While in Brazil (on leave) to chair an IUBS international conference, I took time off to relax on Copacabana beach. Leafing through the BA “Highlife” magazine I came across their survey of the “best in the world” travel awards. The Best Beaches section included the one I was on : Sandy Beach, Barbados; Cable Beach, Antigua; Copacabana, Rio, Brazil; Ile-aux-Cerfs, Mauritius; La Digue, Seychelles;

Two out of 5 for the Indian Ocean ! Not bad.

The Best View award went to1. Corcovado, Rio; 2. Table Mountain, in Cape Town.

I can personally testify of both. Besides the stunning view, the symbol of faith represented by the statue of Christ atop the Corcovado Mountain makes living in Rio, for a believer, a constant blessing.

The Best Cities destinations were listed as Sydney, Cape Town, New York, Rio, Hong Kong and Dubai, but the best is still to come.

The “Best for newly weds” awards include 3 Indian Ocean destinations, with 1. Mauritius; 2. Maldives;

3. Barbados; 4. Antigua;

4. Seychelles

I am sure our tourist promotion people will not fail to capitalise on this. Some weddings are made in heaven, others in Mauritius !

<B>Dr Michaël ATCHIA

Specialist in Education & Sustainable Development</B>