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.VALENTINE'S DAY: REUNION ISLAND Sunday, February 14, 2016

Early in the morning we arrived on a deserted pier in Pointe Des Galets. The tropical Island looked promising. Finally after 30 minutes, there was some life, and a couple of guys came to get the ship secured so we could go on land. I guess since it was Sunday no one was in a great rush.  

We found out later, that Reunion which is owned by France, is a newer spot for cruise ships to stop. Therefore the accommodations for such large ships aren’t really fully developed yet. A shuttle bus had to maneuver us through the harbor filled containers in order to bring us to the entrance gate. There was a small building which was used as a tourist office. We were literally stuck out in the boonies and had to make arrangements to get into town or the famous beaches this island has to offer. Since it was Sunday, all the stores were closed. However, there was a band and dancers, which entertained us with island music and dancing . Jim was a happy camper when he found out there was a strong Wi-Fi available. Back to the ship he went to get the computer and dove right into uploading pictures! We hope you enjoyed the latest picture upload of Singapore and Phuket. It only took him a little over two hours to upload those pictures, all while listening to the music and watching the dancers.

I, on the other, hand was up for some action. I booked a trip to one of the beaches. Jim wasn’t interested. You know his saying by now: "You see one (beach), you have seen them all." I enjoyed the 30 minute ride through the country side very much. It reminded me a lot of Hawaii, with its lush green landscape, valleys and waterfalls. The highest point is Piton des Neiges which is over 9800 feet high. Though the climate is much hotter than Cape Town. It has plenty of humidity, sweat, sweat, drip, drip… Arriving in the small village of Boucan-Canot, with a bunch of hotels by the beach, I walked through the idyllic village and along the beach . I even got my feet wet. You could tell it was Sunday, because everyone was enjoying the sunny day at the beach. I had to be careful where I stepped since the Island is a volcanic one, there were a lot of sharp volcanic rocks everywhere. If Jim had only known, I spotted a few topless ladies on the beach! Too bad, Jim! And, no, I did not take any pictures! As Jim told me afterwards, “another missed photo opportunity… Darn!”

All of a sudden some dark clouds crawled over the mountains and I made it just in time back to the bus before I got drenched. Back at the ship, it still was raining and the clouds hung low. To my surprise I couldn’t find Jim at the food court. I wanted to tell him all about my excursion. He was in the cabin taking a nap from his computer work. After dinner we sailed on to our next overnight last stop, Mauritius. It’s amazing how time flies when you are having fun.

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