Tamarin: The Serene Coastal Jewel of Mauritius

• HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [O re-vwar]
• YesWi
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [See voo pleh/Dee ree-en]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mer-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [Ex-kew-zay mwah/Day-zo-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [Koh-moh sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [Byen. Ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray vwah-r leh men-oo, see voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [Zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [San-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, see voo pleh]

• Help!Aidez-moi!
  [Eh-day mwah]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [Al-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [Ah-peh-lay uh may-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [Zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [Zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [Zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde seulement
  [Zhuh ruh-gard suhl-mahn]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-vez voo bay-say leh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel ay in er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demie
  [Dee ay duh-me-ay]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [Oh-zhoor dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Deh-man]
• 1Un
  [Ehn]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [Kat]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [Nuff]
• 10Dix
  [Dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [Oo ay luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-vez voo muh mon-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kond ay luh proh-shan (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [Ehn bee-yay (poor)]

The earliest known settlers in Tamarin were the Dutch, who landed on the island of Mauritius in the late 16th century. Attracted by the natural harbor and abundant wildlife, they established small settlements. However, the area remained largely undeveloped until the arrival of the French in the 18th century.

Under French rule, Tamarin began to flourish as a key port town. The French named the area after the tamarind trees that were abundant in the region. Sugar cane plantations were established, and the town became an important hub for the island’s sugar industry. The construction of the Tamarin Bay Salt Pans in the 18th century also played a significant role in the local economy.

In 1810, the British took control of Mauritius, including Tamarin. While the British focused more on the development of Port Louis as the island’s main harbor, Tamarin continued to thrive due to its sugar plantations and salt production. The British influence is still evident in some of the colonial architecture that remains in the area.

One of the most notable historical landmarks in Tamarin is its salt pans. Established during the French colonial period, these salt pans became one of the primary sources of salt for the island. The traditional methods of salt production have been preserved and are still in use today, making it a unique cultural and historical site.

Following Mauritius’ independence in 1968, Tamarin began to develop rapidly. The once quiet fishing village transformed into a vibrant town, attracting tourists with its stunning beaches, surfing spots, and the iconic Tamarin Bay where dolphins often frolic. Real estate development and modern infrastructure have also contributed to its growth.

Tamarin is a microcosm of Mauritius’ multicultural heritage. The town is home to a diverse population, including descendants of African slaves, Indian laborers, Chinese traders, and European settlers. This rich cultural tapestry is reflected in the local cuisine, festivals, and religious practices, making Tamarin a fascinating place to explore.

Tamarin is located on the west coast of Mauritius. The nearest international airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU), approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or use shuttle services to reach Tamarin. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road.

Tamarin is a small coastal village, and many attractions are within walking distance. Local taxis are readily available and can be a convenient option for short trips. Buses operated by the National Transport Corporation (NTC) connect Tamarin to other parts of the island. Renting a car or a scooter can also offer more flexibility for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are available in Tamarin, but ensure you have enough cash for remote areas where card payments may not be possible.

Tamarin is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Tamarin does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Tamarin. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering religious buildings. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'Bonjour'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tamarin like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Mauritian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Tamarin Salt Pans and the nearby Black River Gorges National Park for a taste of the local natural beauty. For a unique experience, join a surf lesson or a dolphin-watching tour in Tamarin Bay.