Exploring Mahe Island

We were off like a brides nighty in our rented chariot (Daihatsu) to explore the island.  Hadn't gotten very far enroute to Pointe Police when we had an unscheduled stop to check the tires.  Only for real this time.  While operating the right hand drive car along the left side of the very narrow road with "sharp shoulders" (literally), a bus came kareening around the bend at least three feet across the center line.  I might have over-reacted a little (very little), but my left wheels dropped off the curb and we sustained a sidewall tear to the rear tire.

 Pulled off at the next available driveway and changed the tire.  All part of the package, Peter would have said.  Nevertheless, I was pretty rattled.  The driving was extremely cautious from that point forward, the only other partial misstep was making a left turn into the right lane with oncoming traffic.  There might have been a little shrieking emanating from the back seat.  The remainder of the driving was nerve wracking but without incident.  The island is indeed very small.  On our second attempt at an ATM, we were able to collect some Rupees for incidental expenses.  We got to Victoria and found a spot to park in a pay lot.  Parking at least is cheap here.  I had to use the facility, so paid the attendant his 3 rupees for four sheets of toilet paper.  We looked around the souvineer shops but found nothing appealing.  Off again and shortly we were at Baie Beau Vallon.  Parked along the beach and walked end to end.  Quite a long beach and beautiful bay.  The island overall is quite spectacular with granite extrusions towering over white coral sand beachs and tropical forests in the background.  We noticed some fishermen hauling in a huge net from the beach.  Four men at each end leaning in to pull the ropes.  

The procedure was taking a while, so we found a sidewalk grill in the adjacent park and purchased a lunch box of rice and chicken or fish.  Ate our lunch watching the nets being hauled in, Matthew wasn't satiated so back he went for another box of rice and fish.  The catch was meager, but interesting to watch nonetheless.  After lunch, we swung back through Victoria and drove over the pass to the west side and stopped at Anse L'islette for photographs.  

From there, it was back to the Kempinski, with a brief stop at the Four Seasons to make a reservation for dinner.  Freshened up and headed back to the neighoboring resort for a very enjoyable meal on the beach at Kannel (Myles: I'm not picky, I'll eat anywhere - as long as it's the Four Seasons... and doesn't have any seafood in it).  After dinner, drove back to the hotel and parked the car one last time (to my great relief, and everyone else I think).  It will be interesting turning the car back over in the morning.