Amrinder Singh Deol is from the Indian state of Punjab. He is now happily married to his Mauritian wife, whom he met… on the Internet! This perfect example of a virtual love story come true is however getting ready to leave “the paradise island” in search of space, opportunities and adventure.

“Oh my God, I am in a forest!” was this man’s first reaction as the plane landed at the SSR international three years ago. We’ll forgive this restless and ambitious young man for his hasty judgment as it was pitch-black outside - and also because since, he has definitely changed his mind about his new home. “Oh it happened the very next day. I woke up to this beautiful island that gave me such a shock when I realized how developed it was.”

This shock was mingled with a vague feeling of excitement. The recent opening of avenues in the ICT sector made it possible for Amrinder to put to good use his knowledge and training in multimedia and design. He now spends most of his time creating TV ads and designing websites. Not that he is complaining. He loves his job even though some frustration creeps in from time to time.

“Because the VAT will ruin me in this country!” he says laughing. On a more serious note, Amrinder adds that the country is too small for him. “Opportunities are limited here.” Canada will be the next step for the young couple with their only child. This move won’t be without its fair share of regrets though - first on the list, will be the dholl-puris, followed by the easy pace of life.

You could take a bet on this unusual man’s favourite place on the island and you’d only have a slim chance of winning. Forget about the beaches, which Amrinder only likes at night, forget about any scenic places, think only of the weather. Most definitely not the north because it’s too hot there… but grey and dreary Curepipe is what makes him tick!

Although he would not describe himself as being unhappy here - despite the frustrations that the traffic jams cause him every single day, Amrinder thinks wistfully of a lost opportunity to go and study in Australia. But the heart ruled and the lady-love put her foot down and insisted they settled in her home country. The funny thing about it all is that this carefree guy didn’t even know what Mauritius was. “I remember asking my wife if Mauritius was some kind of American colony!”

How can you live in India and watch Hindi movies and not know about Mauritius? “Because the film makers shoot in Mauritius and tell Indians that it was shot in Switzerland!” Amrinder replies with a straight face.

While planning his wedding and of course resenting slightly the fact that he had had to give up his land-of-Oz dream, Amrinder decides to be awkward. “I asked my wife to send me a map of the region and circle Mauritius if she wanted me to move there…” Did she? “But of course”, he replies sheepishly…