Joselyn's birthday

Jocelyn was 60 yesterday, and we all crossed the Island to Trou D'eau Douce where they have a campement. We came here last time in 2004 on a pirate ship. It took us to Isle au Cert, where we had a beach barbecue and danced the Sega. On that occasion we'd gone up the Grande Riviere Sud Est to some spectacular waterfalls.
This time there's no time for such a large scale venture. Jeurn has negotiated a lower price on the van trip and his lot and ours are travelling together. It's about 30K but it will take an hour and a half.
On the way stop at Bel Mar (creole spelling), where we stayed last time. Then I had all my children with me, my siblings and their children and it was terrific. We'll have to do it again.
We stop for some gateaux piment, samousa, and farata and then a swim. I bought three genuine labelled t-shirts from the factory outlet shop. In the car park we bump into Philip and Ingrid, Jocelyn's son and in-law who direct us to their place. It is spectacular.
Their campement directly overlooks the beach. The reef is incomplete at Bel Mar and so the waves come tumbling onto the beach and role up it's gentle incline before disappearing into the sand. The scene is idyllic, with palm trees on the edge of the beach tilting, some towards and others away, from the sea. A cool sea breeze gently disturbs the leaves and keeps the temperature perfect. The sea is rough enough for breakers in the choppy deep blue water. The sky is a lighter uniform blue with an occasional fluffy white cloud drifting imperceptibly.
Rob, Jos's husband, curiously declines the offer of a swap of apartments.
The afternoon slips by in a blissful haze, culminating in a toast to Jocelyn and short words of appreciation from husband and son Matthew.
Jocelyn had sustained severe burns in accident before coming out and she nearly didn't come, so they have a maid who does everything. She had been cooking some proper Mautitian scran for later. Sadly, this was not for us and we were bundled into our van for the long trip back. To start with we were in high spirits, but that gave way to somnolence, which I was unable to shake off. I went to bed at 9.40, exhausted from doing nothing, and another fantastic day.