Day 14 and some more days at the coast

After a speedy breakfast, we lace up our hiking boots for the last time and head down 6 kilometers and 580 meters of elevation to the bus stop in Basse Vallée. The mostly asphalted path is in strong contrast to all the paths we have taken so far in this vacation. But this easy path also has its benefits. We walk hand in hand, reviewing the vacation and walking step by step towards civilization. The untouched nature is suddenly replaced by a forest with surveillance cameras and prohibition signs. It takes us a while to realize that these are vanilla plantations. A little later, we reach the first houses and gardens. Markus’ foot is pleased about the easy way and: Great photo motifs are still around!

We arrive early at the small bus station, sit down on one of the benches and watch the older men who seem to meet here regularly to gossip. Shortly before 12 they say goodbye one after the other, we assume that they are leaving for dinner at home soon. 😉
From Basse Vallée we take the bus to Saint Pierre, where we have booked our accommodation in advance. The hotel “Le Saint Pierre ÎLe De La Reunion” is close to the promenade. We enjoy the warmth, the scent of the sea and treat ourselves to an excellent dinner – and no: we do not choose the traditional cari.

The next day we continue by bus to Saint Gilles, where we stay 2 nights and stay at the beautiful “Hôtel Le Grand Bleu”. Besides walks on the beach, swimming in the Indian Ocean (which was not as carefree as in the Mediterranean due to the existing shark danger and permanent danger flag on the beach) and very good food, the boat trip with dolphin watching was the highlight of the last days. The pictures will follow in a separate blog post.

The last night before the return flight we spend in the capital of the island, in Saint-Denis. It was hot, hot and … hot, and probably for this reason we don’t have any pictures of Saint-Denis. Except this one, from breakfast at “Paul” and the following last walk on the promenade before heading to the airport and thus towards home.