March 3rd. Indian Ocean

Today we begin our day with an unplanned stop at the Diego Garcia
Atoll. This is NOT a normal cruise ship stop. Diego Garcia is a joint
US British military base and off limits to all. We, however were
allowed in to the center of the large atoll after an armed escort. We
did not dock. We did however unload three of our passagers who needed
medical attention which could not wait until India. A US tender came
along side and into our ship came a handful of armed soldiers, a husky
dog and medic's. Photo's were prohibited. Within the hour they, and
our three were disembarked and we continued our voyage into the humid
tropical rainstorms and calm seas. We have all this week at sea with
arrival in Chennai, India set for Saturday.

But, let me report of our one day stop at Mauritius.
What an Island! What a warm reception!

Peter had "lobbed off" an enquiry to the Mauritius YPO chapter
alerting them of our visit and asking for any assistance they might be
able to offer us. We were hence welcomed by Antoine and his family to
join their Sunday family gathering at their beachfront home. After
clearing customs and enjoying first impressions of this Bali like
island, we took the water taxi from the cruise terminal to the harbor
front of Port Louis and then a taxi to "Trou aux Biches", a stretch of
beach on the northwest coastline. After initial introductions and a
welcomed beverage, Antoine and Isabel, two young sons and their 17
year old son Antoine immediately whisked us off on their ski boat.
Antoine (junior) water skied right from the beach and we headed out
through the opening in the coral reef and out into ocean swell. After
about 10-12 miles we arrived at Coin de Mire island, at which point
Antoine's tow ended. We all joined him in the water for snorkeling. It
was beautiful! Lots of pastel corral and brilliant fish. Nearby, five
boat's with SAS students were rafted and partying like crazy. We were
glad we were instead on this private ski boat with our local hosts. We
headed back with Antoine senior at tow retracing his sons physical
feat. Once back, showered and freshened up, we were joined by
Antoine's extended family (12 in all) and all were seated for a long
and lovely lunch under the shade of umbrella's. The meal was a
cross-cultural expression of Mauritius with French, Indian, and
Chinese influences.A cold poached local fish with mayonnaise aoli was
followed by India curry served with wanton wraps verses papadoms.
Local okra and sautéed greens and other condiments. Dessert, of
course, of creamed carmel, brownies, sorbet and all was accompanied by
french wines and their privately produced Mauritius rum. Lovely,
lovely lunch and such a treat to be included in this family's sunday
gathering. After lunch, coffee and conversation we again put on our
suites and went back to the beach. Wake boarding was attempted by
Beatrix and Peter waterskied. The Club Med was immediately to the
north and to the south a public park with miles of white sand beach.
Boats quietly bobbed at anchor just of shore protected from surf by
the coral reef beyond. The jagged mountain range at the island's
center was visible and dramatic. This is a truly stunning island. A
day was not enough and ours ended sooner then we would have liked. We
were due back onboard by 6:00pm and just made it. We are grateful to
our hosts for sharing themselves and their island paradise with us.
Perhaps one day we may return the favor.
Once aboard, we waited for departure. However the day ashore was not
without incident. With 600 plus 18-22 year olds aboard I guess it is
fair to expect problems. unfortunately a day of partying in the sun
went very wrong for one member of our community. Dylan ended up in the
hospital after attempting to rehydrate with rum verses water! He
actually nearly died. He was lucky though. When his condition became
apparent to those around him, they phoned in to the doc's aboard
(everyone receives a green sheet with phone numbers before leaving the
ship). They were instructed to keep him awake and bring him back to
the ship asap. Once back, he passed out in the clinic. As I understand
it at this point they could not resuscitate him and called the
hospital. Many aboard and on the pier witnessed this whole thing. He
was taken to the hospital along with a ship doctor and left behind. We
all got the word later that night that he was O.K. We had a whole ship
community gathering where the incident was shared. No one wants a
death aboard during this voyage and it was a sobering lesson for all.
This then was followed by our event this morning. I cannot imagine
being the ships doctor! Actually we have three! Never a quiet moment
it seems with 850 passengers. Either there is seasickness, sunburns,
heat rash, alcohol problems, or in the case this morning a girl who's
white blood count was so far off she needed to be medevaced to
Singapore!
Now, on with the voyage....to India we go.

Melissa

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