surprise, sadness, anger, etc. Another expression frequently heard and used: Ki manier? for how are you? Answer: Korek, ça va

2. #Anthurium

It is the national flower of Mauritius. Originally from Colombia, it was introduced to the island at the end of the 19th century from European greenhouses. Abundantly cultivated in the country, it often forms the basis of local floral compositions. Its hues vary from white to red, through various shades of pink and orange.

3. #Camaron

Not to be confused with gambas. This large shrimp with delicious flesh does not live in the sea but in fresh water, especially in rivers with well oxygenated waters. Increasingly rare and therefore rather expensive to consume, it is often raised in barachois (fishponds) to be served in the best restaurants on the island.

4. #Camping

Holiday home and/or secondary residence of Mauritians in the cities in the form of a villa or seaside bungalow, open to nature and still made of wood for the most authentic. With the growth of tourism, some campsites are replaced by residences, others are offered on the rental market.

5. #Filao

Casuarina equisetifolia. Omnipresent on the coast, resistant to salt and heat, it looks like a long pine. In addition to offering providential shade and an ideal retreat for a nap in the sea breeze, it helps limit the erosion of coastal areas. In front of hotels, it is replaced by the coconut tree, considered more "exotic".

6. #Flamboyant

Delonix regia. Native to Madagascar and common throughout the intertropical zone, the tree adorns itself with large bright red flowers from mid-November to mid-January, forming at its top an absolutely spectacular vermilion-coloured plant parasol! Mauritians love it because it announces the Banana (the good year) and accompanies the festive season

7. #Gecko

Adorable little green or light brown climbing lizard with big sticky legs and suction cups. Omnipresent on the walls of houses and hotels (sometimes even in the bedroom!), it is absolutely harmless and feeds mainly on insects (especially mosquitoes). Its light and slightly shrill cry sounds like a small hissing sound

8. #French Fries

Chinese noodles fried with spices, vegetables, eggs, chicken, etc. Popular, it is one of the most common, hearty and cheapest dishes in Mauritius. Originally prepared in Asian canteens, mines are now offered everywhere - gargotes, Creole or international cuisine tables..

9. #Séga

Cultural richness of the different islands of the Mauritian Republic, it is both a music and a dance whose origins go back to the time of slavery. If it has its own groups, singers, troupes and show days (especially in hotels), it also invites itself in the private sphere during weddings or family reunions

10. #Street food

Reflecting the island's mix of cultures and the lifestyles of its inhabitants, street food is part of Mauritius' heritage. Everywhere in the streets, on the beaches, near the bus stations, the trailers of the street vendors stand. Dumplings, gatos chillies, dholl puris, rotis are the stars of the local food culture with its delicious flavours

11. #Tobacco

Mauritian version of the Arab grocery store except that you go to the "Chinese"! Historically created and run by Asians, these stalls, which are omnipresent throughout the island, sell food and a little bit of everything: household products, drinks, shampoos, notebooks, hardware and - hence the name - cigarettes and tobacco

12. #Varangue

This veranda appeared in the 18th century with the French colonists and surrounded the ground floor of colonial houses. Open to the garden, it was one of the main living and reception areas of the house. Nowadays, Mauritians call varangue any covered terrace, even the one that borders only one side of the house.