Reunion, Island of a Thousand Faces

The meeting is not by chance called the island of a thousand faces. 

The geographic and cultural diversity of this pearl of greenery in the Indian Ocean makes it a destination that marks you forever. Gourmets will also feel in paradise in Reunion while the more energetic will live moments of pure adrenaline. For all others, the island is synonymous with pleasure. It has a mix of Creole hospitality and joie de vivre in French. 

In a word, Reunion is a destination that gives free rein to the imagination ...

Diving and snorkeling are among the must-do activities ... 

The Indian Ocean is indeed a paradise for lovers of the underwater world. Wrecks ship, bright corals, colorful fish, sea anemones, turtles and manta rays move like giant UFOs before your very eyes. 

For snorkeling, we recommend the lagoons of Saint Leu and The Hermitage. 

The water is crystal clear in Reunion, allowing the diving throughout the year. Moving away from the coast, divers can find labyrinths of caves and caverns where the fascinating fish and corals high color live. 

A little further on, real cliffs plunge into the depths of the ocean, where each austral winter, you can see whales so assured. 

Humpback whales come here to mate and calve. Their acrobatic jumps and songs during mating season are truly spectacular. If you go by boat from Saint-Gilles les Bains, you will fail the company of dolphins leaping in the wake under your catamaran. 

That you observe the whales or you let away by the depth of the Indian Ocean, you are guaranteed to live great moments during each fishing trip. 

The best time to dive in Reunion is from October to April, while whale watching, it should go between June and October.

The gourmets feast while vacationing in Reunion ... 

For the inhabitants of the island, eating is more than a gesture to feed. It is an art. 

And soon, you will realize it. No meal takes place without an aperitif style arranged rum (rum, fruit and spices) or punch a little sweeter fruit. Ideal for whet your appetite to appreciate its true value as follows. In general, the portions are generous and the wide selection. 

Like its people, Reunion gastronomy is a real mix of cultures. 

You can enjoy the excellent French cuisine, but also Creole dishes more delicious. 

A kind of fusion cuisine before its African influences, Madagascar. 

Everywhere you will find candy peppers, these little cakes with white beans that are sort of tapas Creoles. 

Of course, the menu is sure to fish, although poultry and meat will also fare well: traditional dishes are curries and chutneys. All quarry is accompanied rougail, a kind of delicious chutney with various condiments. Moreover, the sausage is a classic rougail Reunion kitchen. 

The dishes sometimes have a vanilla flavor, subtle flavor that really makes sense in a curry duck. The zourite stew is somewhat unexpected, elaborated with baby octopus, red wine, spices and herbs. This octopus in wine is a delight. 

You'll understand the Reunion kitchen alternates modern cuisine and traditional dishes to the delight of gourmets.

Maloya and Sega are the two traditional genres in Reunion ... 

'Craz a Sega', an evening of dancing the sega is a must. More traditional, Maloya, is a style of music inherited slaves. It is also a sensual dance during which, oddly enough, the partners do not touch. Although the base is traditional, this music is very original. 

Meanwhile, a movement among the population tries to keep its traditional form that tells people's pain. Maloya is not for nothing known as the blues of the Indian Ocean. It does not require a lot of instruments, only percussion and kayamb (a dish of seeds square instrument) are used. This music is so unique and unique to the island that is now the intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Maloya is part of the identity of the inhabitants of the island and is played every political, social or cultural event. But it was not always the case: in 1970 he was banned for political reasons. He was reinstated in the 80s thanks to performers like Danyel Waro, one of its greatest exponents. 

Since then, it is really part of the island daily. Do not miss a concert of one of these groups. Day Kaf (abolition of slavery) December 20 is also a good opportunity to listen. And if you can, attend a Kabar an improvised traditional Maloya his party.

The islanders are very friendly ... 

The perfect blend of multiple cultures on the island creates a positive feeling, a lifestyle typical Creole. Creole is also happy with all these Z faced each vowel. They thus called the French Zoreils because the settlers caught people's ears when they do not understand. 

During the weekend, the islanders like to indulge in idleness, but after enjoying a lot of good things. The many picnic sites where large pots simmering quarry on wood fires, always fully booked. 

It's nice to be pampered in one of the wellness centers of the island. Everywhere, you can take yoga and golf. 

It is also interesting to visit a rum refinery and the museum dedicated to rum. Not to mention the tasting part. By visiting a vanilla, you know all about this plant that acts must on Ile Bourbon Island vanilla. 

And if you really want to step into the shoes of a Reunion, you should at least eat a few pounds of lychees during your stay. There, these fruits are delicious. Once you get a taste, you can not live without it. 

Finally to finish your trip in style, enjoy a helicopter flight over the island.

By Hicham Bichr