Gris-Gris

One weekend, we decided to explore the Southern part of the island. So we rented a Toyota Corolla and off we went. All along the Southern Coast you will see large boards that read "Bain Dangereux, Dangerous Bathing". At first this made me grin a whole lot (following the mental image of a sexy vamp in an action flick soaking in a bath tub).

After the calm seas of the North, I met the angry seas of the south. There are lots of rocks and high cliffs along the coastline and the waves crash upon them with all their fury. The first spot we went to is called "Gris-Gris" which is Kreol for Black Magic. It is believed that at some point, Black Magic was practised here (which is probably why my hair was flying all over the place and I felt like a Golliwog-Voodoo doll). :P

Inch'allah

Our colleagues in Mauritius were extremely hospitable and helped us truly enjoy and experience the island. Among other things, they made many recommendations, taught us Creole phrases and shared music with us. I was particularly interested in the French numbers and this one is by far my favourite one they shared with me:



MC Solaar is the stage name of Claude M'Barali (born March 5, 1969), a francophone hip hop and rap artist. Claude M'Barali was born in Dakar, Senegal to parents of Chadian origin. When he was six months old his parents immigrated to France. He is famous for his wordplay... his official website is called SolaarSystem!!

Inch'allah is one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard and I love the frequent reference to the Maghreban robe, the Djellaba.