La Reunion – the World on an Island

La Reunion island lies some 800 km east from Madagascar and it is of volcanic origin. This tropical island fascinates with its diversity in vegetation and spectacular landscape. Reunion is famous for its Creole food and hospitable people. And a culture which mirrors in architecture and music.

Arab sailors called the island Adna Al Maghribain, or "Western Island". The Portuguese are thought to have been the first European visitors, finding it uninhabited and naming it Santa Appolonia. The island was then occupied by France and administered from Mauritus. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, French immigration supplemented by influxes of Africans, Chinese, Malays, and Indians gave the island its ethnic mix.

Reunion is one of the overseas departments of France and also an outermost region of the European Union, and thus the currency used is the euro. Reunion is also part of the Indian Ocean Commission.

The island greets you to discover the charm of its bay, deepness of its valleys and the power of its volcano and a resplendent tapestry, which also blends Indian, African and Chinese influences. Réunion has astounding geographical diversity, the landscapes vary from a kilometers with the magic of a kaleidoscope: from lava fields to lush primary forest, from jagged peaks to sprawling coastal cities. And they print their rhythm to a crowd of microclimates, spread out in the course of slopes. Piton de la Fournaise is one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes and depending on nature’s whims, you might even witness fiery-red molten lava. Meet Mario Titus, a Réunionnain, proud of his and his island`s - hospitality, interview:

Q: What is the best way to discover Reunion?
Mario: The best way to explore is by bus! There are several bus lines for exploring of my island, and I recommend the "Yellow Bus" which links the city and the coast regularly.

Q; You were born on Reunion island. How do you remember your childhood?
Mario: When I was young, there was no modern infrastructure, no cars or busses. I simple walked all over the island!

Q: Would you like to introduce Reunion island in brief, some sounds, and scents from the island..?
Mario: We are a tropical Island with spectacular scenery, original landscapes. I would like to recommend the web site www.la-reunion-tourisme.com in order to explore some of those sites.

Q: Reunion is all about nature, waterfalls, forests, moon landscapes…which are your favorite paths, day trips, outings, sites at the sea..?
Mario: My favorite path is trekking in the mountains, there I can walk through primary forests…very scenic and very relaxing.

Q: Tourism is an important source of income. Any interesting eco resorts, hotels that you recommend?
Mario: Hotels and resorts are for all tastes, 3 stars, 4 stars hotels with plenty of comfort…

Q: There is the volcano – the Piton de la Fournaise - it is said to be one of the most active volcano in the world. How it is like to live with volcano?
Mario: We are very much used to live with this volcano. Every year there are spectaculars¬ lava flows - but not dangerous.

Q: Every home has a scent. What is the scent of your home?
Mario: The favorite scent of our family is that of jasmine… we put very little of it!

Q: Some flavors from the open market?
Mario: In open markets of Reunion Island one can found spices, flowers, souvenirs from the volcano, sculptures.

Q: Which is the best time to visit
Mario: From May to August, because it is our summer season, even it's very warm...

Q: Some must-sees sites?
Mario: Some of the must-sees sites are the - volcano, the primary forest, historical sites of our island.

Q: Would you like to introduce your community, some great individuals, interesting exhibitions, etc.?
Mario: The Réunionnais or the people of Reunion Island are very integrated in the European system, fluent in French and several Réunionnais are became famous in sport, education…

Q: Local food, a Reunion "special"¬ food, intimate restaurants by the sea?
Mario: Due to our history our food is influenced by India. Some of our food is rather spicy: massala, rougail, cari. The Chinese food too is very popular among Reunionnais, more and more European food, like pizzas but, also Middle eastern food kebabs, also Tunisian and Moroocan food..

Q: You are also a music lover. What is the sound of Reunion music or the music of that region, some great musicians, singers, performers and which other music is your favorite
Mario: The music of my island is very typical for the region and there are several sounds:

Maloya, which incorporates influence from the first slaves)
Séga, a mix between Salvage music & French music)
and modern music, influenced by African and European music.

The most exciting bands from my island are Davy Sicard, Danyel Waro, Baster, Ziskakan, Ousanousava. Explore further on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8CvxflLBvk

Q: Your favorite saying is "love is when you do not want to go to sleep, because reality is better than a dream". Have you felt this way, one, more time, frequent?
Mario: Indeed, this saying is my favorite because I think it is the most fabulous feeling a human can have -and we should search for this sensation through our life...

Q: You say "when the power of love will triumph, the world will know peace. What needs to be done, what do you propose that that peace will reign?
Mario: It is not easy to create a better world - but it is of our duty to try...

Q: By 2025, Reunion island wants to use renewable energy sources to produce 100 percent of its electricity, and to power all of its transport by 2050. Would you like to tell us more about this project.
Mario: Yes, it's a challenge for Réunionnains.¬ The French government wants to explore in Reunion island different systems of renewable energy. We have water, sunshine, we even have an active volcano.

We seem to have more energy than we need for our development!

Mario Titus in Reunion island, thank you very much.

ABOUT REUNION:
The Archipelago of the Mascarenes
Age: 3 Million Years
Location: Indian Ocean
Circumference: 207 km
Population: 720,00 inhabitants

Image: Location of the Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean created by Mario Titus