You can really see the different colors swirling against other colors, yellow and red and brown. But I make it back safely. The next morning I fly to Reunion, a beautiful island with stunning hotels and wonderful French food. I rented a car and drove all over. Reunion is very posh and green, and the capital St. Denis has many beautiful buildings.
Reunion is very clean and has paved roads and well organized.
I had a fantastic helicopter ride around their volcano, which is still orange and gushing smoke. It is easily fogged in so you must be ready at 6 am but it is well worth it. There's a small village near the volcano with life as it's been for hundreds of years and friendly people. I preferred Reunion to Mauritius but both islands are very interesting. It would be a shame to miss them if you're in the area.