Don’t worry, be happy! Make the most of what you’ve got. This could just have been Leslie Rivalland’s motto if she had one. She met her Mauritian husband in her homeland, South Africa, and never thought she would have ended up living here. They settled here in 1999, and she considers this choice as one of her best so far!
Simply beautiful! A serene smile on her face, Leslie talks with enthusiasm about the beauty of the island she now considers her home and she breathes happiness. She came here a few times on holiday and has always enjoyed it. One thing that surprised her though, when she descended from the plane, was the fact that she couldn’t see any palm trees! But she must have seen quite a few since then!

Leslie didn’t have any problem adapting to her new life at all. She truly feels at home here. As she says so herself, apart from the giveaway accent, she feels 100% Mauritian! Yet, there is something she misses from South Africa; the shopping centres! A corner shop open on a Sunday afternoon would probably make Mauritius a dream come true!

The welcoming people and the southern part of the island are what attract Leslie most. It is unspoilt and isolated and just right for cosy picnics with friends and family. There is a particular time of year that Leslie appreciates: summer! She loves the tropical heat and the bright colours this season offers. ‘Everyone is in a festive spirit’. And this would certainly warm any heart, certainly Leslie’s.

This busy doctor makes the most of life when she gets the opportunity! Hiking in the Black River Gorges is something she enjoys and that keeps her fit! She equally takes pleasure in relaxing and spending time sharing quiet sunsets with her loved ones and this puts a healthy smile on her face! Nevertheless, there is something she doesn’t quite like. Guess what? The traffic!

You can see happiness in her blue eyes when she talks. According to Leslie, more people should simply stop moaning and make the most of life! That is what she has learnt to do and she now finds it a privilege to be bringing her children up here. Although she misses her family, she feels fully adopted by a new one here - first her in-laws but also the friends she has made at the hospital she first worked in.

So, all in all, a reserved giggle and a warm smile sum up a happy life under the palm trees!