Teacher impressions - Reunion

               During the return trip to Portugal, we felt blessed to have experienced unforgettable moments in the most beautiful island in the Indian Ocean.
From reception to departure, every detail was amazing: soaking our feet in the cool waters of the river, diving into the warm waters of the ocean surrounded by colorful fish and coral, tasting Creole food; learning about the local culture, history, music and dance, walking on another planet and being close to Piton de La Fournaise with the world's best volcano guide, walking in the rainforest and see and hear birds-cats and tec-tec and Papangue, canoeing in Etang Saint Paul and the visit to ARDA, with the fantastic team of Aurelie, picnics in the shade of Palm trees and Vacoas ... the beaches ... the mountains ... fantastic landscapes!
But beyond the landscapes, there was the host, friendship and conviviality, which were perfect. Our hearts are full of affection for the people who provided us these experiences: the school, the students (talented, friendly and always smiling) and their families (a special “thank you” to William and Olivia’s families, to Richard Corré and family for the unforgettable sunset dinner and to Christine Metzer, for the amazing day in Cilaos) and teachers Dominique, Sophie, Sonia and their families and the other team members. And the last but not the least …Thank you Philippe for this meeting and for your fabulous biodiversity hospitality, which included Margouillats, Chameleon, a Tangue and millions of mosquitoes.
And what else?
Bourbon Pointu …of course!

                                                                                                                                Anabela and  Cristina

   Reunion, with its angelic people, was a peace of heaven for me. Meeting them was the most fortunate event of my life.
Before the trip, the only thing I knew about the island was that it had an active volcano. But now, with its wonderful natural beauty including extraordinary sunsets, delicious food, refreshing vanilla and coffee aromas, the music and dance that literally boils up your energy, its hospitable people who have made laughter, fun and contentment a habit, Reunion became my second country. And, I miss the island’s scent of vanillas, its lively ocean, corals, colourful fish, most of all, the sincere and warm people more and more every day.
If I were fortunate enough to have a second chance in life, I would have loved being a child on this island.
Finding sufficient words of gratitude for dear Phillippe and his extraordinary group (teachers, students, parents) who made every minute busy and exciting with fabulous activities is difficult. I cannot thank you enough.
Your friendship, hospitality, sincerity and smiling face will always be remembered.

                                                                                                                                               Elife Köse

      I regret that I have to talk about our meeting in Reunion Island, at the past tense.
With no doubt I can say that the days spent there are among the most beautiful of my life. So intense in emotions, impressions and experiences ….
As soon as I stepped on the island I felt like I am in another world.
The island itself, the lagoons, the palm trees, the flowers, the heights, the volcano, the lush vegetation, the creole music, everything fascinated me.
I was impressed about many things, more or less important.
First of all, about the program ... it was full of wonderful activities, held in wonderful, unique places.
Everything what Philippe did was very well: he chose for us the perfect actions made at perfect times, no stress, no fatigue, only sunny moments.
I was impressed about the nice relationship between the parents, students and Philippe and it is good to remark that the project had its contribution to that.
I was impressed also about the warm welcome made by the school headmistress and all teachers, in each morning - the kiss on the cheek. It is maybe an expression of their generous nature and one of many other gestures of generosity made for us. And about the variety of activities from school held during the Sustainable Development Week.
I was impressed about my host, Dominique, she did so many things to make me feel so excellent. I am sure that without her, I wouldn't have known so many important things about the island, the history of the island and the visited places, about any flowers or trees, or the dishes we ate, and about the architecture, the various cultures from Reunion, the music we had listened, I don't know, everything... Dominique had always an interesting story to tell ...and really, I miss her stories now...
It was so hard for me to leave this piece of Paradise and I did it with the strong feeling that I have to see the island again, sometime.
                                                                                                                          Laura Filimon, Romania