What happens when you take the prefixKITESURF plus the suffix of FESTIVAL? You get KITEIVAL! What a cool word! And an even cooler event! Kiteival is the first and only of it’s kind, a unique kitesurfing festival where the competition is held in different stages around Mauritius.
KITE + SURF!
If you got to the KITEIVAL website, you will read that
Kiteival’s Technical Director is Nico Kux (Sindbad Ltd) our National Kite Instructor, IKO and BKSA Certified. Nico has introduced kite surf in Mauritius and organized several kite surf events and festivals. He has also successfully participated in international kite surf events and competitions.
He is assisted by Albert d’Unienville of Naïade Events who has a solid experience in the organization of major international and local (sports) events in Mauritius. With the support of Naïade Resorts, one of the leading hotel groups in the Indian Ocean, who owns resorts hotels strategically situated all around Mauritius, Kiteival has the full potential to become a fantastic annual kite surf event.
Unfortunately for you, the festival was in August (I probably should have said that sooner. Shame.) but on Friday 9th October (that’s THIS FRIDAY FYI) they’re having the KITEIVAL (man I love that word) OPEN NIGHT where you can enjoy a film and slideshow about the festival. And if you’re a girl, pick up some hot kitesurfer dude. And if you’re a dude, pick up some hot kitesurfer lady. Or dude. Whatever.
So get on over to the Grand Bay Yacht Club on Friday 9th. The film starts at 8, but I suggest getting there around 7 for happy hour when there’s a buy one get one free special on beer. Also, if you book in advance you can get a barbecue pack for Rs 265.
No, it’s the OCULUS! This, my little friends, is what we call a Super Yacht. And isn’t it super? The 250 ft pile of awesome was designed by Kevin Schöpfer, and while it is still only a concept, the Oculus is the flagship yacht (i’m sorry – Super Yacht) in Schöpfer’s new line.
Nice.
Schöpfer describes the Oculus as
Designed to accommodate 12 guests in extraordinary comfort and style, Oculus is a long distance cruising yacht capable of speeds upwards of 25 knots. The exterior styling is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals. Featuring a dramatic reverse bow configuration, the yacht’s armature balances an elegant expression of symmetry and structure. In addition to the bow, Oculus also features a “low rider profile”. This slightly lowered surface allows for new side recreational areas, alternate dockage access and light cruising openness. Lateral retractable side panels close this area when heavier wave action is indicated. The interior features of Oculus focus on a 12 foot high ceiling in the main salon, a cylindrical double height dining room, central stair and elevator tube, and seemingly anatomical ceiling and floor lighting extensions giving definition to the seating areas. The second level is the dedicated Owner’s suite. Living areas and bedchambers are divided by a series of four freestanding tubes, which house bath and storage necessities. In addition to the main common stair, the second Owner’s stair connects to the third level, a private salon and deck / water feature. The third level also contains the forward pilothouse and separate captain’s quarters. The generous open decks with separate water features are located forward and aft for convenient guest use.
A Low-Rider profile?? Well daaaaamn somebody’s gonna be getting some Wave Action! And I think the water feature’s a lovely touch…. even thought it might look a bit small when you’re travelling across The Ocean. Go HERE to order yours (it’ll only set you back about $95 Million).
I don’t enjoy negative writing about our island, and fortunately I don’t often have to. In the last month, however, there have been a number of attacks on residents, leaving them traumatized and making many of us begin to feel unsafe in what we thought was a secure community.
The fist attack happened to a friend of mine a few weeks ago as she was walking from Buddha Bar to Banana Bar in Grand Bay. A man came up to her and grabbed her, trying to drag her into his car. Fortunately a group of men came around the corner and scared him off. 3 Weeks later, another friend of mine was walking near her home in Pereybere when a white Toyota Corolla stopped beside her. A group of men wearing balaclavas and carrying a metal rod started intimidating her. Thinking that they wanted her bag, she dropped it, but they ignored it and tried to get her into their car. Fortunately she managed to run away from them.
Last weekend 2 more families became victims of increasingly violent crime. On Sunday evening, just after 7:30 acouple was sitting at home with their 3 year old granddaughter when 3 men entered and held them up at knife point. Once again, the men were in balaclavas, two of them holding sugar cane pangas and one of them with a knife which he held to the woman’s neck, while one of the others attacked her husband.
The couple was forced to hand over their electronics, money, documents etc and were then locked in a bathroom while the men fled. All of this happened in front of their grandchild, who ran upstairs and hid in her bedroom. Shockingly, it took four phone calls to the police to get a response!
Look, I know that there is crime everywhere, and that it generally rises during economic recessions, but it’s still quite shocking to see that even our little oasis is not safe. Islandlings, please be on high alert. Don’t walk alone after dark, and if you see dodgy cars lurking around your home, get out of there and report it to the police immediately! In both cases with the men in balaclavas the gangs were driving old white toyotas, so be on a look out for those. These are not isolated incidents, as many of you already know, burglaries have been increasing dramatically over the past year. It was only a matter of time before the criminals got more daring, and more violent. So please, please, please be AWARE and be SAFE!
For those of you who have been living under a rock since 2006, Thaifoon is one of the best restaurants Grand Bay has to offer. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable and the service is outstanding. I seriously don’t know how you have survived this long without tasting their famous angry duck…. mmmm…..
Luckily for you, they are a number of specials on at the moment. The first one is the Red & Black Special, however it ends at the end of the month, so move fast!
The Red & Black Special
Available on Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a large variety of Thai treats for either lunch or supper. What I love about this special is the variety in menu, instead of spending precious eating time deciding what you want, the pros at Thaifoon have put together a menu of delicious options, so you get to try everything! The menu is as follows:
SEAFOOD: Thai prawn spring rolls, Thai fish cakes, fish fillet satays, prawn satays, tuna sashimi, prawn and glass noodle salad in a china spoon (exceptional!), steamed prawn parcel served in a bamboo basket.
VEGETARIAN: Cheese & sweetcorn spring rolls, vegetable satays, vietnamese fresh springrolls (An IslandVibe favourite!), vegetable spring rolls.
POULTRY & RED MEAT: Chicken spring rolls, chicken satays, chicken sesame, steamed chicken parcels served in a bamboo basket, lamb satays, beef fillet satays
DESSERT: Chocolate spring rolls
Tell me that does not sound AMAZING?? And all of this for only Rs 550 a head folks. ALL OF IT. The clock is ticking people, I honestly don’t know why you are still reading this!
Ok maybe you have searched for “delicious thai food in mauritius” and this has brought you to IslandVibe (welcome). Maybe it is no longer September and your heart is breaking as you read through the specials you have missed. Maybe I can still help you.
Other Thaifoon Specials
All is not lost my friends! Thaifoon also continues to run their famous Lunchtime Specials every day, which will get you:
and my favourite…. Fresh vietnamese spring rolls: Rs 180
And don’t miss out on the Winter Specials where you can get
Large tom yum noodle soup with chicken and bean sprouts (you life is not complete until you taste this) for Rs 250
AND
Thai style yellow chicken curry with coconut cream for Rs 280.
Did I mention their cocktails are to Thai for?
Seriously, unless you’re looking for contacts to hire Thaifoon to cater a party or dinner at your house (see below) I DON’T KNOW WHY YOU ARE STILL READING AND NOT EATING.
XX Coco
Need directions? Thaifoon, Corner Topize & Royal Road, Grand Baie
Tel: 269 1110 Fax: 269 1169 Email: thaifoon@intnet.mu
Opening Hours: Lunch 11h30-14h30 (except Mondays)
Dinner: 18h45 till Late
MiniMal due to drunken disorderly conduct has been missing in action for quite some time but Island-Vibers, have no fear – the noctural animal is back and boy have I got parties and events for you that will see you shaking those tropical island booties till Tuesday!! Whoop whoop Monday is a Public holiday!!!
Start off this crazy winter weekend this FRIDAY at:
THE SHERITON, FOUR POINTS, EBENE
See you as from 19h00 at snazzy new hotel (thats the Sheriton, Four Points) where all that is expected of you is to chill and relax with a cocktail while socialising with the beautiful vibers of this island.
Oooh and to put the olive in your martini, Avneesh (resident DJ from Supperclub Singapore) will be mixing up a round of tunes from Jazzanova to Frankie Knuckeles to St Germain.
So kick start your party weekend in “the lavish vibes of this rare eclectic goodness” – sounds fancy, huh?!
Once you’ve done shmoozing the cocktails head over to :
KEOPS PUB, also in EBENE For some ass-shaking fun. BURNTSIDE will be performing at KEOPS as from 22h30 and Rs100 gets you in. Gotta be honest I have no idea who BURNTSIDE is but if its in the name of art, music and fun, I say what the hell…. try it out!!
LES ENFANTS TERRIBLE, GRAND BAIE Hows this for a new concept: Dj Phoenix, Kan and Kevin O’keeffe are working together to promote 3 new dj’s where they will be recording their sets of Tribal / Fidget-Electro / Vocal Progression LIVE (will also be avaliable online!) in the NEW dark room at Les Enfants.
The new dj’s and set / recording times are:
Follblack : 00h30 – 01h30
Chris Wonder : 01h30 – 02h30
Christine Rougé : 02h30 – 03h30
What’s really cool is that if you are a talented DJ and what a shot at a spot in the lazer light, contact PHOENIX CORP djphoenix2004@hotmail.com to set up your recording / set space.
So get down there and show your support for the up and coming talents of Maurizzle – Big Up YEAH
STYLING SATURDAY offers a Fashion Show – ooooooohh
GLAMORIA 2009 (ooooooooh) click here to read all about it!
Watch these gorgeous Indian beauties strut their stuff at the Intercontinental Mauritius Resort in Balaclava Fort from 19h30.
It’s the see and be seen, so yes come dressed smart and don’t forget to put on that fashion glam we know you Islanders have.
Tickets available at all MADO Parfums shops, Game, Edition Le Printemps, Dharna Hassija & Indya Vogue boutique, and this better be a fantastic event because they ‘ain’t cheap! Rs 1500 (GOLD – Show + Dinner) / RS 900 (SILVER – Show)
BONUS for Facebook users: All those who are reserving their tickets via facebook and confirming their attendance will have a discount of 25-30% – the updated guest list will be sent to all the ticket selling points (only @ ‘MADO Parfums’ shops). You will just have to give your name followed with your ID card as proof, and you can buy the tickets at promotional price as from Wednesday 19th August 2009
SHAKIN’ SUNDAY at THE GODFATHER, GRAND BAIE
DANCE IN THE CITY dance school presents BELLY DANCE, BOLLYWOOD, HIP-HOP and SALSA with, yes, you know I like this… promo prices on DRINKS associated to each dance… OOOH sounds like FUN! We’ll be drinking and dancing around the world in 800 minutes! For more info check out www.thegodfatherclub.com or infoline : 263 3000
MONDAY MAYHEM!
Now to end the Public holiday with a bang and start Tuesday like a hanging bitch (would have it no other way)… My ultimate party of parties….
We’ll be taking it back to when my heart was eclipsed, 99 red balloons went by and when video killed the radio star -
YEAH TOTALLY!!!
It’s….
an…
80’s PARTY!!! WHEEEEEE!!!
All happening at ZANZIBAR, GRAND BAIE. Rs200 gets you in and prizes for the best dressed!!
So what the hell, let down those mullets, tease that hair, put on your leg-warmers and give us a flash – dance!!
Remember now Vibesters!! Take your liver tablets, stock up on your Red-bull and have a hell of a weekend!!
Will be seeing you next Wednesday or Thursday (once I’ve managed to crawl out of my hole!)
It’s the weekend baby! Unfortunately Minimal is out of action (read: hungover) so this week’s weekend roundup comes to you courtesy of yours truly. I hope you’re ready because it’s gonna be a biggie.
Friday
There’s a lot of action tonight, so plan wisely. My suggestion is that you begin your evening at Ngyone for an Absolut Shark Experience. Shark is the new energy drink being launched by Scott so what better way to kick-start your night?
Get ready for French GoGo dancers, a Billabong fashion show, fantastic house music, giveaways and an energy-filled party!
Another big party is at GodfatherWhere ROUHANGEZE will be launching her new album, with ERIC TRITON also making an appearance. Doors open at 9, and tickets are Rs 200, so head on over and show your support!
Saturday
Saturday’s weather forecast is hot and sunny, so why not head on over to the beach? Then head on over to the Patch and Parrot in Point aux Cannonieres for a bit Tri Nations rugby action. South Africa will be playing New Zealand in Durban. The game starts at 7pm and big game like this should have the place packed, so I strongly recommend contacting Shaun and booking a table: SEAN +230 972 2470 • EMAIL: info@patchnparrot.com
I am so helpful, aren’t I?
Then there’s another BLUESTEEL KLUBBING GEAR party at SHOUT/SHOTZ (The terrace) in Flic en Flac, and we all know how those go…aijaijai… Party starts at 10pm with international DJs performing. Tickets are Rs 350 presold, and Rs 450 if you buy them at the door. Get your tickets at:
PIZZADOTKOM-BEAU BASSIN-4540293
MC N BEN-BEAU BASSIN-4675849
PARADISE CAFE-ORCHARD
MAGASIN AU PRINTEMPS-QUATRES BORNES
And don’t throw them away! Save them to be entered into the lucky draw where you can win up to Rs 3000m worth of Bluesteel clothing!
Phew. Looks like we’re going to need a weekend to recover from this weekend. Enjoy it. Be safe.
The post looks at the question that many SA expats have been faced with lately: Are there too many SA Expats, or any expats for that matter, living in Mauritius. Are locals feeling invaded?
Personally I have been confronted with this question on a few occasions. How have I answered? Well it’s a hard one. Firstly I need to decide if I see myself as Mauritian or South African. I was born in SA and my passport is south african, but I grew up and have lived on this island since I was 6. My second language is French, not Afrikaans. My parents are Mauritian citizens. At the same time, I cannot ignore my ties to South Africa either. I suppose I consider myself a hybrid. The Prius of the People, if you will…
In his article, the Captain says of the recent surge in new SA expats,
“The effect is that one hears and sees South Africans everywhere. The local Mauritian has that overrun feeling. It doesn’t help that South Africans are very often loud, brash and culturally dof when it comes to Mauritius…..a number of resident South Africans set at about 3000 which is about triple the pre-flood number.
Is this too many?
Ask any Mauritian and he will say there are too many South Africans in Mauritius. Ask any South African in Mauritius and he will ask ‘What’s the problem?’
The problem, in my personal view, is complex and mostly emotional.
I can totally understand the Mauritian who stands in his empty restaurant looking at the packed one run by a South African accross the road.
I can totally understand the Mauritian lawyer who sees new South African lawyers eating away at all the juicy corporate clients.
I can totally understand the Mauritian Estate Agent watching as the South African competitors engulf the market.
These and other South African success stories show the positive side of South African competition, raising the stakes, improving the service, doing stuff that wasn’t done in Mauritius.
Unless you are the loser in this competition…….The real problem is that it is now very easy to blame all bad things on South Africans. This helps us to give order to our Mauritian world. Politicians find it extremly convenient to blame these new settlers in Mauritius on a mulitude of ills and their electorate is only too pleased to agree.
The intellectual half of my brain acknowledges that South Africans have brought a lot of money, skills and ideas to Mauritius. The emotional half of my brain wants to kick some of them out, particularly the slow adjusters.”
The article has provoked a number of mixed emotions. Have a look at the comments. On one hand, people love the article, saying “Fabulous! I honestly think this is the best piece I have read in ages! Great! Great! Great!” while on the other hand the article has offended people, such as Anonymous who wrote, “…I believe you should withdraw your article and apologise to those South Africans presently in Mauritius trying to do what you did here 16 years ago…”
What do you all think? Has mauritius been overrun? Or is there room and opportunity for everybody?
In other news…there is a total solar eclipse predicted for Wednesday. Wicked cool except we won’t be able to see it. Isn’t it funny how every time there is a natural phenomenon predicted, someone out there gets the heebie-jeebies and causes a bit of a panic?
Rad!
There have been a number of emails circulating warning people that the eclipse will cause a tsunami, such as:
“Hello there. I just wanted 2 let you know that please stay away from the beaches all around in the month of July. There is a prediction that there will be another tsunami hitting on July 22nd. It is also when there will be sun eclipse. Predicted that it is going 2 be really bad and countries like Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak), Singapore, Maldives, Australia, Mauritius, Si Lanka, India, Indonesia, Philippines are going 2 be badly hit. Please try and stay away from the beaches in July. Better 2 be safe than sorry. Please pass the word around. Please also pray for all beings.”
Come on people. Seriously? Firstly, tsunamis are caused by earthquakes and not eclipses. Secondly, while astronomers are able to predict eclipses, earthquakes are much more stealthy. And thirdly, if you don’t believe me, have a look at what NASA’s Dr. James Foster has to say:
Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions do indeed occur at times of eclipses. But records show that they occur with no greater frequency or power than on days when full Moons or new Moons occur (without eclipses), when all the planets line up on the same side of the Sun or on days when the Moon is in a crescent or gibbous phase. As special as eclipses are, they simply don’t have a known impact on any geophysical phenomena.
The guy is a rocket scientist. I would trust a rocket scientist over some douche who writes 2 instead of to any day. So I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna be spending Wednesday at the beach. Where I will be listening to this:
You may have seen the billboards around town, and finally it’s here: the first english daily online newspaper in Mauritius! That’s right, our little island just got a little more cyber-savvy. Personally I am thrilled about this, I think the french papers on the island are of a pretty high standard but as far as english ones go, we have been seriously lacking. But not anymore! Now we are cracka-lacking!
Subscribe to NewsNow now (yes NOW) for free and you’ll automatically be entered into a lucky draw and stand a chance to win a 32″ LCD screen, an iPOD Classic or a digital camera. NEATO! But do it fast because the prize draw is at the end of August. Don’t believe me? Check out the flyer:
sounds fancy, huh?!
