<B>As free as a gypsy</B>

“Eat dessert first, life is uncertain” could have been his motto. The British Council English and communication skills teacher, has always had an appetite for roaming. And he has the temper to enjoy it: open, friendly, and humble.

“He who does not travel does not know the value of men”, says a Moorish proverb. Nicholas Powell, who teaches English and communication skills for business at the British Council, Rose-Hill, has never stopped journeying, since his childhood in Cornwall.

So, just after graduation from art school, Nicholas began a trip around the world, which took him to countries like Brazil, Mexico, the States and Greece, which before him welcomed a great English spirit, Lord Byron. He may have little in common with the tortured and rebellious baron, and surely defines himself more as a son of Cornwall than of England, but he definitely possesses the charm of the sophisticated dandy.

“I was always very impatient…”, frankly confesses this stylish young man, who actually preferred to embrace a career in graphic design instead of one that would have necessitated lengthy studies. And it seems that the traveller left at home all the envy, selfishness and fears that characterise many career-minded people in our modern world. Nick never stopped moving freely, even when working in the design industry in London. “Every year, I went to Cairo for a few months to teach English” - and he developed a real love of Egypt and the Arab civilization.

As Nicholas began to work for the British Council, it must have been a real blessing: before Mauritius, he was attached to Columbia and Sri Lanka, culturally rich nations people usually associate with turmoil and high criminality. “I actually lived in Medellin, notorious for its cartel, but also called ‘the city of eternal spring’ as its climate benefits from its location on the Andes at about 1500 metres above sea level. What I can say is that I never felt threatened, though I could see some extravagant buildings which probably belonged to narcodealers.” His stay went far beyond a tourist experience. Above all, it was human: “It is a land of contrasts. The country is industrialised, but people have to struggle to earn their living. They have a sound sense of priorities and are genuinely outgoing.” It seems evident that Nicholas has always had a good feeling for Latin America, and his immoderate taste for salsa and fiesta just confirms it.

After one year in Mauritius, Nicholas is able to make a comment on our society, particularly the town dwellers, whom he finds “always in a rush, like in Europe. Development brings health, education, and so on, but it can also generate great dissatisfaction”. This reminds him of his work in graphic design in London, which he has deserted without regret:“There is too much stress and too many deadlines to be really creative.” Nicholas is nevertheless fond of towns, especially great cities. He appreciates the ancient architecture of the old warehouses in Port-Louis, the harmonious scenery of the south and the east and… the local nightlife. “Musicians are under represented in Mauritius. Some are confined to hotels. But there are very fine artists, like Christophe Rey or Ernest Wiéhé and his band.”

On leaving Nicholas, one has the impression of someone who is direct and unfussy but very tactful. “The English language is like that, flexible. We pay less attention to accent. The important thing is to communicate.” And perhaps keep on roaming as well.