Happy Easter from the Indian Ocean – Mauritius and Réunion

Happy Easter from the Indian ocean, east of Madagascar and two remote but very different Islands, Mauritius and Réunion.

Port Louis, Mauritius’ capital, like many other Asian cities is a melting pot of many cultures. Chinese, Indians, Moslems and Africans live harmoniously on this 28-mile wide island. It is best known for its world-renowned botanical garden (more like a tree farm) and it’s 85 types of palm trees and giant waterlilies pond. Unfortunately its economy is somewhat depressed, and not as modernized as it’s neighbor, Réunion.

In contrast, Le Port, Réunion is an idyllic volcanic island, just south of Mauritius. The volcanoes are more active here than any other part of the world and the whole island reminds me of Kauai with its lush green ferns, micro-climate and black lava beaches. It is best known for it’s vanilla and sugar cane plantations. Their official language is French and their currency is the Euro. Le Port is as modern and affluent as most European cities and it’s vibrant streets are charming. It also has an active motion picture production industry, in fact, Jurassic Park was filmed there.