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GENERAL PRESENTATION |
Time seems to stand still on Rodrigues. Its unpretentious charm and simple unhurried pace of life has attracted the likes of Prince William and his friends, who appreciate the island's tranquility and unspoilt natural beauty.
The island of Rodrigues is situated at about 560 kms north east of Mauritius. It is 18.3 kms long and 8 kms wide, stretching alongst a wide submarine plateau.
It is of volcanic origin like the two other islands of the Mascarenes (Reunion and Mauritius). It was formed essentially by basaltic flows some 1.3 to 1.5 million years ago. Surrounded by a vast lagoon (twice its area) of shallow water abounding in coral life, Rodrigues is a mountainous country, its highest peak being Mont Limon, which reaches 393 metres.
Several steep little valleys spread out on either side of the mountain range that extends across the island from east to west. A vast coral plain, formed when the area was still covered with water, stretches out to the south east.
The rest of the island is made of basaltic rock and the coastline (80kms) is marked by numerous coves and creeks and sometimes by high cliffs shrouded by wonderful paille-en-queue birds.
The Rodriguan landscape is far from monotonous. From untouched beaches, the eye moves on to terraced cultured fields and, beyond the valleys, to forests sheltering the golden bat, a species unique in the world.
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POPULATION |
Rodrigues has a population of around 40,000 souls, more women than men. 98% are creoles (known in Mauritius as 'general population'). The catholic faith is predominant (97.5% of the population). The Catholic Church is profoundly rooted in the Rodriguan society : the first priest arrived in 1850 while the Pope John Paul II came in 1989. The colourful pageantry of churchgoers pouring out of Saint Gabriel after the Sunday mass should not be missed.
The Anglican Church, the Adventist Church and the Assemblies of God are also present in Rodrigues.There is a very lovely Muslim mosque in Port Mathurin and in the village of Crhve Coeur, the Hindus have a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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LANGUAGES |
English is the official language but most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French predominate everyday life and several oriental languages are also spoken.
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CLIMATE |
Rodrigues is in the southern hemisphere. Thus, its summer lasts from November to April while winter is from May to October.
The climate is generally warmer and drier than in Mauritius.Rodrigues is subject to regular winds blowing from the south east and is prone to cyclones. Rainfall is fairly low, so the island has to contend with extended periods of drought.
Moreover, the island is furrowed by many dry stream beds which come on their own in the rainy season. When this occurs, a spectacular display of gushing waterfalls can be admired at Manique, Marechal and Victoire.
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LOCAL CUISINE |
The secret of the Rodriguan cuisine lies in the freshness of the ingredients, the expertise handed over from the past generation and the local flavours and aromas of well-preserved culinary traditions.
Tiny shellfish gathered from the beach, seasoned with coriander, make a delicious soup. The cono-cono salad is a must (the cono-cono is a shellfish the size of a fist and is an aphrodisiac, according to tradition).
Mussel gratin, sautied crab, steamed fish (Sacrichien, Capitaine, Berry) honeyglazed pork loin, beef rougailles with ground corn, kidney bean fricassie, corn-fed chicken salad with ginger, chicken curry with greens and lime pickle are exquisite dishes for any gourmet's palate.
Mandatory specialities are the octopus curry, smoked ham and, above all, the terrific 'piments limon' which are small pickled green lemons ground and mixed with chillies.
When it comes to desserts, there is a choice between papaya or coconut pies with freshly grated coconut or flavoured with cinnamon, together with the maize pudding.
During one's outings, it is hard to resist the delights of the 'gbteau patate' (sweet potato cakes) or the 'gbteau manioc' (cassava cakes).
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