So, what did I buy in Mauritius?
Unless it is a total vacation, shopping for me is mostly restricted to souvenir shopping, you very well know that. 🙂
And that tells you why this post! I realized it’s another month and time to talk about the souvenirs collected from all over the world and what better time to show you something from Mauritius, from where I returned recently.
Beautifully woven colorful bags.
There are many markets and shopping malls in Mauritius, I’ll speak about Mauritian markets separately in another post. On one of the days I went to Caudan Waterfront complex. The place is very lively, with shopping arcades, live music, eating joints and restaurants, all with a backdrop of ships moored at the dock. One can also find a Craft Market, a casino and after a short walk, a local market as well.
I chose to go to the local market first & then to other places. The driver had shown me the way and that’s it. I was on my own.
Though I prefer to shop towards the end of my trip after having experienced the place, this time I started visiting markets from day one. Almost all my shopping happened here in Caudan Waterfront itself. It was raining and my hands were occupied holding two cameras and an umbrella! So the first thing I bought was a bag. Made of Sugarcane straws and Dodo motifs embroidered with colorful threads. You will find many women tourists carrying these bags which make a wonderful souvenir to remind you of beautiful Mauritius. For more pictures, visit Mauritius album on my Facebook page.
There are many other items made of sugarcane straw. All of us bought beautiful table mats and yes, you can bargain as well.
Postcards, key chains and fridge magnets.
Then I started my regular souvenir shopping. Bought some postcards, fridge magnets and key rings, all from different shops. Local Rum was bought on the last day from Duty free shop at the airport. There are so many varieties that I can write an exclusive post on that. 🙂 My favourite was coffee and chillie flavor.
I had exhausted all my local currency by then except for a few notes which would go in my collection. I had some Euros on me & happily utilized them.
Key chain from Mauritius.
I bought a few key chains that had shape of Mauritian map with background of Mauritian flag and foreground has their national bird Dodo. Truly Mauritian in every way !!
Souvenirs from Mauritius.
The best part of this day’s shopping was meeting a saleswoman of Indian origin. She was speaking better Hindi than I do! For your information, my mother tongue is Hindi and I write articles in Hindi as well!!
I have a short video of that shy woman, will talk about her in a separate post.
Question:- Do you also buy souvenirs? If yes, what is your favourite souvenir? If not, then why not? 🙂
P.S.- This is a monthly series exhibiting various souvenirs that I have picked up from my journeys across the globe. You can see more of them here.
If you want to travel places with me, I suggest you to join me on my Facebook travel page and Twitter.
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wow! I am amazed at your collection! How do you manage to buy and keep track of them?
Hi Nisha! Hope you are having a great holiday season! Sorry for the absence, but work and concerns are keeping me away from Blogtrotter… Anyhow, enjoy my latest post at Tobago, and have a great season!
Wish you all the best for 2014, hopefully better than 2013!
Shreya,
Well, I shop only for souvenirs so no problems there. 🙂
Trotter,
Glad to see you here after long!
Hope you & your wife are doing good.
I see there is a long list to buy in Mauritius.
I would prefer a couple of bottles of Rum, no doubt. 🙂
Ah I’m sure you’ll end up buying lot more than that. 🙂