“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”
– Mark Twain
Seychelles, May 2011
May, 2011. Qatar flight to Seychelles in summer of 2011, from Bahrain. Got over to Bahrain via the Causeway. It was getting very hot in Dhahran, so had to get away to get a bit of respite from the dust and heat. Qatar Airways were offering “buy one get one free”. Had to take the offer, as I had been planning visiting the islands since the 1980’s. After about 4 hours we were landing in Victoria, Mahe. It was early morning. Took a taxi to our hotel Le Meridiene Fisherman’s Cove. An election had taken place and the incumbent had won due to the women vote, as per our driver. Our driver was seething with anger because the incumbent had won due to support from women voters, they were to blame and so on.
The Airport is small but all the staff seem very friendly. We were booked at Le Meridien Fishermens Cove. Barbarons is other Meridien Hotel on the Island. Both hotels open onto the beach. We had a very pleasant stay at the Fisherman’s Cove. Facilities were good, food was good and staff was very friendly. They served really good breakfast, my favourite meal of the day when on holiday. You sit amongst lush green plants and palms, small birds would fly in to get crumbs from the table. Looked forward to having afternoon teas, pastries, cakes and sandwiches with tea, coffee and juices.
Le Meridiene Fishermans Cove is a very nice hotel. Reception area and lounge opening onto the sea where we relaxed while our rooms were made ready. Friendly staff offered us breakfast, once we had showered in their spa rooms. During our stay, Breakfast was the best meal in the hotel and afternoon teas were served every day. Really enjoyed our stay at the hotel.
We spent our time walking the beach, swimming, touring other beaches on the Island. Took the local buses, explored the island and mingled with the locals. Visited a British artist residing on Mahe. Discovered the only Mosque and visited a Hindu Temple and the local Library. There is a small fish and vegetable market worth a visit. Discovered a water hole, The Pirate Arms, where the locals come to cool off . The middle of the day gets hot and you do need a drink to cool off.
The locals are very friendly. Native speak Creole, French and English. There are people of Indian origin as well and most are into small business and construction. Natives spend most of their spare time on the beaches, which are clean, with blue water and lush green back drop.
Our hotel was on Beau Vallon beach, which is nice clean beach.The locals use it and fishing boats are also seen catching fish short distance from the beach. In the early morning you can catch the fishermen take their boats out and spreading the nets. This an active beach right into the night. There are restaurant on the beach. Nearby stalls are available selling, souvenirs, tasty creole snacks, drinks and beach wear.
In Victoria, walk along Church Street, Albert Street and Independence Ave. See the Clock tower, three birds square, Post Office , The Courts, Nat History Museum. Main industry is tuna fishing, the smell from the canning factory can linger on during the day. You Can find secluded beaches all along Mahe’ s coast, they have lush green back drop, with clean white sandy beaches.
Creole food is generally a platter of fish, accompanied by small dishes of fish, chicken and vegetables. But fast food is also available.
All variety of sea shells can be acquired from stall on the road towards the library and the national park. Visit Michael Adams Studio – for silk screen prints, village life and Forrest paintings.
In Seychelles you can go Island hopping. Many Islands make up Seychelles. Mahe is the main Island, followed by Praslin and La Digue. We took a Ferry to Praslin. Takes about one and half hour on the Indian Ocean. Everything’s fine for an hour or so on the sea, but then you start to get sea sick and wish your feet were on the land. Everyone is laid-back, so no need to hurry along, as everything moves at a slow pace.
Praslin is a laid-back island. It took over an hour on the ferry in the Indian Ocean. Some got sick. I kept looking at the waves but did get a bit sick towards the end. On the island people are living basic life, coconut growing, some cinnamon but mainly on tourism. There is Forrest area ‘ Valle de Mei’ where you can see the female coco de Mer, two coconuts appeared joined together which are shaped like human backside.
La Digue – laid back style. Anse Source d’Argent beach bizaar and where’d rock formation. Sculpted by nature. Location for the film Castaway. Is prettiest of all islands. No transport, few taxis, brightly painted ox drawn carts for taxis. Bikes. Best way to meet people is by walking around the island.
Soft sandy beaches and clear blue water as seen in movies. Probably the best Island for the beach lovers.
Really had nice easy, relaxing time and enjoyed eating piazza at the small family restaurant, Baobab, on the beach. The floor is made of sand. Everything comes at a slow pace. This trip was relaxing, and really holiday away from the daily hustle of working life.
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