Welcome Back, Glendora!

This blog's very loyal reader, and the blogger's favorite

mother-in-law, got her iPad fixed 

and is reading us again.  Welcome back, Glendora!

That deserves a Corona! Cheers!

Moonset on the Indian Ocean

Wednesday morning at 4:45 am was quite spectacular from our back yard, looking out over the Indian Ocean.  The ocean was still, barely a breeze, and the full moon cast a bright light on the water.  I wanted to capture the moonset in these photos . . . enjoy!

Protecting Dolphins in Mauritius

Dolphin at Tamarin Bay

Shelly and I got engaged while dolphins were swimming alongside our boat in the Greek Isles.  These magical animals will always be special to us.  We've blogged about our experiences swimming with dolphins off the west coast of Mauritius . . . truly one of the most spectacular things we've done in the Indian Ocean (or anywhere, for that matter).  There is an NGO (non-governmental organization) with volunteers here working to keep the dolphins safe and healthy.  The Mauritius Marine Conservation Society works with tour operators and government officials to keep the dolphins from being overwhelmed by large volumes of visitors and unscrupulous boat operators.  We recently met some of these volunteers, and learned of their passion for the work:  Researching, advocating, educating. Our preferred tour operator, DolSwim, is very environmentally conscious and takes great care to not crowd these beautiful animals, and to not stress them.  We wish that other operators took the same precautions, and cared as much.  Because of our special affinity for dolphins, we support the volunteers and organizations whose work is to protect them.

Gamboling by the side of the boat

Who can withstand a shout for joy?

Ambassador Villarosa is flanked by Micah (l) and Trista (r),
volunteers to help protect dolphins in Mauritius

Boats in the Bay watching for dolphin pods

Little-known Mauritius-Israel Connection  

On Nov 25, 1940, some 260 Jewish refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe perished aboard the Patria when it sank in the harbor of Haifa, (then Palestine) Israel.  The Patria was one of 3 ships filled with refugees who were refused permission to disembark in Haifa by the British High Commissioner for Palestine.

A few days after the tragedy 1,584 refugees from one of the other ships were forcibly deported to the then-British colony of Mauritius.  The colonial government created a makeshift internment camp on the island where the Jews were held for 5 years.  In all, 128 detainees died in Mauritius and were buried in the cemetery of St. Martin in Beau Bassin. There are no known descendents living here today.

At the end of WWII, through the efforts of the Zionist Association of Mauritius, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, and other Jewish organizations, the refugees were allowed to go to Palestine, finally landing in Haifa on August 26, 1945.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patria_disaster 
Related novels: 
The Mauritian Shekel: The Story of Jewish Detainees in Mauritius
Day After Night by Anita Diamant

Seychelles Coastal Scenery

Capital city Victoria viewed from the hillside

On the North Coast of Mahe Island

Spent last week working on Seychelles main island, Mahe (pronounced MAH hey).  On the weekend, managed to hike around some of the coastal areas and snap photos.  These don't quite do the colors justice . . . in the right sunlight, the water is a bright azure/turquoise with teel stripes.  Just breathtaking!  The beaches and hiking trails had few visitors, and the ocean was refreshing and cool.  Overall, a great November weekend!

Anse La Mouche at sunset

Mahe Island north coast

Mahe north coast sandy beach

Mahe's North Point: postcard perfect!

Volcanic rocks and clear water near Glacis

Sunset from Sunset Beach Hotel

On the hiking trail to Anse Major

Thanksgiving 2012

We are so thankful for so much this Thanksgiving Day.  For family and friends far and near, for the gifts of life, health, happiness, and adventure; we are truly blessed. We spent this afternoon at a Thanksgiving holiday luncheon at the Ambassador's residence in Mauritius with colleagues and Americans from all over the country.

Shelly thankful for desserts!

Lots of food, friends, and family

Ambassador Villarosa and Shelly share a laugh

Croquet on the lawn

Bored meeting in the tree!

We are so thankful for the family and friends we have here far from home!  Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!

Ambassador Villarosa Arrives

This month, the newly confirmed U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles, Shari Villarosa, arrived in country.  After presenting her credentials to the President of the country, the Ambassador has a series of official meetings with host country officials.  I've been honored to accompany the new Ambassador to meetings with several Mauritius and Seychelles officials.  

Ambassador Villarosa (r) welcomed by Mauritius
Vice President Monique Bellepeau (holding package)

New Ambassador at Seychelles Reception

Ambassador Presents Athletic Equipment
to Seychelles School, then plays volleyball

Anse Boileau School Administration
Welcomes New Ambassador 

Lost and Found

Rabbitfish (Cordonnier)

Spent yesterday morning under the Indian Ocean, and look what we found!  Scuba down to a shipwreck called the Stella Maru, which sunk over 30 years ago.  Then, a Japanese fishing trawler, now a reef and home to thousands of happy fish. Some good karma there.  Ship was lost, now it's found!

Schooling Bannerfish inside the shipwreck

Lionfish is king of the wreck

Massive anchor has been there for decades

Pufferfish looking for lost friends

Moray Eel in a shipwreck hold

Spotted snake eel looking lost

Veterans Day 2012

Marine Corps Museum

Marine Corps Museum

On this day, we remember and thank those who have served in our military to keep us free and make us strong. These patriots and loved ones who have sacrificed so much will never be forgotten. As warriors return home from Iraq and Afghanistan, a grateful nation honors their service and sacrifice---with medical care, jobs, and the benefits they have dearly earned.  I am blessed to have been raised in an Army family, and know first-hand the service and sacrifice of my Dad and his military colleagues all over the world.  May God bless our veterans today and every day.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Family Friend Col. Smith
Arlington National Cemetery

U.S. Navy in Mauritius

Sacred Ground Overseas

Captain Campbell in Iran

Beloved Mom and Dad
Santa Fe National Cemetery

Eminent Personalities Grace Divali Party

It promised to be a magical night in the neighborhood . . . a celebration of Divali with a live orchestra, magic show, prizes, and Eminent Personalities.  Shelly, Janet, and I got new outfits for the occasion, and showed up at the invited hour.  Quickly learned the invited hour was about two hours too early, especially since (who knew?) WE were the Eminent Personalities!!!  Pre-event dinner at host's home. Special tent erected.  Laser light show. Fog machine. Rock band from metropolis Goodlands. Front row seats. Closest to the amplified music.  His Eminence David gives impromptu event kick-off speech in Creole. 400 person crowd laughs at old white guy saying "Happy Divali, let's party".  Long night of Hindu Hip Hop. Louder is better. Female singer hits it two octaves higher than humanly possible. (Did I mention Eminent Personalities sit closest to the speakers?) Host gives heartfelt speech about meaning of Divali's festival of light and international peace and understanding shown by presence of Eminent Personalities from U.S.A.   Eminent Personalities help hand out the prizes.  Late in the evening, Eminent Personalities exit stage right, to sounds of applause and taste of Divali food gifts.  Ears ringing, Eminent Personalities get home and fall right to deep, smiling, peaceful sleep.  Happy Divali, world.

Eminent Personalities Will Grace the Function: Guess Who?

Eminent enough for you?

Quite the Personalities!

His Eminence Gives a Short Impromptu Creole Speech

And Keeps Talking!

Front Row Seats with Meeta and Granddaughter!