October 20th

I awoke around 0700, but took my time getting up; well, because I didn't have anywhere to be, and I needed/wanted to. Anyway, we readied and light breakfast of muesli-type crackers and shortbread-type crackers (because our Airbnb host had graciously supplied these. Along with espresso coffee for me and Earl Grey tea for Jeff. Pleased as punch we set out.

First item, haircut for Jeff. (We had appointment for car rental at 11.) We arrived at ten – Jeff signed in. It was fascinating watching mostly young men getting a haircut (that frankly they did not need!) It is a Friday also. We waited 40 minutes. But it was a very busy Barber shop, so we had to leave without Jeff receiving a cut!!  🙁

We walked to car rental place. We had to wait a bit but successfully procured our car – a white, very small Peugeot! FREEDOM! We went out. Jeff had a drive in mind, of course he did! This is my husband the planner!!! I love this about him – he always surprises me! We followed the main road east that circumnavigates the island, outside of Sainte-Clotilde to Saint Andre. We stopped at Sainte Suzanne and visited  the Phare de Bel Air. It is a lighthouse built on a basalt cliff protecting boats from two big rocks off shore. The “beach” was rocks. The wave action made the craziest sound, but reminded me of some coastal areas in Washington state. Back in the car, we found a park area and had lunch. Two baguette sandwiches: one a spiced, minced chicken in a thin pasta with mayo; other a tuna and corn with mayo. Both different, but good. (The tuna and corn reminded both Jeff and I of a crepe we had we believe in Belgium.) Now we cut inland and worked our way through some winding ten percent grades up to Hell-bourg – 4412 feet!! We stopped in this quaint town and checked out T-shirts – they were made by the same company as the ones we just bought in Madagascar – but, Oh My! so much more expensive, we walked away! We did buy an ice cream bar each. From here we decided to go follow the road up further. We passed through a fire on the side of the road. (We can't escape smoke! We had it all over in Madagascar.) Now we basically went to the end of the road, at the small town of Grand Islet. The elevation was basically 1200 m (approximately 4000 feet). The scenery was breathtaking! It was so steep and lush green – it reminded us of Norway Fjords or practically, anywhere in Hawaii, especially Kauai. There were clouds captured by these mountains and there was one in the middle that was just far enough away it was the only one dappled with sunlight. It was surreal and totally picturesque!

Anyway, we meandered, rather zipped and flung ourselves back down (Jeff was driving, after all). We stopped at a Carrefour (we are back in French territory) and picked up our supper – tomato soup, bleu cheese, bread and premade salad stuffs. Jeff picked out some wines and a Reunion rum. We arrived back cooled off and had supper. It was nice and light! 

It was a great start to our Reunion jaunt!!!