Summary

The author, a native of Mauritius, discusses the reasons for leaving the island despite its beauty, debunks myths about island life, and reflects on the personal growth and truth-seeking that drives their decision to explore beyond the paradisiacal shores.

Abstract

The article delves into the personal journey of the author, who hails from the picturesque Mauritius Island in the Indian Ocean. Despite the idyllic setting, the author left the island at a young age, driven by a desire for global experiences and a curiosity for life beyond the island's confines. The piece addresses common misconceptions about island living, such as the notion of a perpetually laid-back lifestyle, perfect weather, and a cheaper cost of living. The author emphasizes the reality of demanding jobs, challenging weather conditions, and the high cost of living in Mauritius. They also highlight the friendly and hospitable nature of the island's inhabitants and the ease of access to beautiful beaches. The author's departure from Mauritius was initially to pursue the American dream but evolved into a quest for personal truth and growth, which they found couldn't be fully realized by staying in one place. They express a love for diverse landscapes, cultures, and the anticipation of life's future chapters, including the joys and challenges they will bring.

Opinions

The author believes that island life is often romanticized and does not always reflect the reality of demanding jobs, weather challenges, and a high cost of living.
They hold a strong conviction that personal growth and self-discovery are not confined to the idyllic settings of their home island.
The author values deep connections with people from various cultures and the impact of these interactions on personal development.
They suggest that the pursuit of truth and understanding is a multifaceted journey that encompasses a wide range of experiences and environments, not just the tropical setting of Mauritius.
The author acknowledges a reverse culture shock upon returning to the island and expresses a desire for diverse experiences, including those found in colder climates.
They reject the notion that one's happiness is tied to a specific lifestyle, advocating for the pursuit of individual passions and missions in life.
The author appreciates the hospitality industry in Mauritius for its high standard of service and believes it offers a unique and luxurious experience at a relatively affordable cost.
They emphasize that one's journey and aspirations are deeply personal and should not be projected onto others, highlighting the diversity of life paths and choices.

Why I Left Paradise Island Where People Dream Of Living

Yes, it’s personal

I did not have to think hard about the headline. I get asked this question ever since I left for the first time when I was nineteen years old.

While the premise of the answer remains unchanged, it took me years to understand it fully myself.

I come from the stunning island of Mauritius, a gem in the Indian ocean. In fact, this is where I am writing from at the moment:

Hate me yet?

My happy, cheerful attitude to life screams islander. But there is another side of me that says global citizen, one which is constantly being moulded by furious travelling, deep connections with people from other cultures and a curiosity for life itself.

Firstly, let’s dispel some myths about island life; what my friends think island life is (and some other ridiculous things I have heard as well)

Myths about island life

The laidback life at the beach

There is this visual of the island life, at the beach, drink in hand and being totally relaxed all the time. This is more of a tourist vibe or after-work activity.

Some of us have very demanding challenging jobs that keep us at the office just like in the big cities. Some of us run businesses that require our attention. And yes, some people have not been to the beach in years. GASPS.

Amazing weather all year round

While the climate is very nice with hot summers and very mild winters, there are also cyclones, floods and days of extreme humidity.

With the advent of climate change, floods have gotten worst with very heavy rains. It is sometimes so hot and humid that you are tired and drained. Great if you want to chill and do nothing. Not so much if you have things to do and running around.

Bad internet connection

Now I do not know about other islands but Mauritius is very advanced in terms of internet coverage. Even though the country is considered developing, a term that I hate, the infrastructure is quite impressive.

I would prefer the term ‘up and coming’. So am afraid it is no choppy service unless you want to use that excuse to have some quiet time.

A cheaper lifestyle

The biggest myth of all.

Sure, if you want to eat cheap street food all year round, get cheap accommodation and get a bicycle, it will be cheap.

But you will end up with unhealthy eating habits, probably a shithole of a living situation and you will find yourself struggling.

Inflation in Mauritius in 2021 is touted at over 5%, partly driven by the pandemic. Life is getting more and more expensive. And it also depends on the lifestyle you want to have, financially it is not a given.

No, we are not all fishermen living in huts

Read above.

What is actually true

People are extremely friendly, helpful, and warm. There is almost an air of innocence in our smiles (with exceptions of course).

You can escape to the beach for a weekend getaway without having to think about the logistics of flying, visa, and time off work. A swim at the beach does indeed melt all your worries away.

When I started traveling around Europe during my studies, I realised a sandy beach is not to be taken for granted.

Before that, I thought a beach without sand is somebody’s idea of a joke. Then I saw beaches with rocks, pebbles, metallic stuff and I stopped laughing.

We epitomise hospitality. Especially in hotels and restaurants, you learn the true meaning of the word service.

And once you have visited a five-star hotel or resort which is actually more affordable in euros or dollars compared to the west, you will turn into an island snob. Life will never be the same again.

Why I left

Initially for the big city life. To conquer the dreams of any ambitious person with a decent amount of intelligence that wants to have an impact on the world. But that was short-lived. I realised the American dream was not for me.

The long answer is more complex. But Scott Fitzgerald explains it well:

It is a funny thing coming home. nothing changes. Everything looks the same feels the same even smells the same. You realised what has changed is you.

I did come back, twice. Each time was a set of different lessons learnt. Most importantly, I had reverse culture shock.

There was also a deep yearning to go and explore.

I am a truth seeker. And truth can only be partly found in sea, sun and sand only.

I have a lot more chapters to write, and a lot more truth to uncover. They are also found in mountains, snow, deserts, lakes and other beauties around the world.

There is a lot of truth to discover in people I have yet to meet. That we will come together and share our life stories and become better because of it.

There is a lot more love that is coming my way, but I won’t find it by sitting down and sipping beer by the beach.

I look forward to all of them: the hurt, the pain, the adventures, the growth and these come in local format as well as international ;)

A postcard life might be everyone’s dream. It could be yours — by all means go for it. At least try it and see it for the amazing lifestyle that is. There are some people that ditched the big city life and settled happily on an island.

But my happiness does not depend on what other people are doing. I am also weird in the sense that I love winter and am also terribly inspired by the piercing white of snow.

One can be a tropical islander and love winter. Yes, we exist.

Do not project your dreams onto others. We all come with different missions and journeys in life.

Maybe mine was to teach you about island life and beyond that. And you teach me about the magnificent things you have seen in your own journey. To each their own.