<B>Molly SATHYA NARAYANAN</B>

?People who come from abroad often talk about the physical aspect of Mauritius, without really pointing out at how great the people themselves are. It has been six years since my family and I arrived here. Ever since I have been here, I have easily noticed how people are prepared to help. Just to give a few examples whenever someone moves to settle in a foreign country with his children, one of his major concerns is the education of his children. This happens especially, when the children are aged four and two years old. This is what happened to me, when I moved here. I was worried that my children would not adapt within the Mauritian society as they were not really fluent in French and did not know a single word of Creole just as my husband and me.

But I was fortunate that the teacher of my daughter, who was four years old at that time, told me not to worry regarding language issues. She gave my daughter so much care. I am so grateful towards her. Another example is: once, my husband was abroad and my son had flu. My Mauritian friends gave the best of themselves to help me, by providing transport and so on. It was just incredible. What I have also noticed from Mauritians is that they like to give, without expecting anything back.

Mauritians have always showed themselves very courteous towards my family and me. I mean, I appreciate their manners a lot. Whenever a pedestrian has to cross the road on the pedestrian crossing, most of the time, the cars will stop. Whereas, in India, it is so rare that pedestrians get the opportunity to cross the road. The cars and other vehicles almost never stop.

It is so amazing when I look at how easy it is for a foreigner, especially from India, to settle in Mauritius. Indeed, taking my own experience into consideration, I realize that I never met any constraint regarding social issues. In fact, it has taken long for the Mauritian people whom I know start considering me as a Mauritian instead of an alien. I should even say that many of them now consider me as member of their families. Now, thanks to the huge contribution of Mauritian people, my whole family (especially the kids) and I feel Mauritian.?