Island Vibes
Having raised our children and with the focus of our firm increasingly moving to International markets, my wife and I decided that it was time to move abroad. Early in my working career I had been transferred to London and we enjoyed the change. It was time to make another.
The Island of Mauritius for us was the ideal location in which to base ourselves. The time zone works for our International clients and the Island has direct flights to Europe, London, South Africa and Australia. Many people have asked us if we get bored with Island life which I always find surprising. Boredom flows from laziness and inactivity and outside of my business routine and writing, the proximity to the warm Indian Ocean provides more to do than living inland. We do an ocean swim of around 2km’s, at least twice a week, cycle, gym and enjoy jogging, all of which takes place in a peaceful and beautiful setting. Frequently during our morning swim, we come across turtles and other interesting sea creatures, one of my favourites being a barracuda, almost as big as me, that swum with us on three separate occasions. Unfortunately, I did not have my GoPro along to capture the moment as it lazily swum along with us. Sadly, following the cyclones we have not come across it again.
The Mauritian economy is growing at around five percent per annum and has a solid, well-maintained infrastructure. Internet connectivity is good, and crime is under control. There are an abundance of sporting facilities and gyms are springing up all over the Island. Bern and I enjoy exploring the Island on our motorbikes. Mine is a Suzuki DL 650 and hers is a 300cc Vespa scooter, which is way more powerful than one would expect.
One of the challenges faced living in Mauritius is the number of stray animals scattered across the Island. The Government it seems has chosen to ignore the problem but fortunately the public have started to become involved and take the strays to be sterilised. We came across four puppies on the beach and could not leave them to fend for themselves so ended up taking them home, having them sterilised and homed. One of them went to a French family who took her back to France when they moved back there.
Six of the seven species of turtles are endangered. Females engage with multiple mates to ensure maximised fertilisation, and the gender of sea turtles is dependent on the temperature inside the nest. We used to believe that turtles were solitary creatures but recent research shows a change in their behaviour as they greet eachother by rubbing noses and touching flippers.
As far as adventures go, coming across Sperm whales after having swum with dolphins was an incredible experience. Before jumping back onto the boat, I noticed these huge creatures coming towards me and as they got closer, I realised they were whales. I ended up in between two of these amazing creatures not knowing where to look. It was surreal and I was fortunate to have had my GoPro with me.
Hawks Bills' Turtles morning greeting
Sperm whales communicate in clicks reaching frequencies high enough to damage the human ear.
Much of Fury’s War was written in Mauritius, some in Botswana and other parts while flying on holidays or business trips. I am working on the Rocky Raccoon Childrens series at the moment for release during 2025. I find Island life to be conducive of creativity. It is difficult for me to be creative in a frenetic and stressful environment.
We look forward to many more years in Mauritius and enjoy welcoming friends and family to visit and share the beauty and tranquillity of the Island.