Wednesday Walk Challenge : Wedensday walk along the bay in Grand Baie, Mauritus

My wedensday walk this week has been an approx 60 minutes walk along the coastal road that runs along the bay in the town of Grand Baie. This town is located in the northern part of Mauritius. Because of beaches and lots of water activities, this town is a popular tourist destination. Famous for its night life as well. The town was once called De Bogt Zonder Eyndt. It was the Dutch who in the 17th century gave the place its name. The name means something like The Bay without an End. Grand Baie is located by a bay, but I can't see that it has no end...

Anyway, my walk started at one end of the bay where the coastal road starts to run along the waterfront. These photos shows the view from this point. There is a great restaurant with a nice view here as well. The island you see in the background is called Coin de Mire. There are several islands off the coast in the north. In Grand Baie it is only from this point we can see this island.

Then I pass this beautiful Hindu temple, called Surya Oudaya Sangam Temple. It's a temple that is decated to Shiva, the god of destruction and preservation. Mauritians of Hindu faith, makes up a little more than half of the population on the island. Before the Europeans started to colonize the island, there were no natives. The population are descendants of migrants from Europe, Asia and Africa. Because they all brought there religion, culture and traditions with them, they have contributed to the island becomming a multi ethnic society.

From the mainroad there are several narrow alleys leading to residetial areas. As I follow the coastal road it sometimes runs only a few meters from the water. Thats when I took time to go to the beach. The four elderly gentlemen was sitting in the shadow, probably enjoying a good chat. A few meters further, and I pass the coast guard.

Now I am getting closer to the senter of town. This Catholic church has a beautiful location right by the sea. It's called the The Holy Saint Church. It was closed when I was here, but I could enter and look around outside. A modern church when it comes to architecture. Those who practice the Catholic faiths are mostly the Creole part of the population, Franco-Maurition, but also some Chinese.

On the opposite side of the road, the Masjid Ronaq-Ui-Islam Sunnee is located. Because it is Ramadan and they were announcing prayertime when I passed, I didn't go inside. Those who practise Islam on the island, are desecendents after the labourers brought to the island from India. In 1835 slavery was abolished. They had been the laboures on the sugar plantations, but after the abolition Britain who were the colonial rulers, had to find others to do the job. They came from India.

Almost in the center of the bay and the heart of town. In the background the you can see appartments for rent. Behind you will find Sunset Boulevard with lots of nice shops that are aiming more towards the tourists than locals. Now I am in the center of the bay. Boats taking tourists on boat trips and small local fishingboats.

The main beach. Right in the center of town. It you stay a whole day on the beach, you won't need to feel hungry. All along the street you will find street food stalls. Now I am at the end where the road changes course away from the bay. At this point I turn around and return home. It is allready late in the afternoon. Another hour and it will be dark.

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Latest wedensday walk, check out:
Wednesday Walk Challenge : The old cemetary in Kristiansand, Norway

U.J

Kristiansand, Norway

All the photoes are mine, Ulla Jensen (flickr, Instagram and facebook)

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