12th December 2022, Monday, Port Louis and Central Market

Jason had to work until 11 am this morning so we waited for this return to visit the Central Market at Port Louis. Vicky needed to collect her visa so we combined the two events. The journey is about 45 minutes in time, traffic permitting. 

We found somewhere to park close to the market. We walked through several market stall streets and reached the main market through a gateway. I enjoyed the market and the lower floor was the fruit and vegetables area, mostly used by the locals , hence very cheap prices. However the tourist area upstairs was really interesting but we were expected to “haggle” over the prices which is fine if you know what they are really worth. It is difficult as you don’t want to insult people but equally well you don’t want to be “taken for a ride.”

We did buy some lychees, sweetcorn and apples and I bought some placemats in the shape of tortoises and made of sugar cane fibre. I probably paid far too much but they are really different.

We had a lesson from a young man about how to make vanilla essence by taking a pod of vanilla and making a small slit in the bottom before soaking it in brown sugar for 3 months. No wonder the prices are high!

We did know the price of tea having been to the tea factory so the stall holders were charging double but possibly they have to pay a higher price than we did so that by charging us double they can make a profit, but I doubt it.

Jason and Vicky dropped us at the Waterfront which we now know was a big mistake as we are, as I am writing, sitting in a stationary traffic jam and have been for the last 30 minutes and probably at least 30 more if we are lucky, ( it was another 60 minutes in the end.) Anyway, once they left us and went in search of the Visa Office Geoff and I found the Food Court and had 2 interesting and tasty meals with mine followed by a proper vanilla ice-cream.

Jas and Vicky returned about 4pm just in time to get some dumpling dishes. 

As the traffic jam held us up so long we didn’t get back until around 7pm to a very pleased and excited dog.

















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