Karl & Kara Go Sailing

Monday 14 th October. The laundry. Le Port, Réunion. Alas “The laundry” isn't the latest hipster microbrewery, it's the place for washing clothes, which is my task for the morning. So I stuffed my backpack and bike panniers full of grotty clothing and cycled over to the other section of the marina to the laverie. I get to watch the miracle of a machine doing magic with water and soap so it's actually a bit of a treat. Here we are in Europe! Politically at least, if not geographically. Ever heard of Réunion? Nope. Me neither before this trip which is a shame because it's a real little gem. It's basically one big volcano (maybe technically two) and it's part of France, like really part of France, not just an overseas territory or protectorate or former colony. Just full-on France (Outre Mer). Which means it's pretty civilised, has great roads, everyone drives Citroens and Peugeots and Renaults, everything closes for a couple of hours in the...

Friday 27 th September, Mauritius/Ile Maurice/Moris. Friday evening, the end of another week and things are winding down here in Port Louis. We've spent the week settling into the luxury of a marina, getting to know Port Louis and exploring the rest of the island. And it's all been very pleasant and enjoyable. And yes, we may have spent some time in the local microbrewery. If you are ever in Port Louis I highly recommend indulging in the Flying Dodo beer at the Lambic restaurant - really, really, delicious, fresh beer (the Belgian Wit, IPA and NEIPA in particular, mmmmmm...yum). Karl takes in the view of Port Louis from the 19th century fort. The all important market - just look at those tomatoes! Lots of old buildings around as well as the shiny new highrise. Gives a great feel for the 18th/19th century colonial life. So we arrived last Sunday, spent the day at the immigration dock completing the arrival formalities and managed to make...