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Celebrate - Reunion; a delightful and special stopover.



Our week here went very quickly but there was lots to see.

Surprisingly Reunion is not only a French Department but also part of the European Union. Much of the infrastructure has benefited from considerable investment from the EU. The shiny new road system dominates the lower coastal plateau but makes getting around very easy. Peter hired a car for four days and explored the interior of the island with Sandra, Tom and Frank from Sweet Pearl. We drove and climbed around 400 bends (that's what the guide says and we stopped counting!)to drop down into the green volcanic crater of Circe de Cilaos. After the rather dry savanna low lands and ascent through clouds it's like finding the lost city of Shangri-la. The place is a paradise for walkers. The Circe and town of Cilaos are surrounded by forests with many hiking trails we did a short one before rain stopped play.

Another day we drove up early to the Circe de Salazie on the other side of island and after driving past many waterfalls cascading down the slopes and up a pass we came to Hell-Bourg an even more special place. The guide book says it has been recognized as the most beautiful village in France and we wouldn't dissagree. Historically it was the haven for African slaves escaping their masters and the sugar plantations, it later became a retreat for the wealthy and writers living in Creole style villas and bungalows. These homes have been beautifully restored,we spent hours walking around them. At one particular house the Maison Folio three generations of the family maintain their house and gardens and act as guides around their own bit of living history.

On our way back we called into the capital Saint Denis where they again conserve many Creole style houses, a number former residences of sugar barons and traders. We enjoyed a couple of hours walking the streets and taking in the French culture (and pastries)

The highlight of our stay was a helicopter ride organized by Charlie and Cathy where we flew over and within all the Circes. The pilot took us (very!) close to water falls, wooded ridges and gorges. We also revisited the dormant volcano of La Fournaise seen on the coach tour . This time the clouds had lifted so we could enjoy the view of the crater and across the lava flow down to the coast. We took lots of pictures but sadly they don't really capture this thrilling adventure.

We have enjoyed our short stay in Europe, next stop Africa!

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