Reunion Islands

Land of fire – Reunion Island

Reunion Island is a culmination of nature meeting culture and history. It may take your breath away with the landscape and volcanic activity, but you will be in awe once you immerse yourself into Reunionese culture and learn about the history of its people. Reunion Island shares the Indian Ocean with many other island nations, but will still captivate you with its number of ethnicities.

http://www.indian-ocean.com/reunion-island-pure-creole-gastronomy/ – Image 01 (Reunionese food)

Reunionese cuisine is a spectacular mix of exotic flavours from France, Chinese, Madagascar and India. Creamy carries (curries) with a fiery kick are popular dishes that locals eat on almost a daily basis. Rice is also a staple in Reunionese cuisine and there are different variations, such as white rice, egg fried rice and even biriyani rice. Le Reflet des Îles in Saint-Denis offers Creole food, that is a fusion of flavours. Think fiery carris, grilled meat and fish. If you’re still looking for the tastes of Reunion Island, but want something different from carris – eat at O’Baya in Saint-Pierre. Beautiful cuts of meat, seared fish and interesting combinations make up a wonderful eating experience.

http://www.pixaile.com/Aerial-photography/Industrie/i-m3xj6kb – Image 02 (Sugar plantation)

If your trip to Reunion Island is from January to June, include a tour of the Sucrerie de Bois-Rouge in Saint-Andre to your itinerary. As the cane harvest takes place from July to December annually, the distillery is closed off to tourists. But during the production months, you can view the entire process of producing sugar. You will also be able to view the production of cane juice, rum and molasses. There is also a shop on site where you can sample the juice and rum and buy some to take back with you. There is a guided tour fee, but the entire experience is interesting and will give insight into the sugar making process.

https://theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com/2014/06/22/40-reunion-island-volcano-wakes-up-after-4-years-with-major-eruption/ – Image 03 (Piton de la Fournaise)

Piton de la Fournaise, is a must. An active volcano will encourage your thrill-seeking side. On your way to the Piton de la Fournaise, you will pass the barren landscape known as Plaine des Sables. Resembling another planet, you will feel as if you have been transported onto a set of a space or extraterrestrial movie. But the highlight of your day to the Piton de la Fournaise is the hiking. There are guided tours that are available and consist of hiking inside dormant lava flows. The rocky terrain does call for an SUV and it is about two hours from Saint-Dennis. Pack well and take a keen sense of adventure too.

https://elite-voyage.com/sega/ – Image 04 (Sega dancers)

Pack light as you’ll need the space for vanilla pods, woven work, Malagasy crafts and Sega outfits. Reunionese women, although not as common and per their ethnicity can be seen wearing Sega dresses. Usually, a cropped blouse and long skirt, make up a Sega dress in colourful and bright patterns on it. But these outfits are donned usually for special occasions and by dancers. Reunionese women do wear more westernised styles, but still, do adorn their hair with flowers. Reunionese men wear loose fitting trousers and shirts that are made from cotton. Hats are common as well due to the strong sun rays.

There is much more to Reunion Island than it appearing to be just another tropical destination. This island nation is becoming an increasingly popular destination due to its unique landscape, bubbling volcano, interesting history and rich diversity of people. Warm waters, adventure and beautiful modesty of its people await you.