?I was actually born in Nairobi, Kenya so I don?t really have that much of an allegiance to England. It?s always been my intention to work overseas as I feel that I belong in the southern hemisphere?, explains this 37 year-old mountain of a man.

Mike first alighted on our shores for a one-year contract that was extended for another year, before being offered to stay on for 24 more months. ?My view is that, if I hadn?t done my job properly, I wouldn?t have been around here for so long.?

When questioned on whether he finds island life a little stifling, he affirms that, although it has its ups and downs, the pros definitely outweigh the cons. ?I worked in Gibraltar for two years so I?m used to small places. People here are very friendly and agreeable. There?s also a quality of life here that?s very important.?

Mike, who has since obtained Mauritian citizenship, lives in the North with his British wife and two daughters. His offspring were born here and attend the International Preparatory School in Mapou. ?Mauritius is very good for the kids. There?s so much for them to do here. They are total water babies?, he enthuses. The Summers family does try to get back to the UK at least once a year to keep in touch with family.

A rugby enthusiast, Mike deplores the fact that he can no longer indulge a passion that started when he was only 7. He has filled the void with gentler pursuits though. ?I thoroughly enjoy cycling. I participate in the Mauritian 100, which is a race that starts near the airport and finishes in Mon Choisy, every year. I also belong to the Mauritian Expatriate Golf Club where 40% of our members are Mauritians.? England?s victory in the last Rugby World Cup held in Australia was a cause for celebration. ?I was ecstatic. I had a big bunch of friends over, a widescreen TV and, of course, the omnipresent BBQ.?

He cites Rivière-Noire and Trou-d?Eau-Douce as two of his favourite getaways when the hustle and bustle of mundane life becomes too much. ?They?re like Mauritius when I first arrived?, he says with a longing that seems to say that that?s where he?d like to be right now.

If there?s any advice Mike would like to offer freshly arrived expats, it?s the following, ?Check out the cost of living first, it?s quite high. Make as many friends as you possibly can and, most importantly, learn to speak Creole quickly.?

Almost 10 years on our fair isle and Mike shows no signs of looking elsewhere for the peaceful existence he seems to cherish.