La Reunion-Thursday

We flew overnight to get here. Mon C downgraded from business to fly club with me-but club was rather fine itself. The only difference, as far as I could see, was they got a fuller toiletries bag than us, and had much, much larger seats.

Still, club was far, far better than economy!

We left Paris at 8.15pm Paris time Wednesday evening, and arrived La Reunion 8.45am local time Thusday morning.There's a 3-hour time diffence from the UK here.

I'm such a light sleeper that I only got about an hours sleep on the plane. But I watched movies-the good thing about French with English subtitles is that I could listen to my iPod, and watch the movies at the same time, whilst also keeping track of the planes location on the main screen...

When we arrived at 8.45am it was already 24C. You walked into the heat as you stepped off the plane. But it was manageable.

When we stepped out of the airport, this was the sight that greeted me:

So beautiful. I can't wait to get into this Island's interior!

I just about wet myself when I got to our room. I have stayed in many fine hotels, and although this is not likely to be the finest service wise, it's among the best I have stayed in-the location makes it very special. How is this for a view from your own private terrace?

I'll be sleeping to the gentle roll of waves breaking tonight. Although we're by the beach there is a private pool, looking out to the beach either side:

Looking to the north, and here's looking to the south:

And here's the view from the poolside into the verrandah-and mon C.

We went to the beach, and I did swim with the tropical fish in the lagoon. No requin today! Our friends did laugh when Xfe explained that I was worried about swimming with the shark reputation. Although it is predominantly the east coast that has the problem, they nevertheless took us to the lagoon which is protected by a reef-and assured me I'd be safe! it was beautiful.

The lagoon.

However later in the day a 4 or 5 year old boy who was paddling when I swam to shore asked me (in French), "Monsieur, are there any sharks close today". I told him they were all on the other side of the reef. I thought he was going to cry-I meant to reassure him.

So, now we're enjoying cocktails in the bar which looks out onto the sea. It's 7pm and pitch black.