The Maldives – What you didn’t know.

” Things you didn’t know about the Maldives”

The Maldives, is to many of us the utopian definition of paradise – miles of white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and 365 days of sunshine each year. You’d be absolutely right picturing the Maldives as such. But did you know that alcohol cannot be purchased in the capital city of Malé? Or that the great majority of establishments are closed on Fridays; that the Maldivian weekend isn’t actually your typical Saturday and Sunday? Here’s some interesting and yet lesser-known aspects of this dream destination

— Alcohol is banned

The Maldives is an Islamic nation which means that alcohol is banned for the local population. There are practically no bottle shops around nor can you purchase alcohol in restaurants. That being said, the resorts will have an endless supply as well as an extensive variety.

** Tip:

You cannot bring alcohol into the Maldives. If you have purchased alcohol from your previous destination, your item will be seized at the airport.
Carry your passport with you at all times. As it is illegal to serve alcohol to locals, make sure you have a valid ID with you if you’re wanting to consume some

— “Spice Spice baby”

Traditional Maldivian food is Spiiicy! It is DELICIOUS and full of flavour – but it is HOT. If you’re anything like me in that aspect and can’t take too much heat, make sure to ask your waiter if it’s possible to tone it down a notch. The Maldives also serves a large range of international food too so your appetite will be satisfied, no matter what.

— City life, not as you know it

Most of us think of cities as “big” – have their fair share of employment opportunities, shopping centres and skyscrapers. Malé, the capital city of the Maldives does not meet those expectations. The great majority of locals live on resort islands working in the hospitality industry. Tourism is indeed the largest GDP contributor with 90% of government taxes and import duties flowing in from the industry. There are barely any skyscrapers or shopping malls. Instead, Malé acts like a port with a prominent fish market – oh and you can grab some delicious thirst-quenching coconuts there too.

— Prayers and Friday is a sacred day

By now, we know that the Maldives follow the Islamic religion. This implies that Friday is a sacred day – even more so than your long-awaited FriYaY celebrations!! Maldivians pray 5 times per day every day – at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and night. Bearing that in mind, prayer is usually at 5am, 11am, 3pm, 6pm and 7pm – this does vary depending on the season. Shops and other establishments are closed for about 15/20mins at prayer times.

** Tip:

If you’re wanting to “live like a local” and experience Malé, please be aware that a lot of establishments, if not all are closed on Fridays. Others will only open later in the afternoon, think around 3/4pm
As per be culturally sensitive – take note of any prayer times and pay respect to this highly religious population

— When are the weekends?

Following what I’ve mentioned above, the Maldivian weekend is actually on Friday and Saturday. Shops, government institutions and banks are closed on those days or open late. Their typical week is from Sunday to Thursday.

** Tip:

If you’re needing to exchange foreign currency on the weekend, the Maldivian weekend, the bank is most likely going to be closed. No need to worry though, your resort and most places accept USD. Most locals working on resorts as well expats are more often than not paid in USD.

— Symbols of religion

We’ll jump straight into a tip on this one! Take note that symbols of other religions is strictly illegal – think statues such as buddhas, medals such as Jesus Cross and holy books such as the bible. Please refrain yourself from bringing those into the country. It will be destroyed.

** Fun fact for the road

— Pets aren’t allowed

Due to religion, Maldivians aren’t allowed to have dogs. Domesticated dogs are prohibited. You will, however, notice strays. While locals aren’t allowed to own them, they have always appeared friendly towards strays.

=== How do I know this? ===

From experience! I was very lucky to work for The One&Only, Reethi Rah over the summer holidays of university in 2017. One and Only has to be THE essence of luxury. Their guest list is impressive – think the Beckhams (David is really friendly! Whenever he visits, he plays soccer with the staff), Jason Statham (the lead actor for the Transporter movie series) and the King of Saudi just to name a few. My dad also worked as an expat account executive for 3 years and has become quite accustomed with all the little things that make the Maldives a unique beach destination

Ps IMPORTANTLY, Locals are SUPER friendly and welcoming !! 😀

How to cure your travel bug?

Let’s be real, not being able to travel is hard and “can’t wait to walk down the aisle” has taken on a whole new meaning now. While our feet itch to be back on the road again, reality is – it might still be a little while until we can (afford) to go back out on our next big adventure. So instead, I’ve compiled a list of ways to satisfy your wanderlust that won’t require you going too far nor break the bank.

1. Go for a Walk

You’ll be surprised what a breath of fresh air can do! Take your furr baby for walkies, bring along your housemate or go by yourself. To start the day on the right foot, I tend to go in the am. It is the perfect time for me to set my goals for the day, listen to a motivational podcast and boost my energy levels. Exercise and intention – hit two birds with one stone. Afternoon walks are also a great way to help you unwind after a long day behind the desk.
Top tip: Take a different route every now and then – It will avoid you getting bored!

2. Whip up some Exotic Cuisine

What about travelling get’s you the most excited? My gut tells me 8/10 times “food” or “local cuisine” will make the cut . While we may not be able to travel to Thailand or Italy right now; we certainly can trick our tastebuds into thinking we are already there. Crack open that recipe book you bought ages ago, browse YouTube or simply head to the supermarket and follow the recipe on the back of a spice mix paste! My personal fave is “Five Tastes” – you can purchase them from Woolies and Coles.
Top tip: You could also just order take away from a small local business – keeps the economy running plus you won’t have to wash up afterwards.

3. Learn a new Language

I’ve always been into languages – there’s something about accents and our ability to speak more than one language that I find fascinating! Nothing compares to being in a busy crowd of locals speaking a foreign language. Now with more time on our hands, why not challenge yourself to a new language? Maybe French or Japanese? Try Duolingo – it is free, simple to use and you’ll learn just what you need to get by on your next holiday.
Top tip: Don’t be too harsh on yourself – you don’t have to be 100% fluent 🙂

4. Take in Travel Content

There’s so much travel content out there – you’ll find something that tickles your fancy. After something relaxing that doesn’t require 100% focus? Jump on YouTube or Netflix. Max and I’s all time favourite show combines British humour and unique travel experiences. It follows comedian Jack Whitehall and his father on their travel journeys – there’ll be giggles, there’ll be tears of joy; it is truely brilliant if you ask me!

If food is the reason you travel and you’d like to delve into it beyond what you can cook at home; check out Mark Wein’s Youtube channel. He’ll show you everything from street food to Michellin Star restaurants to village local dishes. I salivate each time I watch one of his videos!

You could also become an armchair tourist, read travel blogs and travel books. Whether it is speaking from experience (like my blogs are) or fictional; reading is a great way to immerse yourself and learn more about a different country and their culture.

Top tip: Just find something you love!

5. Reminisce your past travels

Since the great majority of borders are closed at the moment, why not take a trip down memory lane. Make a scrapbook, post on social media, look at your old pictures and the bits and bobs you’ve collected from your past travels. Reliving your past travels will make you feel grateful for the times we could travel plus it will give us more to look forward to.

I personally LOVE having hard coping pictures – call me old fashioned but to me nothing compares to having memories I can physically hold. I’m also the type to collect lots of souvenirs from my travels! If you’re more into tech and social media, try making a video using Pixgram – it’s an app that’ll allow you to make a custom video photo slideshow.

6. Plan your Next Trip (no matter how close to home it may be)

Last but definitely not least – Plan your next trip. I’m a big planner, I will have a list, a day by day itinerary and a budget to work around with. I love being prepared and I love finding new places to explore! Start thinking about where you would like to go next once restrictions lift and international travel is back in the cards.

If you’re not thinking of going overseas anytime soon, that’s okay too. Maybe an interstate trip will do the trick or perhaps New Zealand! I hear we may be able to visit our fellow Kiwis quite soon. While you’re there, be sure to not miss seeing the Quokkas – the “world’s most cheerful animal” has a constant grin – they will surely lift up your spirits.

What if you don’t have a couple of weeks to spare but want a travel bug fix ASAP? Becoming a tourist in your own area can be more exciting than we give it credit for- think picnic at the park, stroll at the beach or perhaps walk by the river. You won’t have to go too far and it’ll be budget friendly.

If a day trip won’t cut it and you’ve got a few days to spare, how about a camping trip? Most of us have some sort of camping gear at home and if you don’t, Kmart has some affordable options! My top two locations are Captain Logan (Lake Wivenhoe) and Boreen Point Campground (Noosa Holiday Parks) – both have great facilities. I’m also planning a trip to Fingal Caravan Park at the end of this month!

That’s it folks! If you have any other suggestions that have worked for you, comment below. And remember, we will travel again so it’s never too early to start planning!

Being a travel professional during COVID-19 – How does it feel?

If there is one thing you should know about me is that I LOVE travelling – it is an integral part of who I am. Ever since I was seven, I have been overseas at least once every. single. year. All of my greatest memories involve travelling; from the first time I landed at the world’s best airport to the slice of heaven tucked away at Rapala Rockwood Resort in Thailand and that magical horse drawn carrriage experience in Cork, Ireland.

While travelling has come to a stand still due to COVID-19; as a travel professional (and as an adept traveller myself), I ask us all to remember why we love travelling. We love travelling for the mouth watering food, the breathtaking sights but most importantly for the lifetime friends we meet along the way.

During this challenging time, I urge you to keep in mind (and in your heart) the countless number of phenomenal people behind this well oiled industry – the travel agents, tour operators, guides and local communities.

Being a travel professional during COVID-19 is challenging to say the least but we are passionate! I can assure you we put in our blood, sweat and (many) tears to support you. We feel you. Many of us have had months of travel plans disrupted too. We understand your disappointment and that sinking feeling of being lost and powerless. We are on your side; we are here to help.

For all the families that rely solely on tourism, I urge you to postpone. For when it’s safe out there; they will welcome you with open arms. The community of travellers is tight knit and now more than ever, we need to stay together.

I invite you to think of the core meaning behind hospitality – In Ancient Greece, receiving kindness from a stranger was a right and yet a sense of reciprocity was still expected. What I am trying to say here is, please show respect and compassion to the person on the other side of the line. We are doing our absolute best to keep your dreams and ours alive.

Our next trip might be months from now; but we will travel again. The travel industry isn’t going anywhere – we’ve survived the SARS outbreak in 2002, the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 and 9/11. We will get through COVID-19. The travel industry is the definition of resilience; it will bounce back! And when this is all over, we shall see you all at the aiport.

Things to do (and play) at Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park

Ireland — A new favourite.

I am ever thankful for the life enriching experiences working for TourRadar has brought me. A few weeks ago, I came back from a free trip to Ireland. I would’ve never imagined touring to be *this* enjoyable – Brendan Vacations sure did not disappoint. Every single detail perfectly organised, absolutely fuss free and in no rush. On all levels, 10/10 recommend!

From the breathtaking sceneries, the exquisite accommodation, the fine dining to the heart warming cultural exchanges and ever so friendly local hosts; this Brendan Vacations trip ticked all the boxes. While I do not possess the right words to express how grateful I am, I would like to lay out the some of the highlights of this trip.

1. Unique experiences

Celtic nights at the Arlington Hotel (Dublin)

A great first introduction to Irish folk on our second night in Dublin. Live Celtic music and Irish dance, everything you would expect but yet SO MUCH MORE. The lead singer, Iandrew kept his crowd well entertained with songs inspired by forced migration and nagging wives while the dancers tapped the night away. This show is an absolute amongst tourists and locals alike. Be sure to not miss this hot spot at the heart of Dublin city for a night of pure joy and laughter.

** Entry includes a 3 course Irish dinner (and there’s a hip bar next door) — doesn’t get any better.

Guiness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery (Dublin)

I’m not a big drinker myself but man did I enjoy that Jameson Whisky Ginger Ale concoction! To be fair, I smashed the whisky on its own too :V. If you think you’re not a fan of whiskey maybe it is because you haven’t had Jameson 😛 While Guiness beer isn’t of my taste, various quirky advertisements they had had over the years peaked my interest. The industrial style multi-storey steel- framed building painted in bright blue is quite unique. Both visits were a tickle to my olfactory senses.

Muckross House (Killarney)

The Be My Guest experience from this trip was particularly wholesome – three course farm cooked dinner with TWO desserts, two professional Irish music performers, a toasty fireplace and great company in a cosy setting. We learnt how butter was made back in the early 1920s and even got to roll our own butter balls. This experience felt very genuine and unstaged.
** All Trafalgar tours include unique “Be My Guest” experiences that allows their guests to help small businesses and keep local traditions alive – this is the real deal **

2. The Sights

Horse drawn carriage in Killarney National Park (Killarney)

Easily one of the most scenic and magical experiences of my life (literally) – Crisp weather, the enchanting clip clop of horse hooves, expanse of lush green forest and a chatty local who wasn’t low on dad jokes. This ride was the perfect surprise activity and a great way for us to grasp all the beauty of the Killarney National Park. If you get the chance to visit Killarney, you cannot miss this.

Blarney Castle and Gardens (Cork)

The Blarney Castle and Gardens is yet another must do when in Ireland. The gift of the gab isn’t for the faint at heart – visitors are to climb a distinctively steep, narrow and slippery all-stone staircase. Once at the top, you hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the Stone of Eloquence – true adrenaline rush! The gardens is where there is more than meets the eye – amongst the poisonous plants, waterfalls, woodlands, lakes, rivers and extensive range of centuries old trunks you will be taken back in time and perhaps even made to believe fairylands exist.

Cliffs of Moher (County Clare)

We were blessed by the mild weather of the early Irish spring when we went out to the Cliffs. The Cliffs of Moher is a sight to behold, we were literally on the verge of being blown away . A place where your heart just feels at ease and all worries seem to vanish into thin air. However, we were reminded countless times of the power of nature – unfortunately each year the cliffs see a few deaths caused by visitors getting too close to the edge.

3. The Hotels

The Imperial Hotel (Cork)

This centrally located boutique hotel is the epitome of city luxury. With a high accent on history, their quintessentially French Chic cafe Lafayette and the crystal chandelier are definite eye catchers. The bedrooms and ensuite emanate royalty with plush pillows and quilts, old school sinks and touches of gold here and there. I surely have acquired a taste for old school royal from this visit!

The Dromoland Castle (County Clare)

Good, Lord! The grandeur of this establishment blew me away — the level of luxury, service and attention to detail is to no compare. An array of activities and facilities entertain guests; from archery to falconry, world class golf course and spa treatments. You can bike ride or boat across the lake to explore the property. The high ceilings in the rooms, the large windows, the spacious bathroom, the lush linens! And don’t get me started on the gourmet dinner – THE most succulent dishes one could have; the textures and balance of flavours DELICOUS! Felt like true royalty on our last night.

You often hear people complaining how cold and wet the weather is in Ireland, but it is all well worth it . The Irish are one of the warmest, funniest and kindest people I’ve ever met on my travels. I cannot sell Ireland enough. While travelling has come to a halt, I am blessed to have Ireland as my latest destination. We will travel again, maybe not next week or next month but we will travel again – and when we do, keep the Isle of Skye and TourRadar in mind.

Noosa – Our Beloved Getaway, Where to Stay?

Au Natural to Epitome of luxury – I’ve tested them out!

Don’t we all need a staycation from time to time? Noosa is always top of list for South East Queenslanders when it comes to local getaways. This lovely town bursting with Sea, Sand and sunshine along with an array of quirky cafés is less than 2 hours drive away from the CBD – couldn’t ask for more really.

Besides the chase for delicious food, a comfortable sleeping space is essential. That being said, you don’t have to always spend a fortune to have a good night’s sleep! Max and I stayed at a campsite that cost us AUD$30 a night as well as a at 4 bedroom, 3 patios and 3 bathrooms mansion for close to AUD$650 a night

Below I review 3 options with varying price points —

BOREEN POINT CAMPGROUND (this is our favourite!)

Address: 1 Esplanade, Boreen Point QLD 4565- 155km North from Brisbane
Cost: 30$ per night in unpowered site
Amenities: Hot showers and flush toilets + camp kitchen + pub

Book here your next Noosa Holiday Park getaway!

Less than 30 mins away from the hustle and bustle of Noosaville and crowded Noosa Heads – this campground is a slice of paradise.
Ideal bush and beach break destination with shaded sites. There’s pockets of clear shallow water and long stretches of fine white sand less than 25m from camping sites; AND dogs are allowed!

This must’ve been one of the most relaxing places we’ve been to – We’ve never slept so peacefully! I must say that Max and I have a decent set up – we’ve got a Queen AeroBed Active as well as a rechargeable AeroBreeze portable fan; both bought from TentWorld

The staff are very friendly and the amenities are clean and functional.
The camp pub does the trick with chef’s specials, Sunday roast and crisp tap beers.

Highly recommend Boreen Point Campground for hassle free family getaways including furrbabies! If you’re after “toes in the sand, afternoon bevvies at the pub and a relaxing atmosphere that won’t break the bank”; look no further – Boreen Point Campground is for you!!

2. HABITAT NOOSA – EVERGLADES ECOCAMP

Address: 204 Lake Flat Rd, Boreen Point QLD 4565
Cost: From AUD$150 per night in a Wilderness tent (sleeps up to 4 in 4 bunkbeds) or AUD$250 per night in a Paperbark tent (large double bed with private bathroom)
Amenities: Spacious bathroom facilities including hot showers and flush toilets + fancy pub + establishment runs Noosa Everglades Cruises

Book here for your ultimate Australian Everglades experience!

If you’re torn between “getting back to nature” and comfort, look no further – Habitat Noosa is for you! The tents have huge ‘windows’ that allow you to see your surroundings- if you’re lucky you might even have a peak (and a pat) of the local kangaroo! The grass on the camp site is nicely trimmed and the facilities are up to standard. Whilst the public bathrooms are of traditional camping style; there are quite a few of them so there are almost no wait times for the hot showers. They also have no timers which allow for longer showers.

They offer delicious food at the pub including a succulent Sunday roast and cater for dietary requirements. Impressively, they even make their own Artesian beer – 8 types of fresh world class beer brewed on site!

The Noosa Everglades Cruise is also pretty impressive. You get to kayak and swim in serene clear emerald fresh waters and even some treats up for morning tea!

Habitat Noosa is a great option if you want a bush getaway with a great level of comfort. It also accommodates very well families with children due to its rooming arrangements, unique activities and variety in their food/drink menu

3. COOLUM BEACH – LUXURY AIRBNB

Address: 9 Elly Circuit, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
Cost: AUD$650 per night
Amenities: Open plan living over three levels, 3 patios/decks, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms
Super host Grey is very friendly and attentive to guests’ needs

All pictures courtesy of Greg’s listing on Airbnb. Click here to book your most luxurious home away from home break!

Fantastic space for a large group gathering! Max and I rented this luxury home whilst my parents came over to Brisbane in Nov 2019. If your goal is to impress (the future in laws in Max’s case), this airbnb will surely tick the boxes!! The open plan living allows for easy interaction and rooms filled with natural light; the top quality kitchen appliances paired with Max’s chef skills offered up for a sumptuous lamb roast.

The decks and patios were ideal spots to have breakfast with stunning views. We were able to watch the sunset as Max was cooking us a feast! The third level that nests the master bedroom offers a breathtaking panorama of the hinterland which also opens onto a small balcony.

Equally important, Greg, the host of our Airbnb is very friendly and of caring nature. It had stormed over our weekend stay and Greg would check in to ensure we still had power and were all well. He also messaged a couple of hours before our arrival to ensure he would be there to meet and greet us.

While this AirBnB isn’t cheap, it definitely delivered the value we expected.

All in all, Noosa and its surroundings has something for everybody – Whether you like to be by a tranquil lake, are on a low budget or prefer to be closer to the main city, have a taste for luxury or enjoy crisp artesian beers on tap; Noosa has it all.

Mauritius Who??

* Souvenirs; Fresh vegetables; Herbal leaves* snaps taken by my mum 🙂

“Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius.” – Mark Twain

Having moved to Brisbane over 5 years ago now, I haven’t had a chance to go back since then. It is ridiculously expensive to get to considering it isn’t *that* far – from AUD$2,200. I definitely feel an increased level of appreciation for my island home. So here’s below a bit of an appreciation post – a run down of the what *is* Mauritius, who we are and what to explore.

Whenever I meet new people, I often get asked; “what are you”? **inserts very confused facial expressions**. To be completely honest, this question has never offended me; in fact it’s always made me grin. Truth be told, I do look Asian so it is *very* easy for people to mistakenly assume that I am Malaysian instead of Mauritian (especially because both sound quite similar). To be fair, you won’t often hear someone say they are from Mauritius either; there aren’t that many of us to start with – 1.25 million inhabitants.

So, what does a Mauritian look like? We are the rainbow 🙂 Mauritius is a multi cultural, multi racial island! While the great majority of the population is made up of Hindus, about a quarter of us are Creoles of African descent. Interestingly, there is also a small number of Sino-Mauritians **this is what I am** of Chinese descents as well as Franco – Mauritians. You might recognise the last ethnic group as having a very close spelling resemblance to France/French – you’re not incorrect! In fact, Mauritius was colonised by the French (and the British) – which brings me to the next topic;

How do you say that in Mauritian?

Mauritians speak a myriad of languages – English, French, Mauritian Creole, a range of Indian languages like Bhojpuri, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil as well as some Chinese dialects. Most citizens are considered bilingual while a significant number also speak more than two languages. For instance, I am fluent in English, French and Mauritian Creole (I also took Spanish Classes in high school, which wasn’t too hard and Mandarin at Uni, which unfortunately I was rather terrible at)

* literally translated as small foot over big foot – its basically saying someone is laid back and care free ; commenting on a hard working individual where the job would ‘end/finish/take the life out of him/her*

More than just beaches

I think it’s of upmost importance to point out that Mauritius is so much more than miles of white sandy beaches. While it is one of our most widely known attractions, Mauritius is the good (great) different in other ways.

Striking natural beauty

Get mesmerised by the endless fields of swaying sugar canes, refreshing gorges and thundering waterfalls that you’ll encounter on long hikes, lush rainforest and deep valleys where macaques dangle and tropical flowers flourish. Let’s also not forget Chamarel – la terre sept couleurs (seven coloured earth geopark) & its waterfalls. The rest of our natural landscape doesn’t fall behind the stretches of wide sand along the coast.

*Seven coloured earth geopark; Chamarel hike, Chamarel waterfall; Bois Cheri tea plantation*

Made in Maurice – Local booze, teas and traditional biscuit

We produce our own – Phoenix beer & Chamarel Rum (yes there’s even crafty alcohol here!). The production of local tea and biscuit come with a rich heritage – Both have been family run for many decades. The factories have kept a very high focus on manual labour and all products are traditionally ‘home-made’. NOTHING compares to the scent of freshly baked manioc biscuit! All manioc biscuits are preservative, additives and colouring free – they are made from manioc, sugar, milk powder; that’s it! If you get a chance to visit Mauritius, Bois Cheri tea estate and Biscuiterie Rault (Manioc biscuit factory) should definitely be on the top of your bucket list.

*Phoenix beer; Chamarel spirits; Bois Cheri tea and plantation*

What do we do for a living?

Mauritius is doing pretty well for a tiny island with a developing economy! Our unemployment rate is below 7.5 with forecasts projecting decreasing rates over the next 10 years. Mauritius is actually the most competitive economy in the African region 💪

The tourism industry is definitely one of the main pillars of our economy. I personally believe that it is in our culture to be warm. Mauritians are by nature very welcoming and have perfected the art and essence of being hospitable. From the moment you set foot on this paradise island, you will feel like royalty.

*Chinatown festival; Cavadee festival; Traditional Sega dance; Fishermen*

We’re major Foodies – Fusion food

Craving hot garlic naan? – we got it; drooling at the idea of some fragrant sweet sour pork over jasmine rice – got that too; wood fired margherita pizza – check ✔️; rich saucy meaty shawarma – check and check ✔️✔️

We’re very lucky to have such a wide variety of cuisines in Mauritius. While we have foods from literally all continents, there’s a few dishes you cannot miss;

** We like it Spicy! So here’s a useful expression to get you by

Creole: Eski ou kapav pa fer manze-la tro for, siouple ?
English: Can you please not make it too spicy?

*Teas&Spices & Chilli from bazaar snapped by mum; Mine Frite from restaurant.mu*

Mine Frite (aka fried noods)

This has got to be every Mauritian’s favourite asian twist dish. You can get it on the streets, you can get it at your small local joint, you can get it at your upmarket restaurant. It is everywhere and everyone wants it! Essentially its fried noodles with a bunch of vegetables and meat.

* Fun Fact #1: for the Sino Mauritians, it is a birthday essential ( at least it has always been part a part of my family parties 🎉 ). My grandma still homemakes her mine frite for every special occasion ❤

** Fun Fact #2: mine is also slang for girlfriend ❤

Gateau de l’huile such as di pain frire, gateau bringelle and gateau piment (fried bread, eggplant ‘cake’, chilli ‘cake’).

I cannot stress how good those are!! Deliciously hot and available at the local bazaar (fresh produce market) and on the streets for cheeaaap! This is our comfort food

* Fun Fact: My grandpa would religiously get some (plenty) of those every Saturday morning. I am pretty sure this is still a thing!

Dholl puri ek so achard (Mauritian ‘flatbreads’ made of yellow split peas with pickled vegetables)

Probably one of the dishes I miss the most from my home island! Again super affordable and available almost every 2nd street around the capital.

*Fun Fact: Definitely recommend Joy’s stall at the local bazaar in Port Louis (don’t you guys think his name is super fitting?!) My parents are loyal customers there. The stall vendor’s wife freshly prepares all the condiments and the curries daily – with deliveries multiple times a day due to popularity!

*Joy’s Dholl Puri snapped by mum; gateau de l’huile*

While Mark Twain’s famous quote ideally describes my island home; this isn’t quite what the famous writer said. In fact, Mark Twain actually wrote “From one citizen you gather idea that Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and that heaven was copied after Mauritius”. How big of a difference can a few words make?! Regardless, my ‘unbiased’ opinion tells me Mauritius is quite a heavenly place.

Who’s behind the AdVanturist?

The Boatshed – Regatta Hotel (where Max and I got engaged ❤ )

“Get to know me”

This isn’t a typo! My travel blog website actually includes a twist on my last name – Vane. I found it fitting to swap the ‘e’ with an ‘a’ 😉 I hope this clicks with you guys!

10 facts about me:
1. I am originally from Mauritius – a tiny paradise island in the Indian Ocean.

2. I’m lucky enough to consider myself bilingual 🙂 I speak fluent English and French. I also studied Spanish in high school and Mandarin for a semester at uni (Don’t be fooled by my appearance – am absolutely terrible at Mandarin and any other Asian language/dialect for that matter)

3. I currently live in the Sunny State of Australia – Brisbane, Queensland. I’ve been in Brisbane for just over 5 years now.

4. I’ve been engaged since March of this year ❤ I met my partner Max while working at the Burger Urge St Lucia campus store. He is now the dedicated IT manager for the chain and has recently got himself an assistant – I am SO PROUD of him!

5. I have caught planes every single year since the age of 6. Now in my mid 20s, I’m definitely not stopping this trend. The most famous cities I’ve visited include Bangkok, Barcelona, Singapore and Tokyo.

6. I’ve been to Thailand close to 15 times AND going back in February 2020 (First overseas trip with Max – super excited!)

7. I’ve only been to 1 country in Europe – Spain. Went on a family trip back in 2004. Definitely have the rest of EU on my radar!

8. My favourite destination is a close tie between Thailand (OBVIOUSLY) and Ireland.

9. I have a GREAT work environment! I am one of the Travel Experts at TourRadar. In fact, it was a query at work that pushed me to write my own travel blog!

10. I LOVE writing!

*** I am OVERWHELMINGLY EXCITED over my new Travel Blog. Show me some support! ***