Simba's Second Chance: A Tale of Struggle, Survival, and Human Kindness....

Simba's Second Chance: A Tale of Struggle, Survival, and Human Kindness....

I am at Mont Choisy Golf Course today with an incredible human. Brigette Robert Parker who takes me on a tour to meet Simba. And this is when I learned of this fortunate dog and how his life was turned around by the kindness of others.

Simba should not have made it. He was a scruffy little vagrant, he was born close to the beach at Cap Malheureux. His Mother already had 4 litters and if you want to talk about tough then you just had to look at her lying in the sand. She has never been washed and her pelt was so matted that it would take a huge bar of soap to get her clean. But there was no one who would adopt her. Then Simba was born and due to covid, she struggled to produce enough milk to keep the poor baby alive. From the very beginning, his life was a battle against the odds for Simba. Simba was the smallest of the pack and often went hungry. Later he was only a skeleton. But his mum taught him to be skittish of humans and because of this, he grew up being scared of people. His dad, a clever survivor, lived near the church, seeking handouts from those who sought God. But he forgot about Simba because there were more bitches to run after to leave a legacy as large as he could. And he was very successful at that. But back to poor Simba. He was always last to pick up scraps of stale bread, Simba was eventually forced out and wandered the streets further and further from where he was born always hoping that the new area would be better for him but alas he became engaged in fights for territory almost on a daily basis.

Fate led him to the Monty pack at the golf course. This was a  pack of strays also from broken homes that found solace in each other's company.

But Simba's story takes a remarkable turn when he crosses paths with human angels like Brigitte Robert.

Brigitte and her team at The Dog Box realized that without intervention, the Monty pack would become a challenge for both golfers and homeowners.The dogs needed to be trapped and neutered. This is how the open cages idea came about. Feed the dogs in the large metal cage and then eventually you can close the trap door when the right dogs are inside.

These open cage would eventually get Simba to trust humans and it would lead to a brighter future. Neutering helps stabilize the population and prevent the pack from growing uncontrollably.

Simba, once a vagrant struggling for survival, now had a chance at a better life, thanks to the caring hearts of The Dog Box.

Simba, now content and cared for, becomes our guide through the Mont Choisy golf course, a place where he found his second chance at happiness.

Simba's journey is not just his alone. It's a testament to the power of compassion, community, and the extraordinary efforts of individuals like Brigitte Robert and The Dog Box.

Simba's story is one of resilience, love, and the belief that every life, no matter how humble, deserves a second chance.

Support The Dog Box and be a part of stories like Simba's. Because every dog, like every dawn, brings a promise of a new day.

Curepipe Chronicles: A Walk Through Contrasts

🚶‍♂️✨ Embark on a captivating journey through Curepipe, Mauritius, where the old and the new converge in a tale of contrasts. Join me on a walking tour through the heart of town, exploring the vibrant central market, the bustling clothing market, and witnessing the metro's arrival from Port Louis. Marvel at the lush beauty of the botanical gardens and the awe-inspiring Troux aux Serves volcano crater, where a mischievous monkey adds a touch of humor to the adventure. Video Highlights: 🏢 Downtown Charms: Wander through the streets of Curepipe's center, capturing the essence of its unique blend of historical charm and modern life. 🛍️ Market Marvels: Explore the stalls of the central market and the lively clothing market, where colors, scents, and sounds create a vibrant tapestry. 🚇 Metro Moments: Watch the metro arrive, connecting Curepipe to the pulse of Port Louis, as commuters weave through the daily rhythms of life. 🌺 Natural Wonders: Immerse yourself in the serenity of the botanical gardens and stand at the edge of the Trou aux Cerfs crater, where nature unfolds in all its beauty. 🐒 Monkey Mischief: Share a chuckle as a curious monkey challenges you at the volcano crater, adding a playful twist to the journey. 🛒 Contrasting Scenes: Experience the juxtaposition of Soflo Shopping Centre against the nostalgic, slightly neglected charm of downtown Curepipe. 📚 Library Views: Discover the hidden gem of parking in front of the library, raising questions about its exclusivity, and observe the daily hustle around this central spot. Catchy Title: "Curepipe Chronicles: Where Old Meets New in Mauritius" Closing Text: "Step into the heart of Curepipe, a town of contrasts, where history whispers through market stalls, monkeys add mischief to volcanic wonders, and modernity unfolds against the backdrop of old-world charm. 🌆🐵🛍️ #CurepipeChronicles #MauritianContrasts" This video encapsulates the diverse experiences of Curepipe, inviting viewers to witness the beauty, humor, and cultural richness that define this unique Mauritian town. The title and description aim to convey the tapestry of contrasts, making the video an engaging exploration of everyday life in Curepipe.

No1, best spot in Mauritius.

 The Le Caudan Waterfront in Mauritius is like a cool history book with some seriously awesome stories? The first meteorological observatory in the entire Indian Ocean is now where you can grab some delicious eats at the Food Court or Namasté restaurant. Imagine, weather predictions went down there!

And the spot where the Blue Penny Museum stands today used to be the old Docks office. Yeah, the names of the different parts of the complex are like a blast from the past, telling stories from Mauritius' colonial history.

Le Caudan Waterfront got its name from Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan. Back in 1726, he was the boss who started a saltpan near a small bay in the southwest of Port-Louis.

It was built up over 250 years around this super ancient fossil coral island. There used to be a powder magazine, an observatory checking out the stars and weather, and tons of cool spots like quays, warehouses, and small businesses.

back in the day, the harbor's daily business was all about the sugar scene. Everything moved to the beat of the sugar industry until they built the Bulk Sugar Terminal in 1980.

The street is like an Instagram dream with these super bright umbrellas. They're not just for shade, they're a visual feast! Locals and tourists are all about snapping pics there, and they switch up the umbrella colors for special days, like Independence Day.

Check out these epic spots to catch movies at Le Caudan Waterfront:

1. MCine Port Louis: This cinema at Le Caudan Waterfront is legit! Three brand-new halls, 7.1 Dolby Digital Sound – basically, the works. Perfect for catching all the latest movies.

2. Star Cinema: Get this – located at Le Pavillon, Le Caudan Waterfront, this cinema is all about the high life. Luxe vibes, classy settings, and total comfort for your movie marathon.

3. CineKlassic Caudan: Head to Caudan Waterfront for a movie experience with a vintage twist! It's like stepping back in time while catching the latest hits.

Are you planning a trip to Mauritius? Here's the lowdown: the weather's tropical and sweet all year round, like 20°C to 30°C vibes. But here's the deal – the island's got two seasons: summer (November to April) and winter (May to October).

If you're all about warm weather and splashing in the water, come in the summer time. It's mild, tropical, and the sea's perfect for a swim. But it's also the rainy season, so raindrops and maybe a cyclone or two might crash the party.

Winter's the move if you want things a bit drier and fewer crowds. No major temp changes, but the east and south coast might get a bit windy.

Winter in Mauritius is great beacause it is all about dry weather and dodging the crowds. No big temp swings, no wet season messing with your plans. Only thing to watch out for is some wind vibes on the east and south coast.

Oh, and if you're into epic events and festivals, Mauritius is where it's at! Tons of beliefs and faiths, and the whole island turns into a party. So, pack your gear, catch some winter sun, and get ready to vibe with the coolest events ever.

the Blue Penny Museum is also at Le Caudan. It Opened its doors in November 2001, and it's all about Mauritius' history and art scene.

Inside, they've got some cool collections, including those super famous Post Office stamps.  The museum collection includes the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, which are considered to be among the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world . 

These stamps were bought in 1993 for $2,000,000 by a consortium of Mauritian enterprises headed by The Mauritius Commercial Bank and brought back to Mauritius after almost 150 years.

The Blue Penny stamps are only visible for 10 minutes on the half-hour of every opening hour to protect them from the ageing and destroying effects of sun rays.

You can check it out from Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's a no-go on Sundays and public holidays. Non-residents, it's 245Tupees for adults, 120 Rupees for the younger crew, and 580 Rupees for a fam of two adults and two kids. If you're a resident, you're in for just 50 Rupees.

One thing to remember, though – no munchies or drinks allowed inside, and keep the camera in your pocket.

Thank you for watching the video, don’t forget to smash the subscribe button. See you in the next video.  

Mahogany Shopping Promenade Adventure!

Join me on an epic journey through the vibrant Mahogany Shopping Promenade in Mauritius! From chic boutiques to must-visit coffee spots, we'll explore the best this place has to offer. Dive into the unique world of Artisan Coffee, uncover the trendiest fashion at Island Haze, and discover the charm of Zea's exquisite jewelry. But that's not all – brace yourself for some serious retail therapy with Intermart, Manjoo Group, and a sneaky visit to the famous KFC in the food court! 🛍️☕🍔 🏡 Home & Style Delights: Discover the latest in home furnishings with the Manjoo Group and dive into a world of stylish living at Mahogany Village. ☕ Artistic Coffee Vibes: Get cozy with Artisan Coffee, where every cup tells a story. From flavoured lattes to artistic espressos, it's a coffee lover's dream! 👠 Fashion & Footwear Finds: Upgrade your style game at Island Haze for bold and youthful looks, and step into Shoe City for quality kicks at affordable prices. 📿 Jewelry Magic: Experience the artistry of Zea's jewelry collections, blending local influences with German design. 🛒 One-stop Shopping Madness: Navigate through 361's world of home appliances and consumer electronics, and explore the endless aisles of Intermart's supermarket – where loyalty cards mean discounts and bonuses! 🌈 Magical Evenings by the Lake: Witness the enchanting lights of the man-made lake, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that sets Mahogany Promenade aglow. 🍕🍟 Foodie Frenzy: Wrap up the day in the bustling food court – closed shops won't stop us! Join me for a feast of fast food delights, with KFC stealing the show! 🔥 SUBSCRIBE & Stay Tuned for More Adventures! 🔥 Don't miss out on the ultimate Mahogany experience. Smash that subscribe button and join the journey! See you in the next video, where we'll uncover even more hidden gems in the heart of Mauritius! 🌍✨ #MahoganyAdventure #IslandShopping #ArtisanMagic #FoodCourtFeast

The Flamboyant use in African medicine is legendary. #flamboyant #mauritius

The Flamboyant use in African medicine is legendary. #flamboyant #mauritius

In today's video, I'm diving into the creative zone and painting a water turtle making its way towards you. I've got a time lapse where you can catch me bringing that turtle head to life. But hold up, we're not just about the paint vibes – we're spicing things up with some mesmerizing images of those fiery Flame Trees in Mauritius. It's like a tropical art escape meets underwater masterpiece! The Flamboyant tree (Delonix regia) is a fascinating species of tree that has a rich history and cultural significance in many parts of the world. Here are some interesting facts about the tree:    • The Flamboyant tree is like the rockstar of trees, going by names like Royal Poinciana, Peacock Flower, and Flame of the Forest. It's basically the celebrity of the tree world!    • In Mauritius, they call the Flamboyant tree the "Bonus Tree" or "Pie Bonis" because it shows off its blossoms right when people are getting their end-of-year bonus. It's like nature celebrating payday!    • So, this cool tree originally hailed from Madagascar, and in the 19th century, it went on a world tour, hitting up spots like Mauritius and other places. It's like the globetrotter of the tree family!    • Listen to this: the Flamboyant tree is like the ultimate deciduous tree, reaching up to 12 meters tall with this incredible wide crown. Its leaves are like ferns on steroids, growing up to a whopping 50 cm. Talk about a tree flexing some serious muscle!    • The Flamboyant tree is all about those flashy red or orange flowers that pop up in the summer. And get this, peeps use those flowers in old-school medicine for stuff like sorting out respiratory issues, beating fever, and tackling inflammation. Nature's medicine cabinet at its coolest!    • No kidding, the Flamboyant tree isn't just a tree; it's like the superhero of traditional African medicine! They use it to deal with skin infections. It's basically the tree version of a skincare guru!    • The Flamboyant tree isn't just about looks; it's like the rockstar of wood. They use it to craft furniture, musical instruments, and all sorts of cool decorations.    • The flowering of the Flamboyant trees happens in November and ends at the beginning of January. That is why Mauritians name it the yearly bouquet.    • In Mauritius, the Flamboyant tree is like a legend in their stories. It's the summer hype announcer and signals the start of a fresh new year. It's basically the tree version of a summer and new year's party invite!    • if you're on the lookout for those Insta-worthy Flamboyant trees in Mauritius, they're basically the real celebrities in Mauritius! You'll find them all over the place, but for the best pics, head to spots like Cap Malheureux, Mont-Choisy, Médine, Labourdonnais, Le Goulet, Belle Mare, Bel Ombre, Terre Rouge, Daruty, and Marie Reine de la Paix. It's like the ultimate tree photoshoot spots! These Flamboyant trees were photographed at Mont Choisy and La Croisette Mall You can see me painting this green sea turtle. And here is some interesting facts about this turtle I am painting! Meet the Green sea turtle – these bad boys are giants, weighing in at 65-130kg and stretching up to 1-1.2m long! Picture a teardrop-shaped shell, or 'carapace,' that's their superhero cape, except it leaves their head and flippers out to shine. Now, here's the funky part – they've got this green fat under their shell, and it's not just for show. Scientists think it's because they're on a plant-based diet, munching on marine veggies like seaweed and sea grass. These rockstar turtles aren't picky about where they breed; you can catch them nesting in over 80 countries. When it's time to hit the waves, these turtles are like Aquaman's cousins, rocking strong paddle-like flippers and cruising at a chill 3km/h. But watch out – if trouble comes their way, they can turn on the jets and hit speeds up to 35km/h! Love is in the air when it's mating time – going down in shallow waters like a turtle love paradise. The female then pulls off the ultimate beach mom move, crawling onto the sand, digging a nest with her flippers, and laying about 115 eggs. Once the little rascals hatch after two months, it's game on. Armed with a special "egg tooth," they break out of their shells and sprint across the sand, dodging hungry predators like birds, crabs, wild dogs, and lizards. It's like a baby turtle obstacle course! I also zoosed up my sign on the road and used a mop to paint over the existing sign, Maybe I overdid it a bit, tell me what you think in the comments below. I hope that more people will now visit the studio to see me paint or to come and buy a painting. I almost hit a car with my paint. It is really crazy. Thank you for watching this video, if you enjoyed it please subscribe! See you in the next video.

Port Louis: A Tapestry of Culture, History, and Vibrancy

Port Louis has a long and interesting history. It started as a harbor used by Dutch settlers in 1638, named "Harbour of Tortoises" due to the many giant tortoises on the island. Later, in 1735, it became the main place for the French in Mauritius and got the name Port Louis in honor of King Louis XV. The city played a big role in French ships' journeys between Asia and Europe. Over the years, it witnessed significant events like the arrival of Indian laborers in 1834, the end of slavery in 1835, a plague in 1899, and riots in 1968 that led to Mauritius' independence.

Nowadays, Port Louis is the biggest city and the capital of Mauritius with around 150,000 people. It's the center for business, culture, and politics, hosting important places like the main harbor, parliament, supreme court, cathedral, and more. The city is diverse, with various cultures, religions, languages, and arts coexisting peacefully. You can explore its history by visiting places like Aapravasi Ghat, the Citadel, Caudan Waterfront, Central Market, Blue Penny Museum, Jummah Mosque, Kaylasson Temple, and Chinatown.

Mauritius is home to people from different backgrounds. About 67% are of Indian descent, speaking languages like Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. Creoles make up about 28%, speaking Mauritian Creole, and they have African, Malagasy, European, or Asian roots. Around 3% are Chinese, mostly descendants of 19th and 20th-century traders, speaking Cantonese, Hakka, Mandarin, or other Chinese dialects. The smallest group, about 2%, are the French, descendants of 18th and 19th-century colonists, mainly speaking French.

The people of Mauritius, regardless of their background, live together harmoniously, celebrating their cultural diversity through various festivals and traditions. The crowded streets near the bus station in Port Louis showcase this diversity, with different cultures, religions, and backgrounds coming together. It's a place filled with vibrant sounds, smells of various cuisines, and a mix of people going about their daily lives.

The bazaar in Port Louis, also known as the Central Market, is a place reflecting Mauritius' history and culture. Established in 1828, it's a crucial part of the city's economy. Divided into sections, you can find fruits, vegetables, spices, meat, fish, flowers, handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing. The fruits and vegetables section, in particular, offers a colorful display of local and imported produce depending on the season.

The harbor area around Caudan is another historical landmark. Developed over the years, it hosts various facilities and is a strategic port for trade and commerce. The underpass from Caudan to downtown Port Louis is a safe way to access the city's attractions. In 1996, the Caudan Waterfront became a commercial and leisure complex, offering shops, restaurants, cinemas, casinos, a marina, and a five-star hotel. It also preserves Mauritius' historical and cultural heritage through places like the Blue Penny Museum and the Caudan Arts Centre. The Caudan Waterfront is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the scenic view of the harbor and the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

Port Louis: A Journey Through Mauritius' Architectural Tapestry

My journey from La Croisette mall to Port Louis to go to the central parcel post office is a journey through the history of Mauritius. Here are some interesting facts about the places I visited: • La Croisette mall is the largest shopping and entertainment destination in Mauritius, with over 110 retail and food outlets. It opened in 2012 and is designed to offer a unique indoor/outdoor shopping experience. It is located on Chemin Vingt Pieds, which means “Twenty Feet Road” in French, and is named after the width of the road that was built by the British in the 19th century12 • Port Louis is the capital and the oldest city of Mauritius. It was founded by the French governor Bertrand-François Mahé de La Bourdonnais in 1735 as a port and administrative centre. The port was named in honour of King Louis XV of France and was an important stopover for French ships sailing between Asia and Europe. Port Louis has many historical and cultural attractions, such as the Aapravasi Ghat, where the first indentured labourers arrived from India in 1834, the Caudan Waterfront, a lively commercial and entertainment area, and the Citadel, a fort built by the British in 1835 to defend the city I Took a walk through the history of Port Louis, the capital and oldest city of Mauritius. The fruit and vegetable market, also known as the bazaar, is one of the most vibrant and colourful places in the city. It has been operating since 1839, when it was built by the British colonial government on the site of a former basin for boats12 The market is divided into different sections, where you can find a variety of local and exotic fruits and vegetables, such as mangoes, pineapples, lychees, bananas, coconuts, avocados, tomatoes, eggplants, and more. You can also buy spices, herbs, nuts, and other products that are essential for the Mauritian cuisine. The market is a great place to experience the diversity and richness of the Mauritian culture, as you can see people of different ethnicities, religions, and languages interacting and trading with each other. I also drank a glass of alouda, which is a traditional beverage originating from Mauritius. It is typically prepared with a combination of basil seeds, agar jelly, milk, and vanilla. The ingredients are combined, then served over ice. The drink can usually be found at numerous street markets, even though it is also produced industrially and can be bought in many stores. Alouda is a refreshing and delicious drink that has amazing laxative properties and helps facilitate digestion after consuming spicy food. The most preferred flavour of locals is vanilla, but you can also find other flavours such as almond, rose, coffee, or chocolate. I then took a quick peek at the meat and fish market, but it was not my scene and I left quickly. The meat and fish market is where you can find fresh and quality products such as chicken, beef, lamb, pork, fish, seafood, and more. The market is also where you can witness the skills and techniques of the butchers and fishmongers, who cut, clean, and prepare the meat and fish for their customers. The market is not for the faint-hearted, as you can see blood, guts, and bones everywhere. The market also has a strong smell that can be unpleasant for some people. I’m glad I got my parcel. The windmill museum at Caudan is a historical landmark in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. It was built by the French in 1763 as a flour mill. Its primary function was to supply flour to the dockers at the harbor. That was the reign of Mahé de Labourdonnais. Since 1999, the windmill has been a museum and can be visited1 The tugboats you saw are small but powerful boats that help larger vessels maneuver in the harbor. They can push or pull ships that are too big or too heavy to move by themselves. They can also assist in emergencies, such as rescuing a coastguard boat that got stuck in the caudan harbor. Tugboats are essential for the maritime industry and the safety of the port2 I bought a sandwich at Subway, which is a popular fast-food chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches. You can choose from a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces to customize your sandwich. Learn more: I then walked back to the bus stop, but en route I bought a sandwich at Subway. Subway is an American fast-food chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck. Subway is one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, with over 40,000 locations in more than 100 countries. Subway offers a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces that you can customize according to your preferences. Subway is known for its slogan “Eat Fresh”, which emphasizes the freshness and quality of its ingredients. I then took the air-conditioned bus back to La Croisette

Hidden Gems of Rose Hill: Travel by Metro in Mauritius from Port Louis

To get to Rose Hill from Port Louis by metro, I followed these steps:

 I went to the Victoria station in Port Louis, which is located near the Caudan Waterfront

 I bought a Single-use Ticket from the electronic ticketing machine at the station. The fare for the journey was Rs 40 for a Single-use Ticket 

The trains run every 10 minutes and the journey takes about 24 minutes

Rose Hill is a town in Mauritius, located in the Plaines Wilhems District. It is administered by the Municipal Council of Beau Bassin-Rose Hill and has a population of 147,066 inhabitants, making it the third largest city on the island of Mauritius. The town was originally two separate communities, Beau Bassin and Rose Hill, but these have now merged into one 

Rose Hill is known for its vibrant market, which sells a variety of goods ranging from fresh produce to clothing and electronics  The town is also home to several educational institutions

The town has a rich history and is home to several landmarks, including the Jardin Balfour, which is a public garden that was established in 1872 

Notre Dame de Lourdes is a Catholic church in Rose Hill, Mauritius. It was built in 1890 and named after the famous shrine in Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirou in 1858

The church has a Gothic Revival style, with a high ceiling, stained glass windows, and a large cross on the facade. The interior is decorated with statues, paintings, and relics of saints and martyrs. The church also has a grotto, a replica of the one in Lourdes, where pilgrims can pray and light candles124

The church is part of the Diocese of Port-Louis and offers daily Mass, confession, and guided tours of the grounds. It also hosts various events and celebrations throughout the year, such as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, and the World Day of the Sick.

Notre Dame de Lourdes is a place of faith, history, and culture in Mauritius. It attracts many visitors and devotees who come to admire its beauty, seek its blessings, and experience its peace

The Hidden Secrets of Northfields Market Revealed

Join us on an exciting journey through the bustling Northfield Market, where art meets community, and life is lived to the fullest. 🌆 The day begins with frenetic action as I pack up my car with art supplies and easels, preparing for a vibrant day of trade. Watch as I set up my stand, ready to showcase my creative works to the eager market-goers. 🚗🖌️ As the market comes to life, the video takes you on a captivating walk through the lively stalls, capturing the energy and vibrancy of the day. It's a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and crafts, a true celebration of local talent and community spirit. 🎪🎈 During the market adventure, I met the famous Clarrise sisters, well-known figures in Mauritius, who shared exciting news about their upcoming show. Their charisma and charm add to the tapestry of this bustling marketplace. 🌟👯‍♀️ The day doesn't end with the market's closing. Join us as we immerse ourselves in an incredible art auction, a heartfelt effort to raise funds for a container house for Dadi, a story worth telling in another video. Despite the threat of rain, we persevere, and Brigette skillfully auctions off more than 50 artworks to eager buyers. 🏺🛋️ To top it all off, the delectable food provided by the hosts at La Tonelle Guest House adds a delicious dimension to this eventful day. 🍽️ This video captures the essence of a busy and eventful day at Northfield Market, where art, community, and philanthropy come together to create unforgettable memories. Follow our channel for more videos that showcase the beauty of life in Mauritius. 🇲🇺✨ #NorthfieldMarket #MauritiusArt #CommunityEvent #LocalTalent #ClarriseSisters #ArtAuction #Philanthropy #MarketLife #VibrantMarket #LaTonelleGuestHouse #MauritiusCulture #ArtisticAdventure