Start the journey to Mauritius - Wednesday March 16/22

 Wednesday May 16. Day 1

Veery first time I am doing this blog so I hope after few mistakes it should be ok....learning experience.  I will try to blog at the end of each day...highlighting only the main events first and than anything else of interest.

2 PM Ready to depart...  All packed and ready to hit the highway and to Pearson airport.  Waiting for Andrew to pick us.  Expect to leave by no later than 2PM.

The weather in Cobourg not very good - overcast, temp is 1 degree C not bad. but it. 

Should be no unplanned surprises as we travel.  All documents are in order, passport, med papers, money, luggage.  Not really looking forward to the long flight but since we are travelling after 2 years there is some anxiety.  Will be travelling with Emirates for the first time.  But 14 hour flight to Dubai is going to be interesting as to how to stay busy on the plane.  With my newly purchased MacBook Air I think it should fill some of the time.  I've loaded lots of home movies and music as well as sorting out the 1TB hard drive Mike fixed for me to sort out.  So thats it for now. 

Boarded Emirates A308 wide body plane.  I found the seats were not as comfortable as other airlines I've travelled in the past but over all experience flying with Emirates was good.  Smooth flight not too many bumps I think the pilot know all the bumps on the way. To me it was not anything special.  

Thursday March 17/22 - Day 2

Arrived in Dubai after 12 1/2 hour flight.  Wow a huge airport and streamly modern.  Very impressive.  We took a train to another terminal building but later found out it was the wrong building so we boarded the train again and went from building A gate A3 to building B gate B17. Finally in the right terminal building  and than waited 8 hours for flight at 2:25AM.  So while we waited we decided to have a nice cp of coffee from Costa...it was $15 USD for two cups of regular coffee.  We relaxed and boarded another Emirate A308 flight to Mauritius. Met an interesting Mauritian businessman.  It helped pass the time as we settled into another 7 hour flight.  I also watched few Larry David's comedy series to pass the time.

Friday March  18/22 - Day 3

Arrived on schedule.  Very smooth flight.  No issues.  Got some duty free drinks...limit increased from 1 litre each to 5 litres.  So we bought out limit.

Amreah to picked us in his new X5 BMW.  We were able to fit all luggage with 3 passengers.  Very comfortable ride.  On the way home we picked up Krish (6) from his school.  Arrived at  Dev & Maya's place around 10;30AM.  After greetings we took shower which we despartly needed we had light breakfast.  Around 11AM I could not stay awake so decided to nap for an hour  in Sharon's air conditioned bedroom. 6 hours later I woke up. Later we met Rohit and caught up on news and interesting conversation about retirement.  We also had local beer which Dev provided.  Name of 3 beer..............   Bed around 1AM.  

Saturday March 19/22 - Day 4

Up at 5:30AM.  Early bereakfast, bread cheese and instant coffee. Later had fresh fruits. Quick shopping trip to Long mountain market with Dev.  

Sunday March 20/22 - Day 5

Highlights of the day...went to visit Rohit in Long mountain house.  Lot of changes due to to no one is occupying downstairs.  Rohit has started renovating.  Floor is cleaned removed the old covering and replaced with paint suitable for hard ware.  Stayed till 5PM and met with Anand and Ragney.  We talked about old times. Came back to Dev's place to cook dinned - I cooked chicken curry and rice.  

Monday March 21/22 - day 6

Maya's 65th birthday.  

We out to a shopping mall to a beautiful mall with great shops.  On the way we drove through the new Pomplemoose town.  Stopped at the post office to get certificate for Sharona. We had some ice cream than walked around in the afternoon for last minute things for the party.

Big party at home. All family members came to celebrate.  Lot of food, drinks and music.  Everyone had a good time.  No major mishap all went well.  Surash was extra happy and had one too many drinks.  Finished around midnight. 

Tuesday March 22/22 - day 7

Changed SIM card in cell phone.  Got all local numbers from Dev.  

Pan to visit Pereperi and Grand bay.  Later invited for dinner at Raj.\'s place.  Call ed Rohit to join us.