Arrived late Tuesday evening, January 10th, 1989, via Air Mauritius MK743 from Singapore via Kuala Lumpur.

Arriving late at night there's not really a chance to look around. Escorted from the towering entry hall to our suite, we're tired from our flight, so call roomservice, then sleep.

Woken early by some machine outside, and it's spraying for insects ! The sky is clear, birds are singing, the air is warm, let's explore !

Early morning walks took me around the extensive grounds and neighbouring areas, where I also visited another luxurious hotel being built. The ocean is calm, there is plenty of vegitation, and no wonder this is a sought-after holiday destination from Europe.

The beach, clean and sparkling. Plenty of shade under thatched shelters. The warm water not too deep for Charlene, either, and she found it rather 'funny' that her mum would join the topless bathers on the beach. Most bothersome ? Hawkers selling puffer-fish lampshades.

By the hotel pool there is a small kiosk preparing endless pancakes, with a huge choice of toppings. Very popular with Charlene who has never had it so good. Very few children here, and most guests are European, dressing in style with plenty of jewellery for late dinners. I've become acutely aware of how the staff are perceived, and observe staff 'rallies' pool-side wondering if these talks compensate for lack of common courtesy like a 'please' or 'thank you'.

Now the part I've been so looking forward to, and one of the reasons we're visiting this island. The diving ! Most of the well-known diving spots are to the north of the island, yet arriving so late at night, far smarter to stay someplace closer to the airport and make the trip once jet-lag has worn off.

So Thursday, armed with my 'taucher logbuch' todays group from the Karl-Heinz Berger diving school drive up north to Grand Baie ? with soft white sand where little boats bobbed on the sparkling Indian Ocean. There had been a cyclone off the coast a few days earlier, so visibilty was not expected to be as good as usual.

First dive was off Coral head - 40 minutes, to 18m. (65ft) where the towering wall of coral was not only stunning - a little frightening with all the shadows and crevices. Plenty of fish, too - and with the strong swell, we tended to stay close together rather than lose sight of one another.

After lunch we headed off again - Pere-bere. The sea was choppy, swell had increased, making the 13m dive heavier going with us all surfacing after 50 minutes for the trip back to the beach, the van, and then back to the hotel.

Apart from the sporting facilities here, there is also a beauty service offering facials and massages. Booking myself in, it's the most incredible experience ! The massuese describes her training in France, and it's like a hundred butterflies assaulting my body. Unique, and I never did learn the name of this unforgettable technique.

Decided to check-out early, allowing plenty of time for the trip back to the airport to organise collection of the video camera.

Just as well - not only was it a rather terrifying ride - hurtling at break-neck speed around winding roads while the surrounding countryside flashed past in a blur - we also had to stop to change a tyre.

Very pleasant stay, excellent service.

Departed Friday morning 13th. January, '89 Air Mauritius MK851 for Durban, South Africa.

How far is it ? 1790 miles (2880 km) - 3 hrs. 30 mins.