Peter Mertes

Reunion Island Peter Mertes

Welcome to the Wonderland of Reunion Island, a land of cracking sensations! You can walk on a still active volcano, with its moon-like extraterrestrial plains and lava flows. You can get lost in magical forests where wizards ply their trade. You can get drunk on the scent of spices, geraniums, the velvety softness of orchids and you can taste passion fruit, lychees or Tangor oranges, fresh off their branches. "Welcome to Reunion Island!'' Bathe in natural waterfalls before plunging into the ocean, walk wild trails to reach the highland Technicolor peaks, and caress the impressive cliffs that once upon a time housed fugitive slaves and let yourself dream in shelters unfamiliar with television. Discover hamlets randomly lost at the bottom of valleys which are cut off from the world. Please avoid scaring the wild goats living in freedom. "Willkomen in RéunionLand''. The countryside abounds with translucent lizards, edible hedgehogs, vanilla farms and grass "that makes you laugh.'' At the turtle refuge, one may find turtles that swim and those who walk. Pardon, the lack of tigers and polar bears, but much of the birdlife is still preserved: petrels, Tuit-Tuits and the majestic straw-tailed seagulls called pailles-en-queue (Kitebirds?). From coral at the bottom of the lagoon that provides a home for the clownfish, damselfish or the surgeon fish. Whales who have crossed the globe to take refuge from winter storms. Dolphins that sing and dance around sailboats. You will remember Reunion Island and want to come back! Cramps, sunburn and rum hangovers only for a few uros. Let the show begin!