Tamarin's Got Soul

The ride from Mahebourg to Tamarin.

Guest House Chez Jacques happened to have a vacancy, with one caveat... I would be the only non-Italian in the place. Bellisimo! I pack up my tent and say au revoir to my new friends. The room is nice and clean, the price includes breakfast, and the location couldn't be better. It takes less than a minute to walk to the beach and there are a few restaurants and shops just down the little street as well. Overall a wonderful, peaceful atmosphere and I feel immediately welcome by both Italian #1, Italian #2 and Snow (the hosts of Chez Jacques). 

My first night there Italian #1 invited me to a birthday party on the beach – his friend's daughter is turning 8. There are about 30 people sitting out on the beach enjoying the night as the children celebrate with games, cake and lanterns. A beautiful evening and a big welcome to Tamarin. The next day I set out for Black River Gorges National Park for a bit of trekking, which was a convenient 10 minute drive on the scooter. I chose the Macchabee View Point hike which takes me through dense forest, over a few streams, and straight uphill where I had a great view of the gorges and the sea. After 12km, I had enough and head back to Chez Jacques. Italian #1 is in the kitchen, and asks if I'd like to join the group for dinner. How can I say no? I sat down to dinner with Italians #1-9 and we enjoyed bruschetta, grilled dorado, lady fingers, and a little vino, and I try to keep up with the conversation – catching only a word here and there but loving every minute. The week flies by with morning swims, yoga, surfing, rainstorms, delicious pulpo, linguine, fruit, vanilla tea, walks with Snow, noodles on the beach, and learning Italian at home and French outside. One day I took a tour of the Chamerel Falls and 7 Coloured Earth – a bit touristy but it was beautiful. Another day I went to see the 'world's largest Shiva statue' which was quite impressive, and also stopped by the Casela Nature Park which was more of a zoo. But mostly, I enjoyed the meals, vibes, and waves in Tamarin! Its a place with a great soul, and I was very lucky to find Guest House Chez Jacques and it's wonderful hosts and guests!

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