As I write this I am in literally excrutiating pain from yet more bloody sunburn. I know it's my fault but I genuinely can't handle it. My face is truly frightening and is almost on a par with the blistered, burnt monstrosity that it was in Senegal - v. distressing. But aside from the chronic sunburn pain/humilation I had such a good night last night. The beach was incredible and it was great to finally see a bit more of the island outside of St. Denis, which I now see, isn't actually that impressive compared to the rest of Reunion.

People left for the beach throughout the day but me and James, the guy from Sheffield, went a bit later on. The journey was pretty long but almost as soon as we turned out of the bus station, we hit an amazing coastal road so I appreciated having that time on the bus to take it all in. We also went through a few villages and beach towns (including St. Gilles which is mega touristy and wealthy but where everyone wants to live because there's loads going on there) and it became clear pretty quickly that there is going to be so much to see and do during out time here.

When we finally arrived at Ermitage beach, we started drinking and the sun set pretty quickly. The beach had such a good atmosphere and although I was mega nerves about meeting everyone, it was really nice to finally break the ice a bit. Talked a lot to the other English girls who have been here a semester and they seem really lovely and willing to help you out. A couple of them cooked some dinner for me this evening and gave me aftersun which was really so much appreciated.

I did so much swimming last night and the sea was so warm the whole time. The swimming also helped to beat the hangover which was def a relief this morning, although a tiny bit of the hungover depression has crept in but obvs this is pretty standard these days - I'd be more worried if I didn't get it now.

There was lits the craziest French girl there last night too and she was declaring her love for about five different boys and when one didn't reciprocate, she'd move straight on to another. Anyway, when all her efforts failed she ran off to the sea so a couple of us went to speak to her to see if she was alright and then someone said my name was Caroline and she was like, "But I am Caroline, not you." She went on to tell me she'd let me sleep on the beach this once but she was being very kind doing that, etc and I should be grateful. So it looks like I've got some uh.. name rivalry on my hands which I guess is probably one of the least upsetting things to have held against you.

Today we got back in the afternoon and I just slept but now my whole bed and room are hideously sandly though I think there's probably plenty more where that came from. Going to try and finally register tomorrow and then sort out modules and phone (the brick has finally lost it completely & the only thing it'll do right now is tell the time). Also hoping to go and visit a girl from Sheffield in the East of the island at some point this week in Sainte Rose. I really want to make sure I visit as many places as I can while I'm here.

I've put some candles out on the balcony now and it is so relaxing sitting out here at night that I never want to go to bed but I really need to reform my habits. 5am to bed is getting to be a bit too regular so tonight, I might try and change things on which note, I am going to say my goodbye, until next time.

Oh and quickly before I forget, apart from the Sheffield girlies whose complete address I already have, would everyone else mind messaging me their addresses for postcards etc. Mine is on the front page of the blog. Merci et bonne soirée xxx