Hello Local Guides,
Today feels extra special for me. While the global Local Guides community is celebrating the 11th birthday of the Local Guides program, I am also sharing my own birthday (15th January) with this journey. This coincidence fills my heart with happiness and pride. I sincerely thank all my friends and community members who sent warm birthday wishes through different social media platforms. I am also deeply grateful to the @Connect_Moderators and Googlers who showered me with so much love and kindness. Being part of this global family on such a meaningful day makes this celebration truly unforgettable for me. 
As many of you already know, in November 2025 I had the chance to visit the beautiful island of Mauritius. I have already shared parts of this journey in my earlier posts, Thank You Mauritius, India , Indonesia and Kenya, and Mauritius Diaries Part 1. Today I am excited to share the next chapter of that journey.
This time, my story takes you to the very heart of Mauritius, the capital city Port Louis, with a special focus on the iconic Caudan Waterfront and the Central Market Port Louis
Before I begin, I want to say this clearly from my heart. This experience would not have been the same without @SwetaDhondoo . Because of her, I was not just a tourist ticking off famous spots. I lived these places like a local. I walked like a local.
I ate like a local. I observed life like a local. That is what made this visit so special and deeply memorable for me.
It was Wednesday, 5th November 2025. Since it was a weekday, we expected the markets to be less crowded.
We started our journey from Beau Bassin and took the Mauritius Metro.
After around 30 minutes of smooth travel, we arrived at Port Louis Metro station. We could have gone by car, but traffic during return hours and parking challenges in the city made public transport the smartest and most affordable option.
Our first stop was the Central Market Port Louis .
If you ask me about shopping in Port Louis, the Central Market is the soul of the city. Also known as the Bazaar of Port Louis, this market is divided into different sections, each filled with stalls selling a wide variety of products.
The ground floor is all about fresh fruits and vegetables. The colors, the freshness, and the energy of the vendors create a real feast for the eyes. You feel the pulse of the city in every corner.
On the first floor, you will find the famous Craft Market. This place is perfect for souvenirs.
Locally made items, spices, handicrafts, and thoughtful gifts are available at very reasonable prices. Even if you are shopping for the most difficult person in your life, you will find something meaningful here. Shopping here is not just about buying things. It is about connecting with local culture.
Here you can find my Google Maps review about this fantastic Market.
From this market, we bought souvenirs from a shop called Prakash Tourist Items.
As Local Guides, we also wanted to give something back. We added the complete shop details on Google Maps so more people can easily find and support this local business.
Prakash Tourist Items
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8pYUcrwDFZGKQh9o9
After shopping, we walked across to the fruits and vegetables section again.
Like true Pakistani, I could not stop myself from mentally comparing prices with Pakistani markets. This habit never leaves us, no matter where we travel. It made me smile and laugh at myself. 
We explored more souvenir shops on the first floor and then visited the spices section within the same market. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many spices used in Indian and Pakistani recipes were easily available there.
In that moment, Mauritius felt even closer to home.
After the market visit, it was time to head towards one of Mauritius’s most iconic places, the Caudan Waterfront.
Without any doubt, this place is truly beautiful.
Le Caudan Waterfront is not just a modern shopping area. It is a historic and cultural landmark of Port Louis. Built on a peninsula once linked to saltpans, sugar trade, docks, and observatories, it beautifully blends colonial heritage with modern life.
Named after Jean Dominique Michel de Caudan, the area today offers shops, restaurants, cinemas, a marina, museums, a casino, and a five star hotel. Sections like Barkly Wharf, Le Pavillon, and Dias Pier reflect important chapters of Mauritius’s history.
Today, Caudan Waterfront remains a favorite destination for locals and tourists, offering shopping, culture, port views, and artistic experiences through the Caudan Arts Centre. .
My Google Maps Review about Caudan Waterfront 
The most beautiful thing about this place is that if you arrive in the morning, you can easily spend the entire day here. There is always something to see, something to learn, and something to enjoy.
The most beautiful part of this place is that it is fully 
accessibility friendly, making it easy and welcoming for everyone to explore and enjoy.
We took photos of the impressive statues installed there and carefully read the history written on the plaques beneath them. These statues represent the architects of modern Mauritius. They include Sir Anerood Jugnauth, lovingly known as SAJ and a former President of Mauritius, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the founding father of the nation, and Professor Basdeo Bissoondoyal, a respected social worker who played a key role in pre independence politics.
Caudan Waterfront has its own unique charm. You can sit on the benches near the historic cannons and spend peaceful moments, especially when the weather is pleasant.
Around you, there are many coffee shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors. Even on weekdays, the area feels alive and vibrant.
If you walk a little further, you will reach the Caudan Arts Centre.
We did not stay there long and continued walking ahead. That is where I saw something truly magical.
A street decorated with hanging umbrellas created a stunning visual scene. It was the first time in my life that I saw such a street live. Before this, I had only seen similar scenes in photos from Türkiye and different parts of Europe.
Lunch became another memorable part of the day. Sweta treated me to authentic Mauritian street food.
I enjoyed Dhal Puri, which had a unique taste and was absolutely delicious.
Along with it, I tried Alouda from a famous Alouda Shop namely Alouda Pillay , a famous sweet drink of Mauritius. I can honestly call it the brother of Falooda. It was refreshing, sweet, and very distinctive.
Mauritius feels like a bouquet of natural beauty and cultural richness. The deeper you explore, the more surprises it offers. From stunning beaches to lively markets, from green mountains to peaceful and spiritual religious places, this island has something for everyone.
From my heart, I invite all of you to visit and explore this small yet incredibly beautiful island nation. Spend some of the best days of your life here. I say this with complete confidence. You will never regret this decision.
and happy birthday yo you 
May the year ahead bring you new opportunities to travel and many reasons to smile!
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reading it feels like I’m living the moment again 
and exploring Port-Louis
