Alexandre Le Blanc: Love at First Sight at 10, Marriage at 30

Title: Alexandre Le Blanc: Love at First Sight at 10, Marriage at 30

On a quiet Sunday in Vacoas, 32-year-old Alexandre Le Blanc watches his daughters play in the garden while his wife, Rachel, prepares breakfast. Their home is vibrant, filled with laughter and warmth. However, this apparent tranquility is the product of years of patience and a love that has never wavered.

Alexandre recalls the exact moment when it all began. He was just ten years old when he first saw Rachel, who is three years older than him, singing on stage at their school in Moka. Surrounded by the natural charisma of an artist, she came from a family renowned for its talent. The shy boy felt an immediate attraction - that famous "love at first sight".

As the years went by, they each pursued their paths, but their lives intersected repeatedly at weddings, family gatherings, and concerts. Rachel was always where music called her, and Alexandre never missed an opportunity to see her. He recalls with a smile his repeated attempts to win her over, always respectful of her pace. "I tried again and again, gently insisting... but she never said yes! Yet, I kept in mind Mao Zedong's famous saying: 'from defeat to defeat until victory.'"

Then one day, she finally said yes, marking the beginning of a solid, honest, and almost symbiotic love. "Rachel is the first and only love of my life."

Now, they are approaching their third wedding anniversary, with their home filled with the sounds of their nearly two-year-old daughters and the playful antics of their two dogs. Fatherhood has changed Alexandre, bringing him maturity and a sense of responsibility. Rachel, gentle and balanced, is his anchor, and together they form a close-knit family.

However, this peaceful present did not come easily. At 19, Alexandre left Mauritius for England, studying law at the University of Kent and later in London, away from Rachel and his family. Those demanding years shaped him into a disciplined, thoughtful, and determined man.

Upon returning in 2017, he began his apprenticeship under some of the most esteemed names in the Mauritian bar, including Yousuf Mohamed SC and Gavin Glover SC. He fondly remembers Me Jacques Panglose SC, whom he regards as a "true Master" for his intellect, authenticity, and deep spirituality.

Alexandre embraced the art of advocacy, navigating the complexities of legal proceedings and the moral responsibility of representing others. He has handled various cases, from neighborhood disputes to homicides, but one case stands out in his memory: he successfully defended dozens of families facing eviction.

Today, he practices law with passion. Despite the challenges and injustices he encounters, he maintains a deep respect for the profession. "One does not become a lawyer to get rich. For me, the law is a service, a mission."

In addition to being a lawyer, Alexandre is also a politician, involved with the PMSD. This was a natural progression for him, as his father was a candidate in 1982, and party gatherings took place at his grandparents' house, who were ardent supporters. Although he ran in the last election without success, he has no regrets. To him, politics is not about self-promotion; rather, it is a natural extension of his work: to serve, understand, listen, and resolve issues.

In his busy life, Alexandre finds solace in two passions: gardening and reading. He enjoys observing, planting, and watering, as well as diving into various genres of literature, from novels and essays to biographies and religious texts.

He also practices boxing three times a week, where the rhythm of punches becomes a ritual. "In a boxing gym, we are no longer lawyers, police officers, or students; our differences fade away. We are just friends working to improve our skills... Our opponents are our friends, and we must not take the hits personally. Boxing teaches us valuable life lessons: how to absorb some blows, dodge others, and counterattack."

Music is a faithful companion in his life, from the local sega of Grup Latanier to Vivaldi, Chopin, and Brassens. "Music accompanies my days, my journeys, and my moments of rest."

As he takes a moment in the garden, surrounded by the laughter of his daughters, Alexandre reflects on the day ahead: court hearings, files, meetings. Amidst this whirlwind, he cherishes the simple moments: laughter, the aroma of coffee, and sunlight filtering through the leaves.

He knows he hasn't solved everything and that challenges and unexpected events lie ahead. Yet, he is clear about what he wants to preserve: his family, his passions, and his energy for his profession and politics. In this small garden in Vacoas, surrounded by his loved ones and his passions, Alexandre Le Blanc continues on, not with triumphant certainty, but with the perseverance that has always driven him.