tourism – Page 3 – 2 J's World of Adventure

Mauritius – Day 3 Ganesh Chaturthi Day.

Published on September 16, 2026 by 2jsworldofadventureLeave a comment

We slowly came around at about 9.00am after a long nights sleep….bed quality – a bit hard, but sleepable with….pillow quality – 2 big fat ones so replaced one with thinner bed cushion….so on the whole very comfortable. John made us a cup of coffee- we always bring our own with us. We went across the lawns, so I didn’t have to go up and down a huge amount of stairs, to get to the dinning room for breakfast. We were shown to a table and told it would be made up while we went to the buffer to get some food…..Unfortunatly it wasn’t, so we ended up with hot food getting cold because we had nothing to eat it with…eventually I went and got the utensils myself and a young waiter said he was just about to do it…my response “ too late” .. after this he was highly attentive and brought us nice fresh coffee. The breakfast buffet was ok, but not up to the previous evenings standard. Also even though we were a whole half hour before the buffet closes a lot of food had run out and was not replaced. I did however have fresh pancakes with pure raw honey which was dripping out of the honeycomb…..too delicious to resist…A mixture of fresh passion fruit and mango juice topped off an adequate breakfast. I must say there were more breakfast curries than there had been at the previous evenings meal….may have to resort to curry for breakfast,,,it’s a hard life !!!

After going back to the room to ablute and sort the safe out we headed back to reception and the first of the daily quota of stairs were embarked upon!

We went to see Nirmala and booked a driver/guide and car for Friday and Monday, having decided that Wednesday and Thursday were going to be beach and exploring the resort days.

Having sorted that out we headed across reception to the taxi and transfer desk we booked a taxi to take us to Mon Choisy a town along the coast in the North West Corner of the Island….we negotiated the fee of MUR 2500 ( Mauritius Rupees about £39) for the trip there and back, we didn’t realise at the time that our driver would also be our guide. With in 5 minutes our Maritim taxi arrived. Sachin was a delightful driver, he spoke excellent English and explained he would tell us all about the local villages, customs, culture and the festival and escort us at Mon Choisy

The Ganesh Chaturthi Day is a public holiday. It is a major Hindu Festival honouring Lord Ganesha, the elephant headed God of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings. The day consists with family and friends of wealthy Hindu’s parading effigies of Ganesha made from clay or turmeric. Some of these are painted. These effigies are made offerings, sometimes around a fire pit, lots of chanting takes place, bells rang, seashell horns blown, water sprinkled, petals thrown before the effigy if taken, usually by men into the sea in an immersion ceremony. They wait for the water to dissolve the clay.

Driving north along the coastline, we saw many examples of families who had put up marquees with many chairs – almost in the style people host a wedding in the UK. We also came across lots of small parades with 15-20 people taking part.

We went past a multitude of ceremonies happening on the beaches.

Having past Trou aux Biches the biggest of the “villages” on our route. We saw a couple of hotels we had considered staying at, we were pleased we had selected The Maritim.

After this larger resort village we got into heavy traffic, which Sachin manoeuvred through with the ease of the professional he is…

Soon we were at Mon Choisy and although not easy Sachin soon found a parking place.

We walked through the wooded area which seems to hug the coastline. There were lots of beautifully dressed ladies and plenty of stalls giving food and drinks away.

There was so much joy, happiness, smiles and laughter around it was hard to know where to point the camera next…. All the women were dressed in vibrant colourful beautiful outfits and so many encouraged us to take their photos. We were offered drinks, sweet dessert pastries, sweets, food you name it we were offered it… Sachin said that they spent many days preparing food , their outfits, their effigies and their offerings. The atmosphere was truly amazing…I have to admit when we got to the beach we were totally mesmerised by the ceremonies taking place. What an honour it was to be able to witness this Hindu Festival.

The effigies are paraded onto the beach and placed facing the water

Then the families and friends dance around them. Some groups were in matching colour and outfits.

Prayers were said and gifts to the God were offered.

In some areas a little fire was lite with offerings placed by it, or a plate with fire on it passed around….

We were totally fascinated by the rituals and the chanting and singing…

These two ladies were absolutely beautiful on their performance of the ritual.

When the prayers and blessings were completed the men picked up the effigies and walked backwards into the sea.

In some cases the men were anointed in yoghurt as an extra offering to Lord Ganesha.

Then the immersion ceremony takes place and the men holding the effigies go under the water pushing the effergy down. Sometimes they rise and hold it up high before going down again. This happens until the effigies either dissolves in the sea water or sink to the bottom. In some cases where the effigy took several men to carry it, this immersion took quite some time because it is often hollow and full of air, so it kept rising up again and they kept having to push it down. It was quite a sight, with lots of jollity, laughter and enjoyment. We had to laugh at some of the men’s expressions when the cold sea water hit their midriffs…..whether you’re carrying your effigy or not the shock of the cold water couldn’t be disguised !!

We spent over 2 hours just watching different groups coming and going. John went down on to the beach to get a better view of the front of the effigies.

I stayed on the slightly higher area to get a view over the heads of the crowds.

I was blown away by the beauty of this particular lady ..

Sachin guided us back to the car, on our way back we were invited to partake in different types of food, it was all totally free. However we gracefully, so as not to cause offence declined, (as seasoned travellers we are very careful of what we eat so as not to upset our sensitive European digestive system !! )…

We were also invited to take several photos…

I would have put a dress on if I’d known what an occasion this was going to be.

Once back in the carpark we waited while even more families came to celebrate.

On the way back to the hotel, we saw more people about to embrace the festival.

Sachin took us past the house he has built, where at present his sister and nephew reside, until he marries.

Thank you Sachin for a really great experience.

We spent the rest of the afternoon resting in our room before going for supper at the buffet again.

Between courses we were serenaded…..for our special one to one with them we said they could choose what they wanted to play and they chose “What a wonderful world” ….it couldn’t have been more apt.

A game of cards back in our room finished off our wonderful day.

Mauritius 2026 Getting there, Day 1 & 2

Published on September 15, 2026 by 2jsworldofadventureLeave a comment

Finally we are off on an Adventure. Jonathan Kilroy – Kilroy cars & Driven – picked us up at 8.50 am….we’ve used Jonathan’s companies for many years to get us to and from the airport…totally professional and reliable and although an added cost well worth it for the security you get knowing they will reroute you if necessary to get you to your plane on time…all his drivers are good and nice characters…today it was the man himself….He loaded our bulging 2 cases and 2 hand luggage’s with ease and without any pomp or ceremony we were off by 9.00 am. By 10.36: Jonathan was dropping us off at the North terminal Gatwick Airport.

The bag drop off was seamless…no queues for Emirate Air and we booked our 2 medium sized cases all the way through to Mauritius. We went through security, which gets easier and easier….no more having to take electrics out of bags malarkey…although I did have to take my watch and bangle off…why ? Who knows ….because I didn’t have to take my gold chains off…there seemed no rhyme or reason but hey ho …we were quickly in the departure lounge.

Emirate air sent me a text giving me the gate number so we strolled down. The gate wasn’t open. In fact there was absolutely no one there….the gate didn’t open for another hour. Once again it was an easy process and we were soon sitting on our plane. It wasn’t full so we moved to either side of the aisle and had 2 seats each. What a comfortable flight, with smiling service and great food.

My only criticism was that the cabins air conditioning was cold and blew right on the top of my head…but where there’s the will there’s the way so much to Johns’ amusement I turned a spare blanket into a head scarf and snuggled down to watch 3 films and a documentary.

Johns details about the flight –
We boarded EmIrates’ Airbus, A380-800 registration number A6-EED for the 3,400 mile first leg of our journey, One of the world’s largest passenger aircrafts, complete with double-deck design.

Arriving in Dubai, some 6.5 hours later, we transferred by bus to the well signed C gate. Even at 2.00 am the airport is a hive of activity. After completing another security body scan we embarked the plane a little late. It was a completely full plane but once again comfortable….the menu cards said we got a snack and breakfast…Emirate Air certainly like to feed you well.

Another 3 movies later, 6/7 hours, and we were touching down in Mauritius.

Johns flight information – At Dubai airport, we joined our second Airbus for the southerly run down to Mauritius. This time, the airline provided A380-800 registration number A6-EEN for this 3,200 mile flight.
Just over six hours later, we touched down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. It is named after the well-respected gentleman who led the country into independence, became its first Prime Minister and, later, became Governor-General. The said gentleman can’t be responsible for his ‘mouthful’ of a name but it’s no wonder it gets shortened to ‘SSR’ by those in the know!

Passport control, seemed slow, although it seemed to be the computer systems slowing it all down, but as we were one of the first off the plane we didn’t actually queue for very long. You then go to health control. I had printed our declaration health and landing cards Q codes off…this meant unlike others I didn’t have to struggle to get internet to do it electronically….sometimes the old ways are the easiest ways…The luggage pick up was a bit of a nightmare with two conveyor belts chucking the cases out but not joined….so I stood at one and John stood at another…some 25 minutes later I spied one of our cases and retrieved it….I must say it looked very small compared to its travel mates…some 10 minutes later the other one arrived. They had both been tagged as “short transfere time”…Well done Emirate, we always breath a sigh of relief when we actually have our baggage on the trolly. With nothing to declare we quickly accessed the arrivals lounge and scoured the many company reps, all holding signs, for one saying ‘Mercury”…Got ya..a nice young man greeted us and ushered us to a taxi/ private hire. The trip to our hotel was about and hour, through some wonderfully scenic mountains and countryside.

Lovely views as we transferred from the airport to our hotel.

Driving through some pretty impressive gates we passed by lovely green manicured lawns, wooded areas, croquet lawn, mini golf and tennis courts before we arrived at the Maritim Resort and Spa reception.

We were greeted by a hostess and a porter who took our bags….ushered to a very comfortable sofa ( which actually I could have curled up and gone to sleep on!!). We filled out the formalities and were given a very refreshing glass of lemongrass infused water. Expecting to go to our room we were told our room was available from 3.00 pm on wards….oh no!!….that was another 3 hours and we’d already been without sleep for 27 hours…..never mind…we grabbed our cameras and went to sit in the bar and watch the world go by…

A couple of hours later we wandered through a wooded area, along the coast a little then circled back to reception.

We made an enquiry at the tour desk about a couple of excursions we fancied doing…..One was the highlights of the South East and the other was Port Louis and the North West…..ummm both seemed fairly expensive at €125 per person per trip….and the tours were for 15-20 people….not really our idea of fun…hanging about waiting for that one person whose always late!!!….So Nirmala our tour agent/ concierge, decided we’d do better having private tours for €170 each day including a driver who is also a guide…great !! She also told us that tomorrow was a Public holiday because it is Ganesh Chaturthi day – a major Hindu Festival…she invited us to attend a festival in a local town the next day….sounded good…at this point our lovely hostess from earlier took pity on our tired old bodies and told us our room was ready…..

Wow!! What a lovely room…and we only had to go down two flights of stairs ….. which considering the rest of the hotels’ number of stairs which are absolutely everywhere…..our room was was very good…our room has a super view of the gardens and the sea, the design is also very aesthetic, you can shut the bathroom sliding doors but why bother….the loo and the shower have doors….the former is a wooden door for privacy!!…..we were soon in bed fast asleep.

After a couple of hours of “shut eye”, I got up unpacked, had a shower, John went for a swim in the big bath and we were ready for supper.

We went to the buffet, it was really nice, lots of, freshly cooked food, variety, different tastes…etc. John was impressed with the different flavoured ice-creams he had for his dessert……we may be on holiday but his habits of trying all the flavours never change!!!!A very nice meal. The hotel has definitely surpassed our expectations…needless to say straight after supper we went to bed for a proper nights sleep.

North to Scotland – 2026 – Day 1 & 2

Published on May 13, 2026May 13, 2026 by 2jsworldofadventureLeave a comment

We set off from Bedford…..the car resembled a jigsaw – 2 cases, a mobility scooter, two over night bags, a bag of pillows, two camera bags, two laptop bags, a picnic cool box, a box of Diet Coke, 12 small & 6 big bottles of water, a large jar of coffee /flask/ mugs in a bag…and everything else as well as the kitchen sink!!!!….somehow it all fitted in with no gap unused…We picked Dad up and off the 3 of us went…on our holiday.

We trundled up the A1 with the accompaniment of Smooth Radio and John and I singing along, while Dad turned his hearing aid off !!!!!! Stopping at a rest area just short of Scotch Corner for the loos, coffee and the sandwiches we’d brought with us. We arrived at The Leonardo Hotel in Newcastle, mid-afternoon. Having off loaded Dad and the overnight bags, John and I found a convenient 24 hour multi story carpark a short stroll away.

We were quickly booked into the hotel by a very helpful receptionist. We had two superior double rooms on the 7th floor, next to each other… The rooms were nice enough with a small table and one chair, kettle mugs, coffee and a nice clean bathroom. I am pleased we had opted for superior rooms because we wouldn’t have wanted anything less…..but for £71.50 per room per night, I think it was good value for a hotel in the heart of the city of Newcastle, a stones throw …or 10 minute walk from the Central station .

We decided to eat in the bar, where they serve meals in the evening. Unfortunately just as we sat at a small table, to study the menu, a coach party arrived. We joined the end of the queue which was being serviced by one rather grumpy member of the bar staff. We ordered fish and chips for Dad and minute steak and chips for John and myself. We feared a long wait but surprisingly enough it arrived quite quickly. The food was palatable enough, and the ice creams to follow yummy. However it was relatively expensive for the quality and ambience so we hatched a plan to eat else where the following night.

Having had what seemed like a long day we decided to go to bed early. The bed was comfortable, and there was a selection of firm and soft pillows.

After a good nights sleep, John headed to the station for a day out on the trains with his camera. Dad and I had a more leisurely start. We meandered across to the carpark to get our extra thick coats, it was not only drizzling but it was also very cold.

Having dressed in more appropriate attire we walked up to the station arriving wet and ready for a sit down…..thank goodness for Greggs….a bacon butty and a strong Americano coffee each, soon warmed us up.

We had decided to take a circular route on the Metro and get off where we fancied…2x all day one zone tickets were around £9.00.

We were doing the yellow circular route.

The metro runs regularly every few minutes and we were soon speeding our way out of the underground and enjoying the views of the open countryside.

After several stops we disembarked at Whitley Bay. A lovely old station, which is presently being renovated. The beautiful mosaics in its entrance set the scene for this delightful station.

We decided not to go further as it was still rainy. So we hopped back on the metro after using the toilets and exploring the station.

Two Stops further on we disembarked again at Tynemouth. Another beautiful station from a bygone era. The station platform area is huge. Today it is home to several shops with a big market every Saturday and Sunday.

Off we went again. This time the metro hugs the estuary, which we caught several glimpses of. We changed trains at Monument and headed back to Central Station Newcastle.

I used the convenience of Marks & Spencer’s, Sainsbury’s and Greggs to get sandwiches, sausage rolls and yummies for lunch and we passed John his goodies over the platform barrier as he had an afternoon of train chasing planned.

We took a taxi back to the hotel to avoid anymore inclement weather. Lunch was eaten in Johns and mine room, prior to having an afternoon rest, readying ourselves for our evening supper.

A few of our favourite sunset photos…..

Published on February 28, 2026March 4, 2026 by 2jsworldofadventureLeave a comment

Unfortunately we can no longer offer them at the very cheap price we did previously because our printer had stopped trading …however we have found another printer with top studio Fine Art quality paper -Baryta Rag (cotton310gm) with Lustre finish to help prevent reflections and fading but still give vibrant colours…..
So our prints are now back up for sale as A3, mounted and framed ( black or white frames, white mounts) for £49.95 inclusive of UK mainland postage.
We can print any of the sunsets or wildlife photos… just message us or email us at
2jsworldofadventure@gmail.com

Goodnight – Kruger National Park South Africa

Evening Safari Drive Kruger National Park South Africa

Another Wonderful Day Draws to an End – Kruger National Park South Africa

From Botswana to Namibia Sleep Well- Chobe River Botswana

Another Beautiful Day says Goodnight- Chobe River South Africa

Unforgettable Moments – Chobe River Botswana

Pause in posting about China…

Published on February 7, 2026 by 2jsworldofadventure3 Comments

Sorry for not continuing going through our “ Want to do and see” in China. We seem to have hit a brick wall with DialAFlight…. Having had many years great service from Rosie Price and thoroughly recommending her to every one….since she has left the company we haven’t had the same level of service at all….Rosie would facilitate our desired itinerary by booking through an on the ground agent. When they couldn’t match price the hotels Rosie would book the hotels through booking.com. She would also always give us a price regardless of whether it was higher than we predicted or not…..BUT having waited 3 weeks for a quote on our itinerary our response was “Sorry we can’t help you” …..grrrrr…so now I’ve put it with a local independent travel agent to see what they can do for us…then if they can’t help we’ll start the long hard slog of contacting a variety of other agents and putting the trip out to tender……Not ideal….but these things happen…. SO I’ve stopped planing until we know we can actually find a company to manage it for us…as it’s our first time in China we don’t really want to go completely solo for many reasons…not least because we don’t want to miss out on sights, struggle to buy train tickets and get on the right train etc, etc….

However we have a 3 week trip around Scotland planned for May…so I’ll post the planning document in the near future…