He had been on a visit in 2002 to check out the job and the location, and although it wasn’t the ‘immediate wow factor’ because he’s been in so many beautiful sunny places, he does admit the fact that it is fantastically beautiful and above all, he was struck by the friendliness of the people. That is what made the difference Chris says. He has loved every place his job has taken him to, but this is the only place where he really seems to feel at home. When asked if he could make Mauritius his home, there was no hesitation in his answer, ‘I feel like I could die here, and that is something I’ve never been able to say before.’ Most of the conversation was animated with that subtle touch of English humour, when I asked, ‘Could you say that you prefer Mauritius to the U.K then?’ ‘Gosh, that’s not a question to ask!’ is the answer I got, and that says it all! If he had to leave, he jokingly says that his wife would probably divorce him and he would simply be ‘gutted’! Each country has meant something different in terms of Chris’ life and this stage is probably one of the most important. Mauritius is a little paradise where he and his wife are happily bringing up their three-year-old daughter… Chris is bilingual, but his daughter will soon catch up! At three she speaks Creole better than her dad! To see Chris’ blue eyes sparkle whilst chatting away would warm any heart.

He sees the hotel sector as having a lot of potential and is glad that he can participate in its progress. He sees himself as working in the premier league of hoteliers and he likes the challenge in his job. It is a pleasure to talk to such an enthusiastic person. As he has a very social job, he meets a lot of people, but during the little spare time he has he enjoys the company of his kite surf! Chris loves water sports but is a really dedicated kite surfer and Le Morne has the best weather conditions for his favourite pastime - this is a happy coincidence because it happens to be Chris’ favourite spot on the island! Apart from water sports, Chris has another hobby: motor sports, and he is the proud owner of a Harley Davidson! Our Englishman definitely keeps fit. Every morning he makes it a duty to work out and he certainly is glowing with health. For Chris, life couldn’t get any better, and his very person reflects this.

We have one happy foreigner who is ready to become a native, or so we could say. To end the conversation he has one wise maxim to share: ‘the grass is not necessarily greener elsewhere!’ Keeping that in mind, we wish him a long and happy stay!