Réunion Island (said in a very exaggerated French accent) was formed by an underground volcano. It can be described as a lasagne with many layers of lava forming over a long period of time which has created a very picturesque island. The island has 3 volcanos and one of those is still active, erupting twice a year.
The port was Pointe Des Galets and passenger all aboard time was 2:30 which didn’t give us a lot of time. The captain made it very clear that he would not be waiting for any late passengers as we needed an average of 20.4 knots speed at sea for 3 days to make our next destination.
Based on that we caught the shuttle bus into the city centre. The bus dropped us off at the mall. It was also a National public holiday so it was very quiet and not a lot to see. Seen one shopping mall and you’ve seen them all.
Ruthie had an upside down smiley face look. She wasn’t happy that all we might see here is a shopping mall. Right on cue we came across our Finnish cruising friends and we decided to join them for an adventurous 8 kilometre walk back to the ship. It was a winters day here (26 degrees Celsius) which felt like a very reasonable Melbourne summers day.
I mentioned it was a public holiday here and all the local families were having a great time setting up picnics as we meandered through a local botanical garden. Some also chose the grassed areas of the black volcanic rock beach fronts.
We only got lost once and that was taking a short cut through a cemetery with only one entrance and exit. That was a dead end!
Even though we got a feel for this island, I felt jealous of those cruisers whom had booked a full island tour. They spoke of the lush tropical growth, waterfalls and volcanoes. Next time!
The seas were the roughest that evening that we had encountered. It just so happened that the main theatre act that night was a juggler. His feature was juggling 3 razor sharp axes! We didn’t need much encouragement to not sit in the front rows. Considering we were having trouble walking a straight line, I thought it appropriate that the juggler axe show was advertised as 1 night only!
Three days at sea now but we’re heading to Africa! Of course there’s only one way to celebrate that and that’s with an African Safari party!
Not in Cape anymore 
Very picturesque indeed. Think our beaches here look a little more appealing though! Now 3 days at sea and the fun on board begins again!!
Wow lots of different pics there. The African party looks fantastic. I’d like to hear the music!!
The island sounds fascinating but how does one ever know what to choose when visiting. It was bad luck about the public holiday but hard to be a jump ahead all the time. Your 8km walk back to the ship revealed all sorts of surprises. I love the unexpected when travelling don’t you?
Amazing that axe juggler didn’t hit his own jugular!!! Ha ha!!
I think you’re going on a safari next. I’m so excited for you. I just loved Sth Africa – it’s very special as is all Africa. Enjoy and look forward to next instalment…..