Mauritius, 22/10/2016 pt 2

We have now travelled to a hotel in North Mauritius. G and D are diving, but I have stomach cramps so am sitting having a coffee for my troubles.
My impressions of the island so far are that outside of some upmarket hotels and the large port of Port Louis there is not much prosperity. The road sides, in common with other Indian Ocean islands, are fully coated with rubbish and litter of every type. A shame but that's the way it is. There are lots of half built houses that have obviously been abandoned for a while. Maybe the building will resume but it doesn't look like it. However the weather certainly makes up for a lot. It's warm, around 26 during the day, and sunny with the occasional shower of rain. There's generally a refreshing sea breeze blowing too.
Although the island shares English and French heritage, it is obviously French. That and Creole is the normal language, except for road signs in English. Also the cars drive on the left! Port Louis is a busy place with the shipping coming and going at all hours. There is also a wave that comes in at random intervals, a bit like a bore but more gentle. Doesn't do any damage if you have plenty of fenders out.
This hotel is obviously upmarket with its enormous reception and relaxing area overlooking a large infinity oil which is overlooking the deep blue Indian Ocean. It's about a 30 minute drive from the boat, but a different world.
There are still jobs to do on the boat before departure. I found a lot of water in the generator fuel filter. I'm sure it has damaged the fuel system but that repair can wait for South Africa. I will be changing over the filters again, having checked the fuel in the tank already, no water present there. I also need to service the main engine as its done a lot of work since Darwin. One of the lights in my bathroom is not working and a rail has come loose too. The cockpit VHF radio is no longer working and I'm anxious to reuse the back stay as the HF long range radio aerial again. This is to see if reception improves as its a bit hit and miss with the whip aerial at present.