Born in the Seychelles, bred in Australia and reigning in Mauritius. This is the story of Erika, who has been blessed with a lot of good fortune; she lives in a nest with her husband Christian and her kids, Stephen and Chelsea.

When you leave her nest, you can still feel the warmth of that cocoon, a warmth made of 100% pure love. The little family is so happy that it brings tears to your eyes. Erika Grenade and her husband made a choice two years ago, to leave family and friends in the land of Oz to come and settle in Mauritius – the homeland of Erika’s husband Christian. That choice was guided by a quest for the lost values of Erika’s childhood. “My husband and I both had such fun growing up, were taught such important values that we felt we had a duty to provide the same for our children.”

The couple soon realized that, let alone inculcating values to their children, they didn’t even have time to spend with them. And so, Mauritius it was. The first impression was fortunately not a lasting one, recalls Erika. I remember thinking “Oh my God, what a mess!” she says laughing. “Unfinished houses on top of each other and dirty streets freaked me out. But, a few months down the line, you get used to it and now, when I’m not here, I miss the mess!” she exclaims.

You really can’t hold that first impression against Erika; after all, beauty is what she dwells in, being a beautician.

What amazes one with Erika is the fact that, though she keeps a keen interest in what goes on around her, the rest of the world is not really her concern. “Well, I came here to give quality time to my family. In this house, we live, we don’t merely exist!” she says most determinedly.

Does she speak Creole? “Most definitely! After all, I have to go to my bazaar every week!” replies Erika with a proud tilt of the head that belies her offended tone. As a matter of fact, everyone in her cocoon speaks three languages; Creole, English and French. It is predominantly in the language of Shakespeare that everybody communicates at home “even though I shout in Creole when I’m angry”, admits the Aussie lady.

There are some things however that Erika Grenade could never get used to. “It’s to do with the mentality of some people. I could never walk around on my own, I get too scared;” Scared of what? “You know, people look at you, say unpleasant things to you, make slimy comments. You simply don’t feel safe”, she says shuddering. So then, Mauritius is not the kingdom of values she thought it was? “Mauritius has been good to me and my family. Many of its people are judgmental and I suppose you can’t change this. Be that as it may, I’d rather be here than anywhere else.”

“That’s because she lives like a queen here!” jokes the husband. The look and the smile exchanged between husband and wife say more than any words could. Laughter follows. The children join in. I guess the mission in Mauritius is indeed a success…