?Foreigners often have this picture of Mauritian beaches, lovely hotels, and possibly mountains in their minds. Mauritius is not only made of these things. Indeed, I have been able to discover some treasures, which are hidden from some foreigners and maybe from some Mauritians too. I can see those treasures when I go scuba diving and sightseeing respectively.

Last week, as you may know, the under-water photography world championships have been going on. I often go scuba diving on Saturday morning at Flic-en-Flac and there, I am opened up to the wonderful world of underwater fish and coral. The two big discoveries for me have been an endemic scorpion fish and a very particular type of coral. I think the scorpion fish is unique. It is incredibly beautiful. It is red and spiny, and so well camouflaged it is impossible to see without expert eyes through the surrounding leaf coral. As for the piece of coral, it is shaped like a large black mushroom that quivers in the light. It looks like velvet and it shivers.

Now I?d like to mention just some of the treasures I have been able to discover above ground. In fact, last weekend, my wife and I were guests of Mauritian friends who are actually experts in the less well-trodden historical sites of the north of the island. One was near Forbach, a windmill that was constructed in 1818 and was in use for more than 30 years, as the main energy driver for the sugar factory. I think it is one of only three surviving windmills in the north. Then, at Mapou there is a Post office, one of about only 10 in the country, operating in an old railway station. Here you could stand on the platform and still expect a train to come. Coincidently, our host and another friend who was with us had both as children been passengers on the last train in Mauritius. I must say that when I see such treasures I feel fascinated. Our past reflects on our present and future. It would be nice if everyone could give these kind of monuments the importance they deserve!?