Transported to Mauritius in -4ºC

Last Sunday evening, I braved the ice cold storm and flurries of snow to travel to a blacked out poorly heated corrugated shed opposite an Aldi car park in deepest darkest Bedminster in Bristol. Why leave the comfort of my little home and its happy fire I hear you cry. Well, because I'd heard about a man who could transport you via the power of the mind straight to Mauritius for just £10.

    In association with the 2013 Bristol Storytelling Festival, the Tobacco Factory Theatre became the magic portal to that warm and beautiful land. Josian Fazou and his melodious wife, Alexandra, were the magicians who held the key. In a matter of moments, a group of 70 intrepid travellers were landing softly on the red fertile soil of Mauritius. The hum of creole song and the rhythmic beat of the ravanne caught us in a spell of tropical heat and a sense of homecoming.

   Josian captured the essence of a people and a land with the lilt of his voice, artistic humour and carefully chosen moral tales that reflected this tiny rainbow nation. Goats spoke, coconuts walked, trees danced and omelettes fished for octopus. Traditional colourful Mauritian storytelling familiar to those of us lucky enough to have been spun yarns by grandparents in our youth. I found myself a child again, with eyes and mouth agog between giggles and smiles. Too short a journey for my liking, but long enough to lift any human heart and leave it glowing in the sunshine. If you get the chance, hop on the next guided voyage with Josian and enjoy. You will not be disappointed.