Is it broken, or is it not working?

"Excuse me, are you the night manager on duty?" I ask in the dark reception. Upon a positive answer I explain that the air con in my room is broken, pleading for a solution. The Mauritius climate is no joke for a northern girl. I know, I know, I’m here to escape the grey winter of Georgia, and I thought I was strong enough to make it without through the night without the air con, but after a few litres of sweat I break down and ask for help.

"It’s broken" I answer the night manager, a bit puzzled at his strange question. "Are you sure its broken, not just not working?". What the fuck?! What’s the difference?! I couldn’t keep a straight face any longer and reply, "Both. It’s broken AND not working". "Ah ok then let me send someone", he responds happy with my answer, while I’m trying to understand the Mauritius mentality.

I end up with a temporary solution and have an industrial fan installed in my bedroom. It’s got one setting, blast-the-shit-out-of-everything-power-mode. The wind factor must be "storm warning", able to kill any insect silly enough to fly into its path. Even if I stand five meters away from the fan my hair looks like I’m standing on the helm of the Titanic, or filming a 90s music video. I find an angle that minimizes the blasting effect and finally find sleep.

I’m in Mauritius for a week’s holiday after a crazy intense period, assessing the impact of the Mission’s work. This island is cuteness overload. Paradise views mixed with island attitudes and desperate cries for development. The blue colors are breath taking, the breeze is amazing and I feel like a sponge taking in all the beauty.

After two days here I’ve already collected some Mauritius misfortunes: my newly bought super durable suitcase was cut open and ruined (Istanbul or Mauritius airport bag handlers?), a Frenchman scratched my car and haggled over his responsibility (not difficult to determine since I was parked), and in 2 minutes flat I reluctantly provided dinner for an extended family of mosquitoes.

But aside from these woes I’ve spent the day snorkeling with three fun French ladies and we’ve just made dinner plans with an energy that feels quite juvenile. My main mission here is to swim with turtles, water-ski and snorkel. I’ve got a great book to keep me company, and it seems that I’m already finding people to play with. This is gonna be a good week.