Accessing Information: There are unusual and interesting things for you to look forward to here, but you should not forget that it is a developing country and you will need help in making the best of your stay.

Though the people are very friendly and helpful, if you want to know something ask a policeman! Time and again visitors discover that people here do not like to admit that they do not know something (such as directions to a place), so they make it up!

Internet Access: Mauritius is trying hard to transform itself into a cyber island and it has a state-of-the-art cyber city at Ebene. Despite their claims, we are not there yet! At our house, though, we do have broadband connection.

Driving in Mauritius: Drivers of cars and buses alike speed along as if responding to a 999 call; any vehicle in front of them will be seen as a challenge and simply must be overtaken. They have no concept of danger - overtaking is the ultimate goal. If you would like to prepare yourself for driving here, spend a few hours playing a Formula-1 racing simulation game!

In towns and villages you will observe mainly empty pavements; pedestrians, dogs, goats and even chckens prefer walking in the middle of the road. That way they avoid overgrown bushes and broken surfaces. Besides, walking at the edge of the road makes your shoes dirty!

According to government statistics, in 2009 there were 140 deaths on the roads. (For road traffic accidents, the death rate here is approximately three times that of the UK.) More than 100 vehicles per day were involved in an accident throughout the island. Please take care of yourself and always assume that the person in front of you is about to do something silly. Be assured, they very likely will. I'm not saying don't drive, but I am saying, don't assume drivers here are going to follow the Highway Code. They are very high risk-takers.