POINTE DES GALETS, REUNION ISLAND – MARCH 26TH



After returning from our mis-“adventure” in Nosy Be’, we immediately cancelled the “Vanilla Plantation and Scenic Drive” 4-hour excursion we had booked for Reunion Island.  We were to visit a vanilla plantation and learn how vanilla essence is produced.  I absolutely love vanilla and was hoping to purchase some vanilla products but it was just not in the cards – although Michael bought vanilla extract in Tahiti and I bought vanilla beans in the little gift shop we visited in Nosy’ Be before I passed out. 

That being said, we have less to say about Reunion Island than we had about Mauritius.  It is approximately 972 sq. miles, slightly smaller than Rhode Island and has a population of about 844,000 people.  French is the official language but Creole is widely used.  Its capital is Saint-Denis and its currency is the Euro.  It lies approximately 500 miles east of Madagascar and is volcanic in origin.  The island’s active volcano is Piton de la Fournaise, which last erupted in 1998 and regularly emits steam and rumbles.  



Again, I saw beautiful photos from excursions our fellow passengers took but we spent much of the morning chatting with Drs. Donna and Richard, venturing out to the shuttle that took us through the port (no walking allowed) to the immigration officials where we had to check in for passport inspection.  There was one little souvenir stand where we purchased our magnets (as well as a couple for Donna and Richard) and a hat for Michael.  A little box I liked very much was returned to the table after I saw it was “Made in China.”  I refuse to purchase anything “Made in China” while on the world cruise.  Otherwise, I might as well have stayed home and buy souvenirs on eBay.  The main shopping areas were about 30 minutes away.  







We set sail at 10 p.m. on our way to Durban, South Africa, and will arrive on Saturday, March 30th.

MICHAEL’S OBSERVATIONS:   After Leona’s experience in Nosy’ Be, I didn’t want to take the chance of her ruining her health.  Passing out in this kind of extreme heat and humidity is no joke.  What people don’t realize is that you can actually damage your kidneys so I was more than happy to take the 2-minute ride from the ship to the port and come back and enjoy and cold, refreshing room. 

LEONA’S FURTHER OBSERVATIONS:  I’m surprised that Michael referred to enjoying the return to our room – he’s usually fully dressed with a robe on and mumbles something about hanging meat in here. 

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