We had been told there was a chance of rain, but of course we were hopeful. With only eight hours in paradise, we had to be. This was our "Spring Break", our one day in paradise.
And then the rain started.
We were drenched before we left the port. Thick, heavy, warm monsoon rain that there was no avoiding. A damp taxi ride later, we arrived outside the Natural History Museum, my one must-do in Mauritius. Shabby and worn down, at least it was completely free and a place to escape from the rain, with the main attraction at the back.
A dodo bird skeleton! There was a partial one, as well as a complete one, I think the only one in existence; a whole room devoted to this dumpy, flightless bird that symbolizes the destruction powers of humanity and the island we were visiting for one day.
Dawn and I were originally planning on paragliding, but because of the rain and potential thunder and lightening this didn't happen. We spent most of our time on a public beach, where we consumed one of the best sandwiches I've ever had and a bottle of rum. In India you eat curry, in Japan sushi- in Mauritius you try the rum, even if you buy it at a convenience store and gag when trying to drink it straight. We were very careful about finishing it early enough so that it would be out of our systems before returning back to the ship.
We swam in the ocean, determined not to let the rain ruin our beach day. A damp bus ride later, we explored Port Louis before trudging back to the ship. It felt incredible to put on warm, dry clothes after being wet for eight hours.
- - -
Mauritius gave me a rash. I was itchy yesterday since we arrived on the ship, and I woke up this morning with red spots all over my body. A benadryl, a visit to the medical clinic, and a shot of steroids later, it has faded, but with the consequences of all the drugs in my body I basically slept sitting up through all my classes this morning.
We're heading towards South Africa, but there's a lot of planning to do, as well as a few essays to write.
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